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How to Write the USC Supplemental Essays 2024-2025

The University of Southern California has a few supplemental essays and creative short answers that students must complete. Your essays are one of the only opportunities you’ll have to show an admissions officer who you are beyond the numbers, and with USC’s many different prompts, it’s clear this school, which has become increasingly selective in recent years, wants you to seize that opportunity.

Here are our tips for responding to the USC essays in a way that will help your application stand out!

Read these USC essay examples written by real students to inspire your own writing!

USC Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants.

Prompt 1: Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections (250 words).

Prompt 2 (optional): Starting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. You do not need to address a summer break (250 words).

Short Answer Prompts: Respond to all the prompts below (100 characters unless otherwise specified)

• Describe yourself in three words (25 characters each)
• What is your favorite snack?
• Best movie of all time
• If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
• What TV show will you binge watch next?
• Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?
• Favorite Book
• If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be?

Viterbi School of Engineering Applicants

Prompt 1: The student body at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering is a diverse group of unique engineers and computer scientists who work together to engineer a better world for all humanity. Describe how your contributions to the USC Viterbi student body may be distinct from others. Please feel free to touch on any part of your background, traits, skills, experiences, challenges, and/or personality in helping us better understand you. (250 words)

Prompt 2: The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and their 14 Grand Challenges go hand-in-hand with our vision to engineer a better world for all humanity. Engineers and computer scientists are challenged to solve these problems in order to improve life on the planet. Learn more about the NAE Grand Challenges at http://engineeringchallenges.org and tell us which challenge is most important to you, and why. (250 words)

Dornsife Applicants

Prompt: Many of us have at least one issue or passion that we care deeply about — a topic on which we would love to share our opinions and insights in hopes of sparking intense interest and continued conversation. If you had ten minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your talk be about? (250 words)

All Applicants, Prompt 1

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at usc specifically. please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections (250 words)..

The tricky bit about this prompt is that it essentially combines the “ Why This Major ” and “ Why This College ” essay archetypes into one essay with a strict cap of 250 words. That’s a lot of information in not a whole lot of space, which might feel overwhelming. The first thing you should do is figure out the content of your essay.

Step One: Think about your academic interests (i.e. your majors). 

• How did your interests develop? 
• Why are you passionate about your interests? 
• What are your goals within your interests?
• How will pursuing your major help you achieve your goals in life? 

Step Two: Think about the answers to those questions in relation to USC. 

• How will USC help you to further develop your interests? 
• What resources does the university have that will help you achieve your goals? 

While your essay should explore resources that will aid in your academic pursuits, you should also keep it as specific to USC as possible—this essay should not be able to be copied and pasted for any other university! Here’s an example of how to achieve the specificity you need:

Bad: USC is a great school, located in the beautiful city of Los Angeles, with unparalleled academics and renowned instructors.

Why is this bad? This sentence could just as easily apply to UCLA. Without the bit about Los Angeles, the reasoning could even apply to any decent school in existence.

Good: At USC, I plan to participate in the Joint Educational Project (JEP) to find a community of students who, like me, are passionate about the intersections of teaching and social justice. Through JEP, I will be able to actively use the teaching principles I learn in my classes about the Dynamics of Early Childhood.

Why is this good? It references a unique resource at USC and relates to the student’s academic interests.

The Final Step: Write a cohesive essay that tells admissions officers why you are pursuing your field and why USC is the right place for you to pursue it. Some examples could include:

• An Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering student who was obsessed with the launching of the Antares rocket, movies like Gattaca and The Martian , and their physics summer camp as a middle schooler. They could describe their goal of working for NASA, then discussing their interest in the USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (RPL).
• An English student who ultimately wants to write romance novels discussing the Creative Writing Hour series that is hosted by English faculty. They might want to reference some of the big-name professors at USC—like Maggie Nelson, Aimee Bender, Dana Johnson, and T.C. Boyle—who have inspired their love of writing.
• A Fine Arts applicant mentioning the Fisher Museum of Art that is on USC’s campus. It was after a school field trip to the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) that they first tried working with graphite and learned of their life goals. They know the power of art museums for inspiration and are excited to have a constant source of inspiration just minutes away.

If you are worried about the word count, one way to maximize the little space you have is to find a way to relate your first- and second-choice majors. This way, your explanations of each wouldn’t read like separate essays; rather, they would be telling different parts of the same story.

A student with a first-choice major in Physics and a second-choice major in English might want to write about their ultimate goal of writing Science Fiction novels. A student with a first-choice major in History and a second-choice major in East Asian Languages and Culture might write about their goal of curating Asian American history museums.

Just make sure you focus on your academic interests/goals and tell admissions officers the ways that USC will help your academic dreams come true, and you will be set!

All Applicants, Prompt 2 (optional)

Starting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. you do not need to address a summer break (250 words). .

USC’s second prompt is optional and won’t apply to most students. However, if you do have a gap in your educational history, then be sure to use this space to address it. Give a brief explanation of the reasoning for the gap—be it illness, a move, etc.—as well as an overview of how you spent this time outside of school. 

For example, let’s say your family moved across the country and you took a term off during the transfer. You can describe your role in the move (perhaps you were in charge of organizing a yard sale), why the circumstances warranted an educational gap (maybe the new school doesn’t allow mid-term transfers), and any other projects or commitments to which you dedicated your time. 

Ideally, you want to demonstrate how you made the most of this time off and why the time off was necessary.

All Applicants, Short Answer Prompts

Respond to all the prompts below (100 characters unless otherwise specified), 1. describe yourself in three words (25 characters each), 2. what is your favorite snack, 3. best movie of all time, 4. dream job, 5. if your life had a theme song, what would it be, 6. dream trip, 7. what tv show will you binge watch next, 8. which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate, 9. favorite book, 10. if you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be.

In this section, USC lets you have a little fun. The questions ask for short, rapid-fire responses that give you the opportunity to let your individuality shine.

The most important thing to keep in mind with the short answer supplements is that USC is asking you to provide new information that sheds light on different aspects of your personality. 

Don’t repeat tidbits you’ve already mentioned, although you can and should develop new angles of themes you’ve already established. Most importantly, have fun in this section! If you’re having fun writing it, chances are your admissions officer will have fun reading it.

You can leave descriptions or notes in your responses, though remember that you have 100 characters max. If your choices are more offbeat, we recommend giving a brief description, as your admissions officer certainly won’t have the time to look things up. If your choices are pretty well-known, you can still leave a note about why you chose them (as in the sample response to #8). It’s another opportunity to share your personality, which is valuable!

• Describe yourself in three words (25 characters max each).

Example: Cinephile. Cynophile. Logophile. 

Tip: Be creative!

Example: My Gram’s Lebuchken, tiny gingerbread-esque German cakes that my family devours each holiday season.

Tip: This is an opportunity to show your roots or quirky favorites. Make your response more interactive by including descriptive words that appeal to the senses, especially taste and smell. Also, if you’re using another language or describing a less common food, feel free to provide a short description or explanation so that someone who’s never heard of it before can still imagine it. 

Example: October Sky; Homer’s rockets remind me of my own homemade science creations, like my DIY lava lamp.

Tip: A lot of applicants will write Harry Potter . Be genuine in your response, but take this opportunity to stand out rather than providing a generic answer. 

Example: A math professor; sharing my love of topology to positively shape students’ view of the subject. 

Example: Crossword Puzzle Writer; my mornings aren’t complete without a cup of OJ and my daily brain teaser.

Tip: If you go with a serious answer, make a clear connection to your major to show that you’re focused on your academic path. Don’t give a generic answer like “doctor” or “lawyer;” talk about what specialty or subfield interests you most. That said, you could also go for a more lighthearted answer, like a crossword puzzle writer, to use the space to show personality.

Example: The [TV show] Intro; I’d like to think of myself as a [character], but I have to admit I’m more of an [character]. 

Example: Happy Birthday by AJR – a catchy tune with funny/sarcastic lyrics about the reality of modern life.

Tip: Just as with the best movie prompt, you may want to avoid mainstream selections and instead put forward a title that says something about you. What song would you want the admissions officer to play while reading your application? Make sure the song you choose is appropriate. 

Example: Road trip around Iceland’s perimeter; stops include Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir Springs.

Tip: Be more specific than simply “Hawaii” or “Europe.” Also, just as with all the prompts, you want to convey something about yourself in your response, so avoid mainstream or overly luxurious answers.

Example: Aggretsuko (anime about a red panda who relieves job stress by singing death metal at karaoke bars)

Tip: Follow similar guidelines to the theme song prompt—mainstream selections are fine and are potentially relatable to the reader, but that quirkier show you have your eye on might make for a more fun response. If your selection is lesser-known, consider adding a brief description.

Example: Rory Gilmore – there definitely won’t be a shortage of coffee or good conversation.

Tip: It’s okay to go with a more well-known character here, since that will allow the reader to relate. It’s just important to use that extra space to elaborate on why you’d want to live with this person.

• Favorite book

Example: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight – I read the entire book in my favorite pair of Air Max 97s.

Tip: Follow the same advice for best movie of all time.

Example: SETI: Using the Drake Equation to Find E.T., complete with a field trip to outer space!

Tip: You can have some fun with this prompt; try thinking outside the box of the generic “Intro to Calculus.” You can also have the class relate back to your intended major, though that’s not absolutely necessary.

Viterbi School of Engineering Applicants, Prompt 1

The student body at the usc viterbi school of engineering is a diverse group of unique engineers and computer scientists who work together to engineer a better world for all humanity. describe how your contributions to the usc viterbi student body may be distinct from others. please feel free to touch on any part of your background, traits, skills, experiences, challenges, and/or personality in helping us better understand you. (250 words).

USC’s engineering school is extremely competitive to get into, which means admissions officers are forced to choose between many qualified applicants who look relatively similar on paper. This essay wants to get down to the heart of why they should pick you over others. 

The most important word in this prompt that should job out to you is “contributions”. In this essay, you need to convey what you will bring to the engineering community that is unique. You might be saying to yourself “what can I contribute to an established university?”, but there’s actually a lot to work with here. The prompt gives suggestions of sources that could contribute to your uniqueness so let’s look at some examples of traits and how they relate to contribution to USC.

Trait: You’re from a coastal town in Florida that is experiencing flooding.

Contribution: You plan to join the Structures and Material Lab in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering to discover which materials are erosion-resistant.

Trait: You’re the only daughter among four brothers.

Contribution: Since you’re no stranger to asserting your voice as a woman in a male-dominated setting, you want to become a mentor through the Women in Science and Engineering’s Young Researchers Program and encourage female high schoolers to pursue STEM.

Trait: You have OCD.

Contribution: Rather than being a hindrance, you channel your obsessive tendencies into meticulously completing complex calculations which you are excited to do as an Aerospace Engineering major.

Trait: You started an iPhone repair business out of your garage in high school.

Contribution: Your experience working with technology has given you insight into specific aspects of hardware design that could be improved that you plan to experiment with under the supervision of X professor.

As you can see from these examples, there are many ways to approach what you can contribute to the Viterbi community. When it comes to actually writing this in your essay, you should start by highlighting the unique aspect of yourself that you are choosing to focus on with a short anecdote. For example, the student writing about being from a coastal town might open with a vivid description of the damage caused by erosion from the most recent flood.

Once you’ve caught the reader’s attention and communicated what your unique background is, explain how that has positioned you to bring something special to the USC community. It’s important to be as detailed as possible by including specific programs or institutes, professors, classes, or research projects you are interested in. You can also mention more than one way that you will contribute—just ensure that each one is fully fleshed out.

