USC SCA: How to Apply for 2025, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as a Film Student

For nearly a century, the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts has trained the next generation of prolific filmmakers. USC SCA remains at the forefront of emerging filmmaking trends, welcoming filmmakers with years of industry experience alongside beginners with raw talent and exceptional drive.

In 2024, The Hollywood Reporter ranked USC SCA the no. 1 film school in the U.S., citing new additions to its facilities and curriculum, including courses that address AI and other emerging trends. USC SCA alumni made history at the 96th Academy Awards by securing three out of five nominations in the Best Documentary Short category. The University has also celebrated dozens of Sundance winners and finalists.

To find out how to increase your chances of getting accepted, read FilmSchool.org's interview with a USC SCA admissions committee member. And for even more insights into honing your application and how the film program has evolved, read our follow-up Q&A (exclusively for Supporting Members).

What is it like studying film at University of Southern California School of the Arts?​

The University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts is located at the University Park campus (take a look via the University's virtual tour) and easily accessible from other areas of Los Angeles on the Metro Expo Line. USC is also one of the largest private research universities nationwide: A mix of 47,000 undergraduate and graduate students were enrolled in the 2022-2023 academic year. Film students can participate in more than 1,000 student organizations. USC Village is only steps away from the campus and offers a mix of dining, fitness, and entertainment options to students and Angelenos.

USC SCA provides film students a number of avenues to showcase their work. For more than two decades, First Pitch has brought undergraduates and graduates together for an evening of networking and storytelling with key industry players. Film students can take advantage of USC SCA’s connections to world renowned festivals, such as:

• Annecy
• The Austin Film Festival
• The Berlin International Film Festival
• The IndieCade Independent Games Festival
• South by Southwest
• The Sundance Film Festival
• The Toronto International Film Festival
• Tribeca Film Festival

All student-produced short films are protected under USC copyright, but students hold all intellectual property rights to the underlying scripts, ideas, treatments, and concepts.

For a day in the life of a USC SCA student, read FilmSchool.org’s interview with BFA graduate Nolan Lampson:

University of Southern California SCA notable alumni​

USC SCA is known for producing award-winning directors, writers, and producers in Hollywood, including these MFA graduates:

Nahnatchka Khan created and produced "Fresh off the Boat," the runaway hit series inspired by Chef Eddie Huang’s eponymous memoir. Khan also created and produced "Don’t Trust the B–––– In Apartment 23."

Shonda Rhimes developed, wrote, and produced "Grey’s Anatomy," television’s longest running medical drama, as well as its spin-off, "Private Practice."

Melissa Rosenberg learned everything she needed to know in the Peter Stark Producing Program to adapt Stephanie Meyer’s "Twilight." The iconic film grossed over 400 million dollars worldwide. Rosenberg also worked as a lead writer on "Dexter."

Learn more about other prolific USC SCA alumni.

Break into the industry with USC SCA First Jobs​

USC SCA alumnus and producer Aaron Kaplan (American Housewife, HouseBroken, The Unicorn) created First Jobs to help tomorrow’s filmmakers find paid entry-level jobs in the film industry. First Jobs connects high-profile film companies to new USC SCA graduates. As of 2023, the program has helped create more than 1,000 paid entry-level jobs for USC SCA alumni.

To qualify, you must be a recent USC SCA graduate (no more than five years out of your program) and submit the online application. For questions or additional information, email firstjobd@cinema.usc.edu.

7 commonly asked questions about USC SCA​

1. How large are the class sizes?​

Graduate classes have small cohorts that meet in small seminars. Undergraduate classes can run between a few dozen students to more than three hundred students in the Theatrical Film Symposium, USC SCA’s most popular elective.

2. How hard is it to get into USC SCA?​

USC SCA is highly selective (see "USC SCA Acceptance Rate"). In addition to submitting a strong portfolio, having a competitