USC SCA Application Deadlines (2024) and What to Expect After Applying

Interested in applying to USC SCA? Mark your calendar with the following deadlines and milestones calculated from application data logged by Filmschool.org members. Review Filmschool.org's Application Year threads to see how your fellow applicants are doing. Additionally, once you submit your application, log it in our Application Database.

Undergraduate application deadlines and admissions timeline​

  • Application Deadline for Undergraduate Programs Requiring Portfolios: December 1, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PT
    • USC Business of Cinematic Arts Application Deadline: January 15, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT
  • Regular Financial Aid Application Deadline: February 7, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT
    • Continuing/Transfer Undergraduate Financial Aid Application Deadline: March 2, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT
  • Early Action Application Deadline: November 1, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PT*
  • Early Action Financial Aid Application Deadline: January 12, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT
Exclusive FilmSchool.org Data calculated from our database:
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Notification Date: February 11
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Date: February 17
  • Earliest/Latest Decision Notification Date: March 23
  • Earliest/Latest Admitted Off Waitlist Date: Not Reported
*Note: Early Action is exclusively for the BS program offered through USC SCA and the USC Marshall School of Business.

Graduate application deadlines and admissions timeline​


Writing for Screen & Television MFA
  • Application Deadline: November 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PT
  • Financial Aid Application Deadline: May 5, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT
Exclusive FilmSchool.org Data calculated from our database:
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Notification Date: January 11 - March 1
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Date: January 14 - March 1
  • Earliest/Latest Decision Notification Date: February 20 - April 12
  • Earliest/Latest Admitted Off Waitlist Date: April 25 - June 14
  • Earliest/Latest Scholarship Notification:March 27 - April 10
Peter Stark Producing Program MFA
  • Application Deadline: November 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PT
  • Financial Aid Application Deadline: May 5, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT
Exclusive FilmSchool.org Data calculated from our database:
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Notification Date: January 11 - February 14
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Date: January 18 - March 11
  • Earliest/Latest Decision Notification Date: February 10 - June 13
  • Earliest/Latest Admitted Off Waitlist Date: April 20 - April 22
  • Earliest/Latest Scholarship Notification:Not Reported
Film & Television Production MFA
  • Application Deadline: November 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PT
  • Financial Aid Application Deadline: May 5, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT
Exclusive FilmSchool.org Data calculated from our database:
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Notification Date: January 2 - December 29
  • Earliest/Latest Interview Date: January 2 - December 29
  • Earliest/Latest Decision Notification Date: February 2 - November 25
  • Earliest/Latest Admitted Off Waitlist Date: January 7 - September 11
  • Earliest/Latest Scholarship Notification:Not Reported
*Note: USC SCA does not participate in Early Decision or Early Action.

What to expect after applying to USC SCA​


USC SCA emails applicants a 10-digit USC ID within 2-3 business days after processing their applications. You will use this ID to track your application, receive technical support, and/or mail documents to USC. Click here to review the application guidelines.

USC’s peak admission period occurs from November through May. The University can take up to 15 business days to process your transcripts and match them to your application. Notifications for missing transcripts and other documents are sent via email, and you will receive an email notification when missing materials are received.

Final admissions decisions are sent via the email used in your application. Most applicants receive their notifications by June (for the fall term) and December (for the spring term), but the length of time varies on application volume and program type.

Access USC SCA’s acceptance statistics and admitted applicant demographics​


USC SCA is among the top film schools worldwide. Before you apply, understand how you measure up to past applicants and currently admitted USC SCA film students by becoming a Supporting Member.

As a Supporting Member, you gain access to:
  • Data about the USC SCA waitlist
  • The average USC SCA financial aid award
  • Applications from admitted USC SCA film students
  • Admissions statistics for BA/BFA/MFA programs
Filmschool.org also offers dozens of USC SCA applications from admitted, waitlisted, and rejected applicants. Upgrade your membership today to enjoy full access to our exclusive data.