Finally, end your essay with a concise conclusion. This might look like returning back to your anecdote from the beginning, talking about your future plans and how USC will get you there, or something else entirely. 

Viterbi School of Engineering Applicants, Prompt 2

The national academy of engineering (nae) and their 14 grand challenges go hand-in-hand with our vision to engineer a better world for all humanity. engineers and computer scientists are challenged to solve these problems in order to improve life on the planet. learn more about the nae grand challenges at http://engineeringchallenges.org and tell us which challenge is most important to you, and why. (250 words).

Before you can start answering this prompt, you need to do a little research! Once you go to the website linked above, click on the Challenges button at the top of the page and it will take you to the 14 Grand Challenges that engineers across the globe are committed to addressing. These challenges are broken up into four categorical themes (Sustainability, Health, Security, and Joy of Living) and they range from providing access to clean water to improving urban infrastructure to engineering better medicines to preventing nuclear terror attacks.

Your job is to pick one of these challenges that speaks the most to you. Keep in mind, we didn’t say pick the challenge you think is the “trendiest” or the admissions officers would be most impressed by; in order to write a successful and engaging essay your genuine passion and fascination with the issue has to come through. 

Once you have a challenge in mind, now you have to connect it to you. This is where you will bring in your previous experiences, your academic interests, and personal anecdotes to demonstrate why that particular issue resonates with you. For example, maybe you picked Manage the Nitrogen Cycle because your favorite memories from when you were little were gardening with your grandma which started your fascination with how plants sustain themselves and interact with the environment.

It’s important to connect to the challenge with both past experiences and future goals. So, continuing the nitrogen cycle example, maybe your dream one day is to own your own farm that is pesticide-free, so you are passionate about engineering nitrogen-free fertilizers.

They don’t all have to be this personal—it’s just as valid to say you are committed to providing clean water because you dream of a world where no one is denied basic human rights like water—but you should have some explanation of the impact overcoming one of these challenges would have on you and the broader community. It’s crucial that you demonstrate to admissions officers that you appreciate the weight of these issues.

One thing to remember that trips up some students: you aren’t asked to solve the challenge in this essay. Although you can definitely contribute ideas you have, especially if you have previous experiences that relate to addressing the issue, it’s not required. The main point of this essay is to learn more about global issues you care about and why you are choosing to address them through an engineering perspective.

Many of us have at least one issue or passion that we care deeply about — a topic on which we would love to share our opinions and insights in hopes of sparking intense interest and continued conversation. If you had ten minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your talk be about? (250 words)

This prompt requires less deep thought than the former. The “education” prompt asks students to think deeply about a question they have probably never thought about before, while this prompt asks you “what are you thinking about all the time?”  

If an idea comes to mind when you first read this prompt, that’s probably where you should start. USC is not looking for wild answers where students turn the holes in swiss cheese into a complex metaphor—they really just want to hear what you care about. That being said, what you care about can totally be weird or nuanced, as long as your interest in the subject tells admissions officers something about you.

Some examples of how you could work this prompt:

• Writing about a social justice issue. Introducing a specific anecdote (that you would introduce during your hypothetical talk). Providing insightful and unique commentary on the issue—whether that be how we got here or where we should go from here.
• Writing about a school of thought in science or philosophy. Explaining the importance of certain types of questions. Giving specific examples (historical, fictional, and anecdotal) that show that you have thought through the importance of rationalism, taoism, sensationalism, or any other school.
• Writing about a lecture on a specific book. Discussing how White Teeth, Giovanni’s Room, or Moby Dick tells multiple important life lessons in one pretty package. Drawing connections between the fictional world and the real world.
• Writing about the valuable lessons that can be learned from another culture. Introducing stories from your past that show the value of Japanese respect, Persian hospitality, or Indian selflessness. Recognizing negative aspects of cultures, but recognizing the lessons that can be learned when you take the time to learn them.

While these are just some examples, this prompt leaves the door open for you to explore whatever you care about. Because this essay is the simpler option, make sure that your writing is impeccable if you choose this second prompt. Engage with anecdotes and a unique personal voice to keep your essay engaging. Don’t give the reader the option to stop reading!

Where to Get Your USC Essays Edited For Free

Do you want feedback on your USC essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

Need feedback faster? Get a  free, nearly-instantaneous essay review  from Sage, our AI tutor and advisor. Sage will rate your essay, give you suggestions for improvement, and summarize what admissions officers would take away from your writing. Use these tools to improve your chances of acceptance to your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How to Write the University of Southern California Supplemental Essays: Guide + Examples 2024/2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What are the usc supplemental essay prompts.

• How to write each supplemental essay prompt for USC
• Prompt #1: "Why us?" essay
• Prompt #2: Optional gap year essay
• Prompt #3: Short answers
• Prompt #4: Viterbi School of Engineering essay
• Prompt #5: Engineering & Computer Science essay
• Prompt #6: Dornsife College essay

Want to get a better sense of what USC is looking for? You’ll find an extensive, by-the-numbers look at USC’s offerings, from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information, on its Common Data Set . For deep insights into how this private research university envisions its role and how it wants to grow and evolve, read its most recent strategic plan, Answering The Call (scroll to bottom to download the entire document).

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (250 words)

Optional: Starting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. You do not need to address a summer break. (250 words)

Prompt #3: Short Answers

Describe yourself in three words. (25 characters per word) What is your favorite snack? Best movie of all time Dream job If your life had a theme song, what would it be? Dream trip What TV show will you binge watch next? Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate? Favorite Book If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be? (Questions #2-10 limited to 100 characters each)

Prompt #4: USC Viterbi School of Engineering Applicants

The student body at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering is a diverse group of unique engineers and computer scientists who work together to engineer a better world for all humanity. Describe how your contributions to the USC Viterbi student body may be distinct from others. Please feel free to touch on any part of your background, traits, skills, experiences, challenges, and/or personality in helping us better understand you. (250 words)

Prompt #5: Engineering & Computer Science Applicants

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and their 14 Grand Challenges go hand-in-hand with our vision to engineer a better world for all humanity. Engineers and computer scientists are challenged to solve these problems in order to improve life on the planet. Learn more about the NAE Grand Challenges and tell us which challenge is most important to you, and why. (250 words)

Prompt #6: Dornsife College Applicants Only:

Many of us have at least one issue or passion that we care deeply about – a topic on which we would love to share our opinions and insights in hopes of sparking intense interest and continued conversation. If you had ten minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your talk be about? (250 words)

How to Write Each Supplemental Essay Prompt for USC

How to write the usc supplemental essay prompt #1.

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (250 word limit)

This prompt is asking for a short “Why us?” essay, with a not-so-subtle reminder to address what you’ve selected as your first and second major on the USC application. We recommend checking out this complete guide on how to write the “Why us?” essay and paying close attention to the “Why Cornell” and “Why Penn” examples, which are our favorites.

Here’s the short version of how to write the “Why us?” essay:

Spend 1 hr+ researching 10+ reasons why USC might be a great fit for you (ideally 3-5 of the reasons will be unique to USC and connect back to you).

Make a copy of this chart to map out your college research.

Create an outline for your essays based on either Approach 1, 2 (recommended), or 3 in the full guide above.

Write a first draft!

Remember—the best USC “Why us?” essays don’t celebrate how it’s the GREATEST SCHOOL OF ALL TIME. They’re more an explanation of why you and USC are the perfect match. Make sure to connect each of your USC examples to your first- and second-major choices.

As you write, try and avoid these common mistakes: 

Five Common Mistakes Students Make on “Why Us?” Essays

Mistake #1 : Writing about the school's size, location, reputation, weather, or ranking

Mistake #2 : Simply using emotional language to demonstrate fit

Mistake #3 : Screwing up the mascot, stadium, team colors or names of any important people or places on campus

Mistake #4 : Parroting the brochures or website language

Mistake #5 : Describing traditions the school is well-known for

Mistake #6 : Thinking of this as only a "Why Them" essay

Here’s a great sample essay for this prompt: 

At two opposite ends of the spectrum, I’m both the analytical thinker and creative pursuer. Science stimulates my thoughts. Music heals my soul. At USC, I believe that with its multi-disciplinary accessibility, I’ll be able to expand my love for science while exploring the depths of classical singing. As a pre-med student, I’ll devote myself to science, while also engaging in other courses to discover music. Because the possibility to double major is encouraged, I ultimately want to mold medicine and music together, uncovering ways to use music as treatment for diseases. After taking CHEM 203Lxg: AIDS Drugs Discovery and Development as well as MUSC 371g: Musical Genre Bonding, I’ll merge the two and create a program consisting of specific genres (or blends) to find treatment therapy relying on sounds. Outside academics, the bustling extracurriculars at USC already excite me. Listening to “Chandelier,” a cover I arranged for my a cappella group The Pitches, I picture myself performing with the SoCal VoCals. In the center of LA, I see myself running from lab to stage, changing from a white coat to concert attire, experimenting various treatments then rehearsing for an upcoming a cappella gig. Bursting with opportunities, USC supports this interdisciplinary approach and provides endless opportunities for me to delve into the two very different passions of mine. My dream is to be an opera singing doctor, and USC supports every aspect. (232 words) — — —

Tips + Analysis

Connect your values to USC’s. The author shows two sides of herself and names specific ways that each of those sides would flourish at USC. Scan the essay and look for capital letters. Those are the school-related specifics.

Create a clear, solid structure for the essay. This essay does that in the first sentence of each paragraph. Go back and re-read them. See how easy the essay reads as a result? Here’s an exercise to help you revise your draft, whether it’s a “Why us?” or even a personal statement. 

Demonstrate a variety of values. One of the most important messages you want to convey in any college essay is your core values—the things that matter to you at your, well, core. Haven’t yet given much thought to what your core values are? You’re not alone. That’s why we’ve developed this super quick Values Exercise to help you identify what means most to you. Then, as you write, make sure your top values are coming through in not just this “Why us?” but in your application as a whole. Look over this example essay and see how many values you can spot. We see bunches—intellectual curiosity, meaningful work, excitement, productivity, hunger, and more.

And here are two more great USC essay examples that worked for this “Why us?” prompt:

Jacqueline Novogratz used financial investments and Wall Street as a vehicle to help others. It’s a shame she’s less well-known than Bernie Madoff. By majoring in economics and minoring in philosophy at USC’s Dornsife College, I hope to gain the knowledge and perspectives to become a socially conscientious investment banker. To be successful, I’ll need knowledge of how to raise capital via the Wall Street network. Courses such as Financial Markets will allow me to examine how Wall Street functions within the American economy, while Introduction to Econometrics will help me develop quantitative analysis skills for evaluating the market. I’ll need a global perspective to understand how Wall Street impacts the broader world economy, and I am very interested in behavioral economics. By pairing courses such as The World Economy and International Finance with Neuroeconomics and Behavioral Economics I hope to not only discover the economic reasoning that motivates people, but also how those individual actions can accumulate to have effects visible on a macroeconomic scale. I also love big questions—Why are people attracted to money in the first place? Does capitalism foster immorality?—issues I hope to tackle through USC’s Thematic Option, in a course like Culture and Values. I hope to confront the universal problems that I may experience throughout my life, so that If I come close to making a harmful decision, I can step back and existentially evaluate my choices. As a Trojan, I hope to explore my existing passions while creating new ones. — — — 

As a child, I was curious to know how the human mind works. Growing up in a mathematically talented family, I was encouraged to learn how to make mental calculations. At age 8, I won a mathematics race against an accountant with a calculator and became fascinated with not only mathematics but also neuroscience. I plan to research the science behind the brain’s functions, hoping to discover how I could make calculations faster than technology just by using my mind.  As one of the only universities to have computational neuroscience as a major, USC will definitely provide me with the practical knowledge I need to pursue my intended career as a physician. With a major in computational neuroscience, I can apply my mathematical and computational techniques toward the understanding of complex neural systems. I also hope to participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF) program to research diseases, injuries, and mental impairments and build computer-based models that explain the biological functions of the brain. These models will enhance my understanding of how synapses function and change in relation to external stimulus, allowing me to build technologies that diagnose both the physical and mental disabilities of patients. In order to approach computational neuroscience with a knowledge of artificial intelligence, I plan to conduct research with Professor Laurent Itti to learn how the intelligence of machines can exceed that of humans. I hope to one day design more powerful models and methods of testing theories related to neuronal networks. — — —

Bonus Points: Ask yourself: How might you develop this essential part of yourself at USC? There’s a chance for a mini “ Why us? ” within this prompt in that final paragraph. Research a club, class, space, or speaker who will help you further engage with this identity at USC. Important: You’ll be asked to write a separate 250-word “Why us?” essay, so make sure if you do name something here that you discuss other details in that essay.

