Our application does have some creative and supplemental requirements. Please carefully review the information below BEFORE filling out the application.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
- 30 - 60 Second Student Introductory Video
Please review carefully the following information on the required materials for admission consideration. This video is a self-recorded interview and not a sample of work. Please make sure to show yourself speaking to the camera.
Please submit a 30 - 60 second introduction video of yourself stating your full name and where you are from, touching upon the following questions:
- Why the USC School of Cinematic Arts?
- What do you wish to get out of attending our program?
- Why are you a good match for our program?
- What are your future ambitions and goals?
- Personal Statement
The SCA Summer Program Admission Committee will read your personal statement as a measure of self-awareness and artistic vision.
Different from your introductory video, we seek a sense of you as a unique individual. Please demonstrate how your distinctive experiences, characteristics, background, values, and views of the world have shaped who you are and might influence your work as a creative filmmaker or game developer. We want to know the stories you want to tell or the game experiences you want to make.
- 500-Word Limit
- Helpful Hints:
- Enthusiasm for your field, descriptions of your favorite films or games, and involvement in the production process are common among many candidates. As a result, we encourage you to focus on your individuality.
- Note that there is no standard format or correct answer.
- Creative Writing Sample
The SCA Summer Program Admissions Committee will read your creative sample solely on your ability to create a unique central character of a film, series, or video game.
Characters are the central aspect of any visual story, from television, games, animation, and feature films. Please write a detailed character description. We are looking for more than a name, role, age, job, etc. The structure is up to your discretion. Below are some questions to keep in mind when creating your character:
- 300-Word Limit
- Helpful Hints:
- What is their goal?
- Any shortcomings/weaknesses?
- How do they feel about themselves? Others?
- Any likable/unlikeable qualities?
- References
- Recommendation Form
The SCA Summer Program Recommendation Form is required by all applicants. Please carefully read the rules below concerning the Recommendation Form.
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- Applicants need to have at one reference submit the SCA Summer Program Recommendation Form.
- Applicants will be asked to submit a name and email address for a reference on the application.
- The Recommendation Form is only accessible through the application.
- The SCA Summer Program will not recognize any Recommendation forms or letters that is sent separately from the application.
- Recommendation Form
- Additional Application Requirements Pre-College Students
Pre-College Students (16 & 17-year-olds) are required to submit their most recent academic transcript (official or unofficial)
IMPORTANT DATES
| APPLICATIONS | OPEN | DEADLINE |
|---|---|---|
| General Student Application | December 15 | April 30 |
| International Student Application | ||
| General International Student | December 15 | March 15 |
| Currently on another school's I-20/F1 | December 15 | March 31 |
| Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder | December 15 | April 30 |
| *Other valid visa (e.g. J-1, O-1, E-2) | December 15 | April 30 |
| Waitlist | Live updates and notifications | |
| *B-1/B-2 and other tourist/visitor visas are not considered valid visas. | ||
IMPORTANT NOTICE
- Students may only take a maximum of 8 units.
- Students cannot take more than one production course.
- Students cannot take a production course with any of the feature writing courses.
- Students cannot take more than one feature writing course.
- No auditing courses.
- The SCA Summer Program courses are intended for students not currently enrolled at USC/SCA
- USC/SCA students will not be granted D-Clearance for SCA Summer Program courses.