Here are three other great examples of USC essays that worked for this first prompt:

USC believes that one learns best when interacting with people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Tell us about a time you were exposed to a new idea or when your beliefs were challenged by another point of view. (Option 1)

Three books started the trajectory of the person I am today: Savages in the Mirror by Gunn Allen, Yellow by Wu, and Citizen by Rankine. Gunn Allen reexamines canonical history that erased Native American voices. Wu gives a voice to my experiences being Chinese-American. Rankine portrays African-American history and identity through bursts of color, art, and poetry. Three books. I fell in love with them after reading them in Honors American Literature. So much history, pain, celebration, power. In APUSH, when I learned of the mass genocide of Native Americans communities, I thought of Gunn Allen’s words, condemning the “American individualism” that drove settlers to act as they did and still drive political agendas. When I learned of the dichotomy between the Chinese Exclusion Act and the influx of Asian immigrants in top industries today, I was reminded of Wu’s words on how the Model Minority Myth that has emerged will affect my life as I prepare to head to college. When I learned of debt peonage, the Great Migration, de facto/de jure segregation, and the Modern Civil Rights Movement, I remembered Rankine’s words— that America’s ugly history manifests itself in infrastructure and microaggressions today. When I study economics, I think of the motives that shaped America and continue to do so. When I study politics and business, I remember the importance of bringing in the voices of history into actions of today. Three books. They have changed the way I want to view the world and learn business.*  — — —

Describe something outside of your intended academic focus about which you are interested in learning. (Option 2)

I’m a history nerd. My favorite “history nerd” moments occur when I connect a modern sociopolitical phenomenon to a historical event. For my IB Extended Essay, I’m writing about the Second Amendment, hoping to elucidate the gun control debate with research surrounding the legacy of the Glorious Revolution. My passion for history led me to an internship at the Sejong Institute, a think tank specializing in Korean diplomacy. While I translated publications on topics like denuclearizing North Korea, I drew from what I learned of the region’s past, coming to understand that international conflicts cannot be resolved without historical insight.  This notion also applies to my participation in MUN. Learning about the often-controversial past actions of nations prompted me to raise ethical questions. For instance, I was appalled to learn that the Kurdish crisis and ISIL could be traced to the Sykes-Picot agreement, which split the region into ‘spheres of influence’ in 1916. In resolving these conflicts, how do we balance national sovereignty with the responsibility of former colonial powers to stabilize the region? This summer, I enrolled in “Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology” at UC Irvine. From tracing the African exodus of Homo erectus to examining La Bestia (freight trains used by US-bound migrants), I now understand that migration is as old as history itself.  In college, I hope to continue drawing connections between history and contemporary geopolitics. I hope to use my education to heal history’s wounds as a civil rights attorney, and potentially as a Supreme Court Justice.*  — — —

What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you? (Option 3)

My room’s got all the necessities—bed, desk, closet, posters—but there’s another desk with a PC, a microphone, a cassette-player, and an assortment of gadgets decorated with knobs and displays. I’ve gradually put my recording studio together over the years—including building the computer from scratch and working jobs to buy sound equipment. In the process, I’ve grown so familiar with it, it’s become a sanctuary—a place where I don’t have to worry about grades, breakups, insecurities.  As for Fortaleza, Brazil—its homeness wasn’t so immediately apparent.  I once believed that despite learning English from the ground up and struggling with several Americanisms, my Brazilian identity was just a matter of geography. But returning to Fortaleza this year showed me the tethers I was blind to. While browsing a crafts market, I met an elderly gentleman selling cordéis: booklets of long, narrative-driven lyrics musicians purchase and interpret. He told me he wrote them himself, and offered to play a song. And so, listening to this haunting, droning hymn, I looked through the various tales these authors had conceived… stories of Brazilian heroes, thieves, princesses. At that moment, I understood something—I’m not a musician for just any reason. This spirit of poetry, this faith in art and storytelling… it’s in my blood. Even in my home studio in Washington, I feel an energy being channeled from Fortaleza, through my fingers, into the music. As sambista João Bosco puts it: “with so many leaving/on the rocket’s tail/our motherland wept/on the soil of Brazil.” — — —

How to Write the USC Supplemental Essay Prompt #2

So how do you write about a gap year or time off between high school and college? 

First, let’s look at an example:

My dad is the master of turning life into a game.  Who can squish their face in the funniest shape for the camera? Don’t tell mom. Who can find the weirdest snack in the supermarket? Ready, go! But when my dad got sick the summer after my senior year of high school, the game was up. Instead of running around at top speed with “salad-flavored Doritos,” I helped my dad rest after chemotherapy. It was impossible to go to college during this time of crisis, so I took the year off to support my family. Many days, my dad and I would talk. Our new game was one of curiosity.  How do you feel? Who are you? That spring, my dad beat cancer. Although that year was hard, it was defined by a clearer understanding of my relationships to others. I was profoundly affected by the new bond I shared with my father. My fascination with connectedness in times of crisis led me to take an online course in advanced psychology and design an independent research project on psychotherapy.  My dad and I still turn pretty much everything into a game, but we also show up for each other in newly meaningful ways. My year away from school taught me the importance of reciprocity and responsibility, no matter the game you’re playing (222 words). — — —

Don’t get so carried away in the story that you lose the substance. Remember, the key here is to convey when you missed school and why. Even though this essay follows a narrative arc, it doesn’t lose sight of the question being asked. The author is clear about the fact that she took a gap year and why: because she had to take care of her dad while he battled cancer. As you write your essay, make sure you’re constantly thinking back to the main question and checking that you’re answering all the key components.

Include details to highlight your personality. Many people take off school for similar reasons (personal tragedy, study abroad opportunities, internship, financial burden, etc.). Although all these reasons are valid, you want to use the space to explain what specifically this year off meant to you and what values you developed or strengthened. This author uses specific details to show the kinds of games they play, but she’s also careful to focus on specific values she gained: connectedness and reciprocity. Details make the essay memorable; values help give the reader a sense of how you’ll contribute to their school.

Show growth. Just because you weren’t in school doesn’t mean you weren’t learning. In this essay, the author does a great job of showing us how she truly connected to her father and her culture while also fostering a growing love for psychology/psychotherapy. When you write, make sure to highlight how your experience away from school helped you develop academically or personally (or better yet, both!). Giving specific examples of how you grew is also really important. Talk about classes you took on your own initiative, trips you went on, jobs you worked, or projects you started. USC wants to see that you maximized your time, even if you weren’t at school.

Draw connections. While you don’t necessarily have to write in the narrative style of this example essay, it’s good to have some kind of arc to your piece. This author uses the idea of games to reinforce what she learned about reciprocity and responsibility in her relationship with those she loves. This is a common thread throughout the essay, and she returns to in a brief, but meaningful way at the end of the piece. You can do this in your essay as well by finding a way to connect the intro and conclusion. Your answer should be cohesive and articulate no matter how you go about writing your essay. How do all the things you’ve learned inform one another? How do your tangible projects or jobs connect to your interests? What are you doing now that relates to your experiences then? These are all questions you can be asking yourself to draw connections that will elevate your essay.

How to Write the USC Supplemental Essay #3: Short Answers

• Describe yourself in three words. (25 characters each)
• What is your favorite snack?
• Best movie of all time
• If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
• What TV show will you binge watch next?
• Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?
• Favorite Book
• If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be?

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the short answer questions.

Here are some quick tips on these:

Describe yourself in three words: Get creative. These don’t all need to be adjectives. Also, hyphenated words of your own creation or short three-word phrases (like “nerdy animal whisperer”) are fair game.

What is your favorite snack? Don’t just say “pizza.” Give us some context; you’ve got a little space here.

Best movie of all time: Same as above.

Dream job: Reveal something about yourself that isn’t already obvious elsewhere in your application, adding a little context if necessary. So if you want to be a doctor and you’ve already said so in your “Why us?,” no need to repeat that here.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be? You don’t have to like the actual song. It could just be the title that resonates with you.  

Dream trip: It could be a geographical location, but it doesn’t have to be. You can also time travel.

What TV show will you binge watch next? As above, use this as a chance to teach us something new about you.

Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate? After you answer, maybe say why (briefly).

Favorite book: Avoid these books commonly read in English classes.

If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be? Maybe something smart + something funny (examples here ).

Some examples:

Describe yourself in three words: Hungry, Petrichor, Retrouvailles What is your favorite snack? Spicy bars, only  ¥0.5 Yuan (approximately 7 cents) from the newsstand right next to my elementary school Best movie of all time: A Charlie Brown Christmas—Linus’s explanation of the true meaning of Christmas can brighten any day. Dream job: Doctor Doolittle What is your theme song? Up & Up by Coldplay Dream trip: Cambodia to see my TASSEL students in person and to learn more about the country’s history What TV show will you binge watch next? Westworld Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate? Gertrude Bell, also known as "the female Lawrence of Arabia" and "Queen of the Desert." Favorite book: Memory and Modernity in South India, Davesh Soneji If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be? Happiness: psychological or philosophical? — — —

How to Write the USC Supplemental Essay #4: Viterbi School of Engineering

This essay offers a fun, creative way to help USC imagine you on its campus, collaborating with equally industrious Engineering or Computer Science majors, and—perhaps even more important—contributing to the program in your own unique way.

Here are some tips to consider as you go to write:

Share how your contributions would be diverse and distinct. USC wants to know what you’ll bring that perhaps no one else will. What’s in your personality that helps you solve problems? What inspiration do you turn to? What’s your go-to life hack, and what does it say about you? 

Show, don’t just tell. In writing about yourself, use a brief example or two. If you’re talking about your affinity for puzzles, for example, share that time you discovered a love for anagrams or how you challenge yourself to finish The New York Times Sunday crossword with no extra help. Details do more than help your essay come to life—they help you stand out.

Think big. USC’s target of a better world for all humanity gives you a chance to blue-sky. If you have a remarkable idea (even a small one!) that would make life better for humans, that idea can anchor your essay. You can use it to show your background, traits, skills, experiences, challenges, and/or personality. 

Show your why. Share your reasoning for choosing the parts of yourself that are one-of-a-kind. It’s not enough to say how you’re different; you need to say why your contributions will matter as a USC Engineering or Computer Science student. How does building a robot help you build strong friendships? Here’s a great list of 19 ways to add strong insights to your essay.

Perhaps add a “Why USC?” detail or two. The prompt doesn’t specifically ask for how your contributions would factor into your experience at USC, but it wouldn’t hurt (and may actually benefit your application) to help the admission team envision you thriving on its campus. Maybe it’s by joining the Min Family Social Entrepreneurship Challenge to create a solution that uplifts vulnerable people around the world. Or lending your 3D design skills to make Braille maps for USC students who are visually impaired. 

Let go of the LEGO. LEGO is one of the most commonly mentioned words in engineering-related essays. Ok, we didn’t actually do a scientific study, but based on the umpteen essays we’ve worked on with students, we can tell you it’s mentioned a lot. A lot a lot. So maybe use another way to show how your love of building things developed?  

Since this prompt is brand-new for USC, we don’t have a specific example to share, but this essay, written for an older version of this prompt, could work with some tweaks we’ll share below.

From first-hand experience, I know my effective communication skills lead my teams to success. As captain for my high school and club volleyball teams, I strive to form tight-knit bonds with teammates. I firmly believe that strong bonds inside a team translate to key victories on the court.  And as co-president of my school’s Science Olympiad team, I calmly listen and work with my fellow board members with an open mind. Through trial and error, I help the younger team members build sturdy yet lightweight projects. But underneath my collected exterior, I am an adrenaline junkie. As a hardcore thrill-seeker, I love riding the tallest roller coasters, whether at the local fair or in Knott’s Berry Farm. On most weekends, you can find me plowing through horror films (my favorite is The Silence of the Lambs) or rewatching Criminal Minds. All with the lights off, I must add. My search for thrill also leads me to experiment in the kitchen. Some of my weirdest (but yummiest!) culinary creations include sticky rice gnocchi and peanut butter quesadillas. However, not all risks are perilous. In fact, because I took a risk, I applied for the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program and ended up learning how to code last summer. My search for adventure leads me to discoveries both inside and outside of the classroom. In chem class, my willingness to take risks allows me to experiment without fear. At USC, I cannot wait to collaborate and experiment with my fellow peers. — — —

Don’t forget to compare. This writer puts us in her world. She even describes her philosophy of leadership in almost the same breath as a peanut butter quesadilla. But had it been written for the new version of the prompt, the admission reader would be left to figure out how “these contributions to the USC Viterbi student body may be distinct from others.” For example, how is being an adrenaline junkie and hardcore thrill-seeker different from other engineeering students? Make sure the reader not only sees something special, but understands how that’s unique from other would-be Trojans. 

Dial back the brag. The first paragraph flexes a bit of “take my word for it” bluster “effective communications skills lead [her] teams to success.” And maybe it’s true, but the sentiment risks coming off as a pat on the back. You can better show traits you’re proud of by offering proof (even an anecdote will work!). 

Cherry-pick uncommon words. By using words like “plowing,” “yummiest” and “gnocchi,” this student creates surprise and vibrancy. These words underscore her point about adrenalin, and make this part of her essay memorable. As you write, look for ways to up-level your essay by up-leveling your word choice. This Epic Verb List may help.

Watch out for careless language. Is it really a good idea to be a chem student who experiments without fear? That could be disastrous! Language that is all-or-nothing can come off as hyperbolic, and it’s usually not true. Better to be precise in your language, as that’s the best- a better way to get your point across. Your imperfections can be among your most valuable contributions. 

Pay it forward. Given that USC wants to “engineer a better world for all humanity,” think about how your contributions could benefit others. This student uses the first paragraph to show how hard she works to help others—forming tight-knit bonds with teammates, listening to fellow board members with an open mind, using trial and error to help younger teammates with their projects. For this prompt, those examples would have been stronger had they shown how the student was working in collaboration with others to improve the world around them. Try to channel generosity as you write this one. 

How to Write the USC Supplemental Essay #5: Engineering & Computer Science

USC is taking a novel approach in asking you to explain how your interests align with its mission to make the world a better place, which is why we really like this prompt. It offers an opportunity for you to show how you envision making a real-world impact with your Engineering or Computer Science degree, in a way that’s both relevant and timely. 

The key here is choosing a challenge from the NAE list that not only speaks to a strong interest of yours but that also (ideally) connects back to something (or some things) you’ve already done. For example, maybe the Engineer Better Medicines challenge will allow you to talk about that health-sensing app you helped design, or maybe you choose Reverse-Engineer the Brain so you can share the work you’ve done in, or your fascination with, cognitive science.

How do you do that? Well, this could take lots of forms, but to simplify your options, we recommend taking one of two paths, depending on how you answer this question:

Have you led or participated in a project, exercise or activity that has improved your community (however you define community)?

If you answered yes …

Treat this as an engineering-focused version of the Community Service Essay. Here’s our guide to that type of essay, using the Elon Musk Exercise to brainstorm your material and approach. Generally speaking, the outline would look like this: 

Name the problem.

Answer “why now?”

Articulate the vision.

Describe what you did.

Clarify your role.

Explain the impact you had, lessons learned, or value you gained.

If you answered no …

Take the opportunity to explain how the challenge you’ve chosen connects back to a subject that a) you’ve explored either in or outside the classroom (your love of biological research, or how you’ve geeked out on TED Talks about the growing threat to cybersecurity), or b) you want to learn more about because it appeals to specific values (that you could then write about).

No matter which approach you take, remember to:

Answer the “which and why” part of the prompt. Probably better to do this in the intro paragraph, then tie quickly to your project/interest/experience. It could be a brief statement (“The Engineer Better Medicines appeals to the health-focused entrepreneur in me. I first discovered the power of medicine in changing lives during my internship with Rutgers, when I helped design a health-sensing app …”), or a longer explanation. But save the bulk of your word budget on connecting the challenge back to you and your experiences/interests.

Clearly show your interest in making a difference in your world/community. This seems obvious, but we thought it was worth the risk of an eye roll to add a reminder that this essay isn’t about just doing, but doing for others. It’s a clear indication that USC is looking for humanitarians in its Engineering and Comp Sci programs. Show how you’re that.

And maybe: Use your conclusion to look forward. Do a deeper dive into the challenge you’ve chosen, and if you’re inspired, use your ending to envision how you’d contribute in a specific way. It’s not required, but could go a long way toward showing both your motivation and your ingenuity.

This is an example from a student who may have answered “no” to the “led or participated in a project, etc.” question above.

The most important challenge that we as engineers need to focus on is carbon sequestration methods. Growing up in a world that has had difficulty coming to terms with the fact that the earth is warming up to a dangerous point is very troubling. Fortunately, we know this warmth is due to the greenhouse gasses emitted by cars, coal plants, and cow farms. However, if we as engineers, scientists, and citizens don’t take the necessary steps to prevent human-produced carbon from entering the atmosphere the results will be catastrophic. We can reduce the emissions of carbon and other greenhouse gases by providing cheap, simple solutions to the main producers of carbon that slows their carbon emissions. For example, one solution could be a filtration device that breaks down CO2 as it exits a car’s exhaust pipe or by building farms that break down methane or reuse it as energy to fuel the farm. On top of these simple solutions, we must move to renewable energies and decentivize fossil fuels by working with political representatives to create policies like Washington's initiative 1631, which attempted to put a tax on carbon. Through coding, I hope to build the infrastructure we need to manipulate and analyze the data from the simple solutions mentioned above. I want to be able to use this data to create visual images of the amount of carbon we use as a society and provide direct feedback about what impact your carbon usage has on the environment. — — —

“We” is your friend. This writer uses “we” to make a persuasive case that his chosen challenge is in the best interests of others. The switch to “I” in the final paragraph makes it clear what role the writer wants in this challenge. (This choice is particularly smart for anyone answering “no” to “Have you led or participated in a project, exercise or activity that has improved your community?”)

Tie it back to your chosen challenge. This student has clearly thought through potential solutions to reducing greenhouse gasses. His ideas are articulate and clear. But the essay, had it been written for this prompt, would have been even stronger had he more directly tied his data visualization goals back to carbon sequestration. How would giving feedback on carbon usage incentivize conservation, especially for the uninitiated? It wouldn’t take much—just a sentence perhaps—to answer the question. Think through those why’s and how’s as you go to write.

Show you know your stuff. USC Engineering & Computer Science is looking for doers who have already thought deeply about how they’ll use their education to solve real-world problems, and this prompt is mining for insights into that reflection. So use the opportunity to flex your knowledge about a topic that’s meaningful to you, one you’ve spent some time contemplating, or even done some significant work on. For this student, it’s not just about carbon emissions and mitigation solutions, but using his experience in computer science to add some complexity and depth to his solutions.

How to Write the USC Supplemental Essay #6: Dornsife College

With this prompt, Dornsife wants to give you one more opportunity to add a new dimension to your application—a chance to show the liberal arts and science college a side of you not reflected elsewhere in your application. 

Here are some tips to consider as you write:

Try to pick an uncommon topic (or at least a specific aspect of a common topic). This prompt runs the risk of inspiring common subject matter—education is all about learning from people from different backgrounds, for example, or “racism is bad.” That’s not to say that those topics are not important—they’re great!—but in most cases, writing about them will make it more difficult to stand out, especially since many other students are likely to write about them (which is why they’re common). So aim for a topic that’s unique, or at least unique to you, so that when you’re done, you can look back and say with confidence that no one else could have written it that way.

In fact, if you’re leaning toward a more common topic—environmental damage, for example—take a very specific angle that speaks to your interests or experiences, like the need to stop sewage discharge into the Atlantic Ocean, which is killing reefs and sea life in your community and threatening not just the environment but the tourism industry dependent on it.

Do some research to add depth to your topic. Statistics and studies don’t just add impact to your argument; they show you’ve done your homework and have some level of mastery of your topic. That helps to show your big, beautiful brain, and that you’ll take the extra effort to add context and strength to your argument, even when it’s not required.

Do a values scan, then add values that don’t show up elsewhere in your application. Remember, Dornsife specifically asks that you use this essay to show something of yourself not seen in the rest of your application. That includes your values—those core principles that matter to you most. Don’t really know what your values are? Complete this Values Exercise , and scan your application to make sure your top values are reflected. Are any missing? This essay is a great opportunity to showcase those.

Here’s an example we love.

I don’t understand cults. I am baffled by the groomed subservience within the Manson Family and the ethos of the Peoples Temple. After two years researching the harrowing why within cult indoctrinations, I’ve realized how the world I live in is painfully bound to cult mentality.  I don’t know if in ten minutes I can connect with a million people about how we are prisoners to ideology, but I could try. I would start with myself. As a student journalist, my unbalanced media diet came to a sobering halt once I realized how one-sided it was. From the mainstream networks I religiously checked in the morning, to the Twitter commentators who claimed my midnight attention: my media consumption was a reflection of my ideological bubble. Only after slowly learning to balance my news feed did I notice how the same kinds of divisive rhetoric that I had studied in cult research were rampant on both ends of the partisan spectrum.  What do you read? Do you fact-check tweets before you re-share them? Did you ever find that study cited in the petition you just signed? I would ask questions to my audience not to assume, but to engage.. I want to work towards a space where media literacy can help us better recognize our cognitive biases.  Ten minutes may not be long enough for me to unravel this country’s echo chambers. But ten minutes still offers a safe, if temporary, space for self-reflection. It’s enough time to start. (248 words) — — —

Start from the fringe, then work inward. At first glance, one may think this essay is a cautionary tale about joining cults. As we keep reading, though, we see that it concerns media literacy and healing social divisions, both of which relate to the writer’s interest in pursuing journalism. Beginning with a related, yet extreme, example of media consumption gone wrong allows the writer to leverage their attention-grabbing start to illustrate a need for balanced news reporting.

Waltzing with “what,” “how,” and “why.” Put your dancing shoes away—we aren’t heading to a ballroom. When it comes to essay prompts that require a bit more than a simple “yes” or “no,” you’ll want to keep in mind that your response needs to make three key moves: what, how, and why. This writer clearly shares what the topic of their imagined speech is, they detail how they’d approach the topic, and they explain why this matters … both to them and the world. 

Beware of the soapbox. Although, in this prompt, you’re delivering a talk to a million people, don’t abandon your humility. You may know a lot about your topic, but avoid making assumptions about your audience and, if applicable, call yourself out. This writer does an excellent job of displaying their introspection by sharing their own “unbalanced media diet” and by listing examples of questions they’d ask their listeners. Notice that the prompt points you in the direction of a topic that facilitates “continued conversation,” not just a lecture. 

Call on your values. This prompt gives you another opportunity to share some values that you feel don’t come through strongly enough elsewhere in your application, or that you hope to highlight. This writer probably could have discussed some favorite news sources or stories, but instead, they make clear their commitment to social justice, community building, active listening, and empathy. No matter what topic you choose, think about ways you can tie it into parts of yourself that you’ll bring to USC’s campus. 

Special thanks to Natalie for writing this blog post

Natalie is a former high school teacher who taught English, World Geography and Culture, US History, and AP Language and Composition. She has been working with students through the college application process since 2017, and has assisted hundreds of students achieve their post-secondary plans. She is also a proud AmeriCorps alumna and served in Chicago’s Near West Side neighborhood. Her wish for all students is that they feel valued, loved, and are able to live a life rich with options. In her free time, she loves grabbing a cortado, watching Nora Ephron movies, and playing with her daughter. She currently lives in Knoxville, TN. 

Top Values: Empathy | Equity | Purpose

Common App Transfer Essay Examples

Common app transfer essay — introduction.

If you’re considering transferring colleges , you’ve likely started thinking about your college transfer essay. At CollegeAdvisor, we’re here to fill you in on the Common App transfer essay, as well as the overall transfer application process. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the college transfer essay. We’ll also provide you with some Common App transfer essay examples and other transfer essay tips. 

Additionally, we’ll go over:

• What a college transfer essay is
• How to craft a strong Common App transfer essay
• College transfer requirements at top schools
• Other transfer essay tips

Understanding the College Transfer Essay

The college transfer essay process differs a bit from the essay process you likely went through as a first-year applicant. Instead of writing one Common App transfer essay that you’ll send to every school, each college transfer essay is school-specific. In fact, some colleges don’t even include a college transfer essay in their application requirements—though most selective institutions do. 

To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a variety of sample transfer essays from top schools nationwide. We hope these Common App transfer essay examples help you feel confident as you begin crafting your own college transfer essays. 

In our guide, we’ll look at transfer essays that worked from the following colleges:

• Emory University
• Wesleyan University
• University of Southern California (USC)
• University of Miami

But before we look at a sample transfer essay, let’s get back to basics: what is a college transfer essay? 

What is a college transfer essay?

Put simply, a college transfer essay is an essay you’ll write as part of the college transfer process. At their core, most Common App transfer essay prompts will ask a similar question: why do you want to transfer to our school? 

This prompt is similar to the “why school” essays you likely encountered as a first-year applicant. However, with transfer students, colleges may look for a bit more detail. 

Your Common App transfer essays should try to address the following: 

• Why do you want to transfer to this particular school? What programs and offerings attract you to this institution?
• What makes you unique, and why will you enrich the campus community at your new college? 
• Why was your former college not the right fit for you, and why is this college a better place for you to pursue your goals?

Of course, you should never outright speak negatively about your current college in your Common App transfer essays. However, your college transfer essays should clarify why you and why your next school will be a better fit than your current one. 

Later, we’ll look at some Common App transfer essay examples in more detail. Keep the questions above in mind as you read our sample transfer essays. While there’s no universal Common App transfer essay prompt, there are many similarities in the transfer college essays for different colleges. Reading different college essays that worked and sample transfer essays can prepare you for any Common App transfer essay prompts you encounter. 

Common App Transfer Essay Requirements

Unlike in the first-year application process, transfer students using the Common App won’t submit a single personal statement to every school. Instead, students will use the Common App for transfer—that is, the version of the Common App designed for transfer students. Each school specifies application requirements within the Common App for transfer; that’s where you’ll find any Common App transfer essay requirements. It’s also where you can select specific programs within your desired schools.

Moreover, not every college will have a standard transfer essay format. Rather, you might find different prompts, word counts, and other requirements for different transfer applications. With that said, you can likely repurpose a certain amount of information from your college transfer essays for different schools. 

Additionally, note that not every college where you may want to transfer will use the Common App. While the Common App has over 1,000 member institutions at the first-year level, around 600 colleges use the Common App for transfer. So, you should always check each college’s application requirements. Some schools may also use the Coalition Application. Schools like UIUC , UMiami , and USC will all have their own transfer essay requirements. 

Next, let’s take a closer look at transfer application requirements. Then, we’ll look at some sample transfer essays and discuss different college essays that worked. 

Understanding Transfer Application Requirements

In general, most colleges will ask for a similar set of transfer application requirements. These include: 

• The Common App transfer application  
• A writing supplement, including your college transfer essay(s)
• Standardized test scores, though some colleges remain test-optional
• Official college transcript
• Dean’s/College’s/Registrar’s Report
• College instructor recommendations (2)
• Official high school transcript

As you begin the transfer application process, make sure you’re prepared for these requirements. Additionally, while you may or may not submit a full resume when you apply to college, it’s good to have one on hand. 

Staying Engaged on Campus

Note that as a transfer student, colleges will pay attention to how you’ve used your time on your original college campus. So, to increase your admissions odds at top schools, you should earn high grades and engage in various extracurricular activities. Even if you don’t want to complete your college experience at your current school, you should still make the most of your time there. 

On some of your college transfer essays, you might be asked to discuss an extracurricular activity or engagement. You won’t see this kind of prompt in most of our transfer essay examples. However, you should be prepared to discuss your involvement on campus in your college transfer essays. Colleges want to see that you’re an engaged member of your community. 

Common App Transfer Essay Prompts

Next, let’s take a look at some Common App transfer essay prompts and review some transfer essays that worked. 

As we’ve discussed, students won’t all answer one Common App transfer essay prompt. Instead, you’ll respond to a different Common App transfer essay prompt for each school. However, as you’ll notice from our collection of transfer essays that worked, college transfer essay prompts tend to be similar. 

Comparing Some Common App Transfer Essay Prompts

To begin, let’s look at the Common App transfer essay prompts from Harvard University: 

• Briefly, please indicate the most influential factors in your decision to attend your present college (for example, location, cost, size of student body, only option, special program offered, Early Decision plan, etc.) 
• What alternatives to transferring to Harvard are you considering?
• Please indicate your field of specialization and briefly outline your academic plans at Harvard College.
• What are your current postgraduate/career plans?
• Briefly discuss one book that has strongly influenced you.

As you can see, if you apply to Harvard as a transfer student, you’ll have to write several college transfer essays. In our college transfer essays that worked, successful students make the most of every Common App transfer essay prompt. 

Notre Dame transfer essay prompt

Remember, each of your college transfer essays offers the admissions team a chance to learn more about you. So, you should make the most of every one of your Common App transfer essays. Regardless of the college transfer essay format, view each college transfer essay as a chance to teach your reader something new. 

While we won’t see Common App transfer essay examples from Harvard here, we’ll read sample transfer essays from other competitive colleges. You can apply these transfer essay tips to any college transfer essay. 

Let’s take a look at another Common App transfer essay prompt—this time, from Notre Dame.

Unlike Harvard, Notre Dame does not ask students to complete a collection of Common App transfer essay prompts. Instead, when it comes to college transfer essays, Notre Dame just asks for one thing :

“a well-crafted personal statement explaining your interest in Notre Dame, your academic and professional goals, and how transferring to Notre Dame can help you achieve them.”

Clarifying your academic goals.

You might notice one similarity between the Common App transfer essay prompts for Notre Dame and Harvard. Both schools ask you to have a clear sense of your academic and professional goals. 

As a first-year applicant, your choice of college major matters less than it does as a transfer applicant. In fact, in some cases, the major you indicate will have little to no bearing on your admissions odds. However, as a transfer student, colleges expect you to have some sense of your future goals. In light of that, you should be able to articulate your future college major in your college transfer essays. 

When you read our Common App transfer essay examples, you’ll notice the authors clearly explain their academic and future goals. This allows the writers of our sample transfer essays to clarify why a given school meets their academic needs. 

Look for these strategies in our UMiami essay examples, USC transfer essay examples, Emory essay examples, and other college essays that worked. Now, let’s dig into some targeted transfer essay tips and read some great Common App transfer essays. 

College Transfer Essay — Emory Essay Examples

Let’s start by reviewing Emory essay examples from accepted transfer students. By reading these Common App transfer essay examples, you can learn more about how to approach the college transfer essay process. 

Here’s our Emory transfer essay example: 

Emory Transfer Essay Example

My time at Texas Christian University has been an orienting and insightful experience. Despite the brevity of my stay, I grasped a better understanding of the type of qualities that I desire from a college. In addition, I gained new perspectives, forged relationships, and made memories that I’ll cherish for life. The decision to apply to Emory was made with careful consideration, but ultimately with confidence. While I will always be grateful for my experience at TCU, I’ve concluded that Emory is where I can thrive academically and socially.

I took a medley of courses during my first semester at TCU to ensure that I chose my path with confidence. Comparative Literature was the major I was searching for. It allows me to channel my desires for a diversified education, and pairs well with my ardor for foreign languages.  Unfortunately, despite the enthusiasm, it isn’t offered at TCU, but it is at Emory. However, the ability to pursue Comparative Literature may have drawn me to Emory, but it was the breadth of the academic curriculum and resources that helped me to conclude that it was the right school for me.

The breadth of the curriculum itself covers a broad range of topics ranging from Post-Colonial Literature to “Love & Sex in the Italian Renaissance.” I would truly be able to get a diversified education through a host of interesting topics. Attending Emory would allow me to supplement my education with curriculum outside the classroom, allowing me to enrich my educational experience. Through the thesis during senior year I could gain insight from conducting intense exploration on a subject I deeply care about.

As a research assistant I conducted research on Horace Walpole’s influence in early British Parliament. Through this, I learned how to organize and structure knowledge, how to communicate and how to be a more attentive and critical interpreter of history. Those are the kind of skills I want to amplify and Emory’s focus on Undergraduate Research would give me support for that in spades. I could also have fun attending poetry readings, symposiums, and film screenings. In terms of my major, the depth of the classes and the sheer possibilities enabled by Emory’s academic resources would truly allow me to make the most of my education at Emory.

What stands out about Emory for me and makes it so desirable is the intimate approach in the faculty-to-student relationship. Engaged professors who genuinely care for the wellbeing of the student is the type of setting fostered at Emory and would allow me to flourish as a student.

Diversity, not just in race, but in socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and most importantly, perspective, both academically and socially, is the type of variation fostered at Emory. This is the type of college experience I want as I’ve learned that only through differences can intellectual curiosity truly be fostered.

Emory’s location would allow me the amenities of Atlanta without having to forego a traditional college experience. I could try authentic Persian food one night and go karaoke the next. Art is a personal hobby of mine and I can foresee many art crawls given Atlanta’s vibrant art scene. Of course, a visit to Emory’s own Michael C. Carlos museum would be due first.

Beyond the city, Georgia is host to a myriad of beautiful landscapes. I could hike at Tallulah Gorge or enjoy the scenic view at Amicalola. Emory’s active campus life would also mean weekends filled with prominent guest-speakers and exploring new hobbies. What I appreciate about Emory is the balance between academics and social life because while college is a place to learn, it is also a place to make memories.

I’ve never regretted my time here. I simply exhausted all the available resources and it’s my responsibility to go where I can flourish as a student in every sense, and this place for me, is Emory University.  

Why This Essay Worked

Successful Emory essay examples will specify what makes Emory the right place for an applicant. This essay does just that. Moreover, it offers a great example of a common college transfer essay format. Namely, it describes why the student wishes to transfer while detailing what makes Emory the perfect fit for them. 

As one of our Emory essay examples, the writer of this sample transfer essay makes it clear why Emory is the right fit for them. First, the writer describes how they’ve used their time at TCU to gain a sense of their academic interests and goals. They then clarify how, in this journey of self-discovery, they have realized why TCU isn’t the right place for them. 

This sample transfer essay then uses specific examples of why Emory would be a better fit. They mention specific courses, programs, and other offerings. This sample transfer essay also highlights why Atlanta would be a better college setting for this student than Fort Worth. Strong Emory essay examples will be specific—that is, they’ll discuss particular programs and offerings only found at Emory. 

Overall, this transfer essay example excels at describing who this student is, why they wish to transfer, and how they’d leverage Emory’s resources. 

Next, let’s look at some more transfer essays that worked—namely, a successful Wesleyan essay. 

Wesleyan Essay — Transfer Essays That Worked

Next, let’s dig into another one of our Common App transfer essay examples. Like the first of our Common App transfer essay examples, the essay below includes detailed and specific information about how the writer will thrive at their new institution. 

Our next transfer essay example is for Wesleyan . Let’s take a look at the essay and explore why it stood out to Wesleyan admissions:

Wesleyan Transfer Essay Example

My need for academic diversity marks the first reason behind my desire to transfer. The reality is that there is a disproportionate emphasis placed on business and natural sciences at my current college. While these majors deserve merit, the situation here translates to a lack of the same quality of opportunities and resources for the humanities. I realized that I need a setting where every academic field is equally regarded because it is in these types of environments that intellectual curiosity is truly fostered.

While I spent my initial months as a pre-major, I took a medley of courses to ensure that I chose a path I was genuinely passionate about. I am unable to pursue my academic desires here, but at Wesleyan, I can. My first year of college helped me to narrow down my want for a cosmopolitan education. During a class, I was introduced to literary and post-colonial theory and discovered a new passion. I want to pursue certification in Social, Cultural, and Critical Theory for a diversified education, and with the interdisciplinary coursework at Wesleyan, I could do so. With intense courses and guidance from caring faculty, Wesleyan would allow me the strong and intimate academic foundation that I desire.

Wesleyan has what I am looking for and am unfortunately unable to find at my current school: enthusiasm for languages. I possess a passion for foreign languages and with Wesleyan’s orientation intense curricula for foreign languages, I would have a supportive environment. While I am currently taking 2 languages, I hope to pursue Arabic language and culture, and in addition, live in the Turath Program House. Foreign languages are usually regarded as a side-study but with the open curriculum and programming at Wesleyan, I could allow foreign languages the space in my academic schedule that it deserves. 

My first year made me realize how I took diversity for granted. Diversity, not just in ethnicity, but in socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, and most importantly, perspective, is the type of representation I want on a campus. Wesleyan truly reflects the concept of equal opportunity in every sense. Coming from a background where food stamps were normalized and then moving to a school where most of the student body comes from the upper socioeconomic trend has been eye-opening.

The notion that there is a disparity in resources and experiences between polar financial levels is swept under the rug here. I appreciate that Wesleyan not only acknowledges but acts towards lessening the gap by providing resources and opportunities to low-income/first-gen families. It’s this type of effort that will allow those without equal access to have the stability for their academic merits to shine through.

Wesleyan’s location also offers me the scenic nature-based and intimate small-town vibe that I desire. While I love Fort Worth, the climate, people, and attractions in Middletown would fit me better. Whether I’m hiking at Cockaponset or attending a play by ArtFarm with my friends, I would get the college experience that I desire without foregoing an intimate college community. 

Why this essay worked

While this Common App transfer essay prompt isn’t in use anymore, this Wesleyan essay answers a standard question: why do you wish to transfer, and why Wesleyan? 

Once again, the writer of this transfer essay example gives reasons why their current school isn’t the right fit. They express their desire for more academic, cultural, racial, and social diversity than is available on their current college campus. Many college essays that worked discuss diversity and inclusion; this Wesleyan essay writer showcases how they’ll enrich their future campus community. In doing so, it gives Wesleyan admissions officers a strong sense of the student’s values. 

Additionally, this Wesleyan essay uses specific details to show what makes Wesleyan the right fit for this student. In particular, this sample transfer essay describes in detail the writer’s passion for studying languages. The writer details how they would use Wesleyan’s resources to explore this passion. 

In reading this essay, the Wesleyan admissions team can see clearly how the student would make use of Wesleyan’s resources. 

Like our other Common App transfer essay examples, this Wesleyan essay illustrates why the writer wishes to transfer. At the same time, it emphasizes how they would make the most of their new institution. 

USC Transfer Essay Examples

Let’s move on to more college transfer essay examples and take a look at some USC transfer essay examples. We hope these Common App transfer essay examples help you prepare to craft your own essays. 

In the 2021 admissions cycle, the USC transfer acceptance rate was about 26% according to the USC admissions office. While USC does not widely publicize the USC transfer acceptance rate, it’s generally reported as around 24-26%. In other words, you can assume that the USC transfer acceptance rate is relatively low. That means you should do all you can to prepare your transfer application ahead of the USC transfer deadline. Note that the USC transfer deadline is February 15th for most programs. 

Overall, the USC transfer requirements are similar to those for other schools. They include the Common Application, your high school transcript, and your college transcript. Some academic programs require additional letters of recommendation, portfolio materials, and other supplements. You’ll complete the USC college transfer essays through the Common App. 

USC Transfer Essay Examples — Long Answer

The USC transfer requirements will vary by major. However, regardless of additional USC transfer requirements for certain programs, you’ll need USC college transfer essays.

Unlike the rest of our transfer essay examples, the USC transfer essay examples also include short answer responses. So, in addition to the main USC college transfer essay, you’ll find some short-form USC transfer essay examples below. 

Let’s start with the main USC transfer essay: 

USC Transfer Essay Example

The feature that appeals the most to me about USC is the zeal that the English department displays. It was the amount of English-oriented events that hooked me and the quality of them that finally reeled me into USC’s shore. Numerous poetry readings, prominent guest speakers, and enthusiastic organizations geared towards English would help immensely with supplementing my learning experience. The cherry on top is the study abroad program entwined with English, allowing for total immersion into the culture and subject.

These types of academic opportunities are integral to making the most of my studies. Furthermore, I would be remiss to not acknowledge the world-class faculty at USC’s English department. What USC presents is an academic environment where the ardor I have for English is matched. It’s a community where college isn’t viewed as a method of job placement but a place to foster intellectual curiosity.

Socially, my current school has been full of learning experiences as I navigated a social scene that starkly contrasted against the ones I grew up with. However, I knew this was a common experience and stayed optimistic. I dabbled in clubs, finding some that piqued my interest, and rushed a sorority before discovering what I wanted to direct my time and effort towards.

While I opted out of Greek life, I did find organizations and people on campus that I enjoyed, such as Spectrum (LGBTQ+) and Hall Crew, an organization geared towards dorm-community bonding. However, some contemplation allowed me to recognize that the people I had gravitated towards drew me in due to a recurring sentiment: my desire for a more diverse setting.

When the word “diversity” is mentioned, people naturally assume ethnicity. While this factor is an important component in the multi-faceted topic of diversity, it isn’t all-encompassing. My current school has helped me realize that diversity, not just in race, but in sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and most importantly, perspective, is a necessary aspect of a college environment. Attending USC would give me a chance to experience the kind of diversity I crave; a campus comprised of students from all over the globe would ensure this. 

The first of our USC transfer essay examples indicates exactly what attracts this applicant to USC. In this sample transfer essay, the writer describes their interest in USC’s English program and why it would fit them. As you read this transfer essay example, you can imagine this student thriving on USC’s campus. 

Once again, like other transfer essays that worked, this transfer essay example shows why the writer was dissatisfied with their college. However, it doesn’t dwell on the negatives—instead, this sample transfer essay looks forward to the writer’s goals at USC. 

To make the most of your USC essays, make sure you draft them well ahead of the USC transfer deadline. This gives you enough time to polish your essays and make sure they highlight your strengths. Transfer essays that worked are often initially written well before the deadline and revised several times.

USC Transfer Essay Examples — Short Answer

Next, let’s take a look at more Common App transfer essay examples—namely, the short answer USC transfer essay examples: 

1. What is the most fun you’ve had lately?

On the Fourth of July, I braved the scorching heat at Six Flags over Atlanta, my favorite childhood vacation spot. I got drenched on Thunder River, lost my voice on Goliath, and won a giant stuffed Pokemon in a ball toss game. As the sun set, I admired the fireworks while devouring two plates of food at the all-you-can-eat buffet.  

2. If you had to give yourself a nickname, what would it be?

After joining the middle school swim team, I discovered that I was a terrible diver and would always painfully belly flop into the water. I begged my parents to let me volunteer at the library instead. While watching the librarian’s favorite movie, “Ella Enchanted,” she affectionately shortened my name to Ella. I moved the next summer, so the nickname always evokes nostalgia for my hometown. 

3. What are three things you don’t care about at all?

The difference between white and yellow onions (I use them interchangeably in my recipes.)

The iOS versus Android debate (I have a Galaxy phone and a Macbook.) 

The correct way to hang toilet paper (I keep the rolls in a cabinet to hide them from my two mischievous cats.) 

4. Describe a situation in which you didn’t get something you felt you deserved.

With plans to diversify the fundraisers and collaborate with community partners, I campaigned to be UNICEF Club president my junior year of high school. I was excited to be more involved in the organization I had volunteered with for years. Unfortunately, I had to miss the election day to receive my green card and was ultimately not selected.

5. What do you see as the physician’s role in Public Health? Please answer the question in 150 words or less.

Especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I see physicians as educators and advocates for their communities. While conducting research and volunteering at my local food pantry, I saw how the pandemic led to rising medical misinformation and mistrust and exacerbated barriers to accessing healthcare. When unemployment soared in March 2020, I noted the strain on clients at the local food bank, who struggled to afford groceries, utilities, and medical bills. I believe that physicians should advocate for increasing access to affordable healthcare, from expanding subsidized coverage to lowering surprise medical bills.

As a Research Assistant, I discovered that a quarter of the rural patients with HIV in our study believed that COVID-19 vaccinations were dangerous or linked to autism. Through creating trusting relationships and supportive environments, I believe physicians can guide patients to make informed health decisions that optimize their clinical outcomes. 

Why these essays worked

Like any college essays that worked, these USC transfer essay examples showcase what makes the writer unique. The best Common App transfer essay examples clearly demonstrate the writer’s personality and how they’ll enrich their next college campus. 

Remember, every college transfer essay gives you the chance to tell the admissions team something new about you. Certainly, these short answer responses follow a different college transfer essay format than our longer Emory essay examples or the Wesleyan essay. However, they manage to include a lot of valuable information in a limited number of words. 

Let’s look at the last of our transfer essays that worked—our UMiami essay examples. 

UMiami Essay Examples — College Transfer Essay

Next, we’ll dig into UMiami essay examples to get a better understanding of college essays that worked. 

Here’s one of our UMiami essay examples from an admitted transfer student:

UMiami Transfer Essay Example

I took a medley of classes to ensure that I chose my major with confidence, which led to my decision to apply as an English major and Modern Language and Literature minor to UMiami. I hope to study Japanese and Arabic, along with French if my schedule permits. Beyond the depth, rigor, and range of the courses themselves, the sheer breadth of the programming would allow me to supplement my education with a curriculum outside the classroom. Both the English and the MLL department have enthusiastic programming ranging from lectures given by prominent guest-speakers, friendly gatherings, and study abroad programs that would really allow me to make the most of my education.

I fully intend to pursue research as well, as my time as a research assistant has fostered my passion for knowledge and discovery in the humanities. The experience will also help me while I pursue the Departmental Honors Program in English Literature. Beyond purely academic resources, the intimate approach to advising and the close faculty-to student ratio is what drew me to UMiami. The dedication to providing students with resources like research grants, internships, and career connections is the type of care that I want. I learned that while the right academic environment is important, support is essential to thrive not only as a student, but as a person.

Socially, UMiami leaves nothing left to be desired. I could take a stroll on the beach or finally get to try the famous Cafecito. The active campus itself would mean opportunities to discover new hobbies or make new memories with friends. I want to be able to look back fondly at the memories I made in college and UMiami would allow me to do that. I would also love to start a Dream Outside the Box chapter at UMiami as my experience with this organization geared towards better access to education has been profound and I am a staunch believer in bettering local communities first.

In the last of our Common App transfer essay examples, the writer includes specific details about why UMiami is the right place for them. 

Once again, the writer of this sample transfer essay delineates what UMiami offers that their current college does not. Successful UMiami essay examples will be specific to the school. So, as you read UMiami essay examples like this one, look for ways to link your interests to the school’s offerings.

In this transfer essay example, the writer outlines the specific programs, foreign languages, and offerings that they plan to pursue at UMiami. They also include specific details about the college’s location and culture. These details make obvious their interest in the institution and the time they’ve taken to research their (prospective) future home.

Understanding the UMiami Transfer Acceptance Rate

In general, transfer acceptance rates are not widely published online—the UMiami transfer acceptance rate is no different. While it’s generally reported to be around 50%, students should still assume that the UMiami transfer acceptance rate is relatively competitive . To put it another way, don’t take the UMiami essay for granted. After all, UMiami is one of the best colleges in Florida, so admission is never guaranteed. 

By now, we’ve read UMiami essay examples, Wesleyan essays, and other transfer essays that worked. We hope you now have a better understanding of what makes a successful college transfer essay. Next, let’s dig into some more transfer essay tips to help you succeed. 

How is a college transfer essay different?

Overall, the transfer application process is slightly different from the first-year application process. As you’ve likely noticed in our successful transfer essay examples, most transfer essays look rather different from standard personal statements. 

When applying as a transfer student, admissions officers want to know why you’ve decided to transfer and what interests you about their school. They also want to learn about your educational plans (including your choice of major) and your career goals. 

Similar to our transfer essays that worked, college transfer essays often revolve around an applicant’s character as a student and future professional. Compare this to a Common App personal statement, which usually focuses on who you are as a person. Clearly, your academic and career pathways matter a bit more as a transfer student. 

Of course, you should take every opportunity to show the admissions committee what makes you unique. However, you should also ensure you include specific details about what makes your future academic program a better fit. 

College Transfer Essay Format

In general, most schools use a similar college transfer essay format. The Common App transfer essay prompts you’ll find will also often have some similarities. Most schools will ask students to state their reasons for transferring and explain why they’ve chosen to apply. 

As you approach this type of prompt, think about:

• The major you’d like to pursue
• Academic programs that are not available at your current school
• Important differences between your current campus community and the school where you’re applying

Word counts will vary by school, so always check each institution’s requirements. You should also read each Common App transfer essay prompt carefully to ensure you follow the right format. 

You can also write an initial college transfer essay and adapt different sections to suit different prompts. However, you should always include specific details about how you plan to spend your time at your next college. 

Additional Transfer Essay Tips

We’ve looked at some successful Common App transfer essay examples. Next, let’s review three transfer essay tips to help your essays shine:

• Be specific. Tailor each college transfer essay to your chosen school, even if you start with the same basic details about yourself. Make sure you indicate specific things that school offers that you can’t find at your current institution.
• Keep it positive. As a transfer student, it might be tempting to write negatively about your current school. However, focus instead on what your current school has taught you about yourself and prepared you to succeed elsewhere.  
• Be thorough. Your college transfer essays are one of the few chances you get to address the admissions committee on your own terms. Make the most of the word count to highlight who you are and how you’d enrich their campus. 

We hope these transfer essay tips give you confidence as you approach the college transfer essay process. 

Other CollegeAdvisor Essay Resources to Explore

As we’ve discussed, while there are some key differences, writing a college transfer essay is relatively similar to writing a first-year admissions essay. For more transfer essay tips, check out some of our other resources below:

• AO Advice: How to Write Great Supplemental Essays That Stand Out — In this webinar, our former Admissions Officers share how to write supplemental essays that shine. 
• Columbia Essay Examples — This guide includes several successful essays from Columbia University and explains what made them work. 
• Editing Your Supplemental Essays —  This webinar walks you through the process of editing your Common App transfer essays to make them strong, clear, and concise. 
• How to Write a Personal Statement — Read more college essays that worked and learn expert tips to make yours unique. 

For more guidance, you can also check out Carnegie Mellon’s tips on writing strong Common App transfer essays. Amherst also offers useful tips, including a successful Common App transfer essay. Finally, Moorpark College has a great slide deck featuring some advice on the UC transfer process. 

If you’re certain about transferring but unsure about where you want to go, we can help. Our three-part College Finder series covers the college search process, making a college list , and comparing colleges . Although many of our free articles are aimed at first-year applicants, their advice is broadly applicable. They can help you figure out how to frame your college transfer essays or research where you want to go.

College Transfer Essay — Final Thoughts

In this article, we walked you through different sample transfer essays and Common App transfer essay prompt responses. Additionally, we offered some transfer essay tips to help you write the strongest college transfer essays you can. We hope our Common App transfer essay examples help you feel more confident as you navigate the transfer application process. 

If you want more support as you complete your Common App transfer essays, we’re here to help. Click here to schedule a consultation with our Admissions Specialists. We’ll help you learn more about how CollegeAdvisor can help you maximize your admissions odds.

This article was written by Abbie Sage. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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4 University of Southern California (USC) EssaysThatWorked

Applying to USC in 2024 means that you are facing a lot of competition.

Luckily, one of the most effective tools you have to stand out from the crowd is your essays and responses to USC's writing supplement.

In this article, I've gathered 4 of the best essays from students admitted into the University of Southern California so that you can get inspired and improve your own USC essays.

What is University of Southern California's Acceptance Rate?

This past year, a record 70,971 students applied to USC and only 8,804 students were offered admission. That means USC had an overall acceptance rate of only 12.4%.

If you're trying to maximize your shot of getting into USC, writing essays that show why you should be accepted is one of your best strategies.

USC Acceptance Scattergram

The more competitive a school admissions is, the more heavily your essays are weighed. Let's check out the USC prompts for this year.

What are the University of Southern California Supplemental Prompts for 2022-23?

For its application this year, USC requires students to respond to three short essay questions and ten short answer questions.

USC has an intensive writing section, which means its even more important for you to make your responses the best they can be.

Here are the University of Southern California prompts for 2024:

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Approximately 250 words) (1-250 words)

Starting with the beginning of high school/secondary school, if you have had a gap where you were not enrolled in school during a fall or spring term, please address this gap in your educational history. You do not need to address a summer break. (0-250 words)

Describe yourself in three words.

What is your favorite snack?

Best movie of all time:

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?

Dream trip:

What TV show will you binge watch next?

Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?

Favorite book:

If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be?

4 University of Southern California EssaysThatWorked

Here are 4 of the best USC essays that worked for this years writing supplement.

Below you can read how admitted USC students answered the short essay and short answer questions. In addition, I've included some Common App personal statements examples recently accepted students.

See exactly how students got into USC and get inspired:

USC Essay Example #1

Usc essay example #2, usc essay example #3, usc essay example #4.

Prompt: What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you? (250 words max)

If I had a fatal flaw it would be loyalty. Of all the things I value, the one thing I value the most is my family. Coming after family is my friends; I consider my friends to be an extended branch of family. My close friends know that I value my friendship and that I would do almost anything for them if they asked me. I am very trusting with my friends, because I know that if I am there to support them, they will be there to support me. Without my friends, I would not be who and where I am now, as they have helped me through my years and shaped me to be the trusting and loyal person I am.

Very often, I put my friends before me, and this is because I know that if I were in the same situation as them, they would opt to help me. My loyalty to my friends helps them understand why I do what I do, and it helps me make even more friends. Wherever I go, I want to go with friends, because I believe that I can go farther when I have others with me rather than going fast and alone, but not as far.

• Improve your essays in minutes, instead of hours
• Based on lessons from hundreds of accepted applications & essays.
• Easy and actionable strategies

The sounds of my knife striking kale unnerves my cat asleep in the corner. He quickly runs over to examine the situation but becomes instantly uninterested when he sees green and smells bitterness. Unfortunately, my family has this same reaction every day of every week.

They question, “It’s bad enough that you’re going to eat kale, but do you really have to massage it?” I respond with a deep breath, during which I recall information from nutritionfacts.org. I begin to explain, “Well you see, it takes away the bitterness, because kale is composed of cellulose, so when you massage it with a strong acid–”but as I continue to delve into my rather scientific and oftentimes molecular rationale behind transforming myself into a masseuse to make a salad, everyone begins snoring. I guess no one has ever understood my immense love for the science behind cooking (and probably never will).

Sure, my family, friends, small, undiverse and traditional high school all look at me like I am crazy, but I guess that is because I am. I do not look at kale and think “dark green, bitter, disgusting plant.” Instead, I see proteins and anticarcinogenic properties--analyzing the anatomy of food seems to occupy my mind.

Cooking is an art, visual, creative and instinctive. My favorite nights are spent with knife in hand and sweet potatoes in the oven. Food is my artist outlet, and one of the few things to feed my soul (and my stomach, too).

• Make a Strong Impression
• Capture Your Unique Strengths
• Write Outstanding Essays
• ...and Apply Confidently!

Prompt: Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (250 words max)

All throughout my life, I always loved doing math no matter what the concept. My love for math led to me taking advanced math classes for my grade. I even had to take a bus to a high school when I was in middle school to take an advanced math class. I always knew that I would want to pursue a career dealing with mathematics, but I was not really sure until my junior year. I had not decided what I wanted to be in the future, so my uncle suggested being a CPA, and I looked into it. When I did my research, it interested me as they made a decent amount of money and they worked with numbers.

At USC, I would like to major in accounting and gain the opportunity to possibly receive an internship at one of the big accounting firms in Los Angeles through the networking of USC. If I were able to get an internship, I would be able to gain experience for when I graduate and search for a job. I would also consider going for a Masters of Business Administration as I know that USC has one of the best business programs in the country.

I had never considered traveling across the country to pursue an education. In fact, living in Pittsburgh all of my life and growing up with people who are so adamant about staying put, forced me to believe that I too had to box myself into this small, yet evolving city. However, now I can confidently tell my friends and family that I want to travel to California for college (and ignore their odd looks).

What strikes me most about USC is its ability to maintain uniformity despite its diverse student body--in interests, ethnicity, and opinion. There are not many schools where I could be best friends with filmmakers, artists, photographers, chemists, potential CEOs, and writers. Although all of these people are spread across different schools, they still seem to maintain a cultural unity. Being surrounded by such a distinct trojan pride combined with the ambitious atmosphere would be both inspiring and propulsive.

At USC, I would not have to confine to merely one of my interests. I have always had aspirations of becoming a doctor and pursuing neuroscience, but have never felt comfortable ignoring the humanities. As a Trojan, I could pursue research at the Dana and David Dornsife Cognitive Neuroscience Imaging Center or even take part in PIBBS, while also honing my writing skills through the intricate Writing Program.

Much like the students, my interests could somehow be molded into a diverse uniformity, and I could prove my fellow Pittsburghers that perhaps they need to move around more.

What Can You Learn From These USC Essays?

If you want to get into the University of Southern California, you'll need to answer the USC writing supplement questions as best you can. To help improve your essays, you can read these 6 essays that worked for USC and see how students got accepted.

Let me know, what did you think about these USC essays?

Meet the Author

Ryan Chiang

I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked.com - a website dedicated to helping students and their families apply to college with confidence & ease. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

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How to Get Into USC: Strategies and Essays that Worked

How hard is it to get into usc learn the usc acceptance rate and strategies to get accepted.

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: usc admissions requirements, part 3: 2024–2025 usc supplemental essays (examples included), part 4: frequently asked questions.

Situated just a few miles from Hollywood, the University of Southern California (USC) is famous for its stellar film and performing arts programs. Indeed, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a blockbuster hit that doesn’t involve a USC alum. 

But don’t let the Hollywood glitz overshadow the fact that USC is also the oldest private research university in California. Core components of the modern Internet were created at USC, including the Domain Name System (which allowed you to type “shemmassianconsulting.com” into your browser and arrive at our website!).

USC also houses one of the nation’s premier college athletic programs and its athletes have gone on to win the most Olympic medals for the United States.

Excelling in sports, the arts, and academia, USC seems to have it all, and they expect their student body to as well. The university encourages undergraduates to expand their studies across disciplines to challenge their ways of thinking. The school strives for students to be global citizens, from seeking out unfamiliar cultures to approaching problems from a holistic perspective.

If your child is a talented, motivated student interested in USC, read on to find out our best advice for how to get into USC, information on USC admissions statistics and USC admissions requirements, and guidance on how to tackle the school’s secondary prompts—including sample USC essays.

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USC rankings

U.S. News and World Report: 28

Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education: 74 (globally)

(Suggested reading: USC vs. UCLA—Which College is Better ?)

USC setting

USC’s urban campus is a green oasis in the middle of Los Angeles. The university plays a significant role in LA, acting as the city’s largest private employer. 

USC student population

Undergraduate students: 21,000

Graduate students: 26,000

( Note: USC rounds their student population data to the nearest 500 )

Here are the admissions statistics for the class of 2026 :

Applications: 80,808

Acceptances: 8,094

Matriculants: 3,633

Acceptance rate: 10.01%

Here’s what we know so far about teh class of 2028:

Applications: ~82,000

Acceptances: 7,550

Acceptance rate: 9.2%

USC tuition and scholarships

The 2024–2025 cost of attendance (i.e., tuition, room, board, and fees) at USC is $95,225.

USC conducts need-blind admissions and two-thirds of students receive financial aid. Approximately 21 percent of students in the class of 2027 received a merit-based scholarship. The average merit-based award is $18,463 while the average need-based award is $48,959.

Take note, in order to be considered for merit-based scholarships, your child must apply to USC by December 1st, even though the regular application deadline is January 15th.

Who gets into USC?

To help you understand how likely your child is to get into USC, we’ve collected the admissions data from the successful USC applicants for the class of 2027:

USC average GPA: 3.79

( Note: USC states the middle 50 percent average unweighted GPA among enrollees is from 3.79–4.00 )

USC average SAT score*:

25th percentile: 1430

75th percentile: 1530

USC average ACT score*:

25th percentile: 32

75th percentile: 35

International students: 17%

First-generation college students: 25%

Among the class of 2027, 23% of students were white, 22% were Asian/Asian American, 20% were Hispanic/Latinx, and 8% were Black/African American.

*USC has made it optional for students to submit their SAT or ACT scores until at least the 2024-25 admissions cycle. These test scores are from the 2023-24 admissions cycle

USC academic requirements

USC suggests that your child complete the following coursework in order to be prepared for college:

English: 4 years

Math: 3–4 years (Your child should have earned a grade of C or better in at least three years of high school math, including Algebra II. Ideally, they should also continue on to more advanced courses.)

Foreign language: 2–4 years

Laboratory/natural/physical science: 2–4 years

History and social science: 2 years

Academic electives: 3 years

Your child’s grades are very important to USC, but the university also cares about context. How competitive was your child’s high school? Did their grades go up or down throughout their four years? Did they challenge themselves?

In addition, USC looks for students who utilize their summer vacations well, whether enrolling in a special music workshop, volunteering in their community, or working a part-time job to save for college. 

USC offers a unique resource that’s telling about their desire to level the playing field, despite what you may have read about the university’s involvement in the 2019 college admissions scandal : a database to find the nearest admissions counselor. Your child should take advantage of this and reach out to their designated contact when they are in 10th or 11th grade. The goal of this interaction isn’t to impress the counselor or bombard them with accomplishments; your child’s mission should be to learn a little bit more about USC in ways that they couldn’t from the website.

USC application requirements

Students wishing to apply to USC must submit the following:

Common App essay

USC supplemental essays

Optional in 2023–2024: ACT or SAT test scores

1 letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher

Transcripts and mid-year report

Optional: Portfolio, resume, and/or additional writing samples, depending on what major your child is applying to

Note that USC does not offer an early action or early decision program for every major. Majors that require a portfolio or audition must submit their applications by the regular decision deadline. Thus, your child should submit their application by either of the following dates:

Early Action: November 1st

Regular Decision (for majors requiring a portfolio or audition): December 1st

Majors in the following schools are affected:

Iovine and Young Academy

Kaufman School of Dance

Roski School of Art & Design

School of Architecture

School of Cinematic Arts

School of Dramatic Arts

Thornton School of Music

World Bachelor of Business (Marshall School of Business)

Regular Decision (all other majors): January 15th

Need inspiration for your Common App personal statement? Click below for instant access to 25 full-length example essays including advanced breakdowns of why they resonate with admissions committees.

Gain instant access to 25 exclusive full-length examples covering all seven prompts, plus comprehensive analyses for each to help you craft stellar essays.

USC requires applicants to write a 250-word supplemental essay and ten short-answers in addition to the Common App essays. For the first essay, USC gives students a choice of three essay prompts. Below, we’ll provide an example essay for the main prompt and explain what makes it effective. We’ll then provide the list of short-answer questions and discuss how to answer them.

USC supplemental essay

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections.

Here is an example essay based on how one of our students answered this prompt:

As a child of Bangladeshi immigrants, I decided years ago to become an immigration lawyer. My parents secured their green cards, and eventual citizenships, by the time I was born, so I never knew the struggle of living insecurely in America on a visa. I have only known the privilege of being a full-fledged American citizen. I want to help others access those same opportunities. 

Like many immigrants, my parents focused on academic achievement and instilled in me a desire to be extraordinary. All great attorneys have superior intellect, sharp communication skills, and a fearsome work ethic. Those qualities are essentially table stakes. The most remarkable attorneys are the ones that possess a great deal of creativity.

From my perspective, the best way to build the muscle of creativity is to expose yourself to different ways of thinking.

That’s why I hope to attend USC. 

USC fosters creativity in its approach to the undergraduate experience. When I visited I was struck by how often current students, the tour guide, and admissions officers emphasized interdisciplinary thinking. USC kicks it up a notch through the Renaissance program, enabling and encouraging us to create the most diverse mashup of majors. Instead of a typical history/poli-sci double major, USC would push me to obtain a dual degree in something like archaeology and comp lit, which would be an unusual but potentially perfect path towards law school. 

Here’s why this essay works:

Many students try to pack this essay with all of the reasons they think this is the right school for them, leading to a paragraph full of Googled summary, and telling the university nothing they don’t already know about themselves. This student finds the perfect way around that. He chose to focus on just one aspect of USC—its Renaissance Ideal —and explain thoroughly what that philosophy represented to him. He makes clear where he got the information on the Renaissance Ideal, by the way, emphasizing that he visited campus and paid attention.

He also wove in a piece of his family background to explain his academic ambitions, which helps the reader get a fuller picture of the student.

(Very) short answers 

After your child completes the supplemental essay, they will need to answer ten simple questions in less than 100 characters. The tight word limit forces the responder to present their choices without explanation. Here are the USC 2023 short answer questions:

Describe yourself in three words. (25 characters each)

What is your favorite snack?

Best movie of all time

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?

What TV show will you binge watch next?

Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?

Favorite Book

If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be?

Remind your child to be thoughtful, but not overthink this section. They should take a little time to think of an answer that is uniquely them. So if their go-to snack is chips, don’t tell them to say “granola.” But maybe they can write “Lays Salt and Vinegar Chips.” Because, if chips are truly their favorite snack, wouldn’t they have a favorite type? Being specific and illustrative here matters more than seeming virtuous.

Similarly, if your child’s favorite movie of all time is To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before , don’t suggest they write All Quiet on the Western Front in an attempt to appear more intellectual.

Gain instant access to essay examples for every supplemental essay prompt from the top universities and BS/MD programs in the United States. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.

Is UCLA or USC harder to get into?

Both UCLA and USC are highly selective institutions with rigorous academic standards. However, each school has different focuses and admissions processes.

Looking at acceptance rates, UCLA’s most recent acceptance rate for the class of 2028 stands at 9%, while for USC (as noted above) it’s 9.2%. Clearly, both schools are difficult to get into and will require your child to stand out in ways beyond academics to gain acceptance.

Keep in mind that UCLA receives almost twice the number of applications that USC does which could be due to its status as a public university while USC is private. This difference also may make USC a bit more amenable to accepting out-of-state students over UCLA, which tends to prioritize California residents.

Lastly, when determining which school is harder to get into, your child will need to consider their goals and fit for the particular programs at each institution. Some majors may be more popular than others, receiving more applications meaning more competition for entry via particular program.

How can I increase my chances of getting into USC?

To increase your chances of getting into USC, it goes without saying that strong academic performance should be your foundation. With a high GPA and perhaps some AP or IB classes under your belt, you can increase your chances by building on top of this.

Next, you’ll want to engage in extracurricular activities that showcase your leadership abilities and commitment to serving the community. This aligns with USC’s mission to create future leaders.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you’ll need to ensure your passion for USC and the talents you will bring to the campus are communicated effectively in your essays. USC isn’t merely looking for top-tier academics, they also want to know what you will add to their community.

Is USC considered prestigious?

USC is considered prestigious for its highly regarded academic programs, its groundbreaking research in areas such as Alzheimer’s and stem cells , and its influential alumni network which includes George Lucas and Will Ferrel.

Additionally, USC faculty includes a stellar list of high-achieving professors from Nobel Laureates to Macarthur Fellows . All of these aspects add to USC’s worldwide prestige.

Final thoughts

USC seeks out students that demonstrate academic rigor, appreciate diversity, and make a positive impact in their communities. Your child should ensure they highlight their ambition and creativity when submitting an application.

About the Author

Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on college admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT using his exclusive approach.

THERE'S NO REASON TO STRUGGLE THROUGH THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS ALONE, ESPECIALLY WITH SO MUCH ON THE LINE. SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO ENSURE YOU LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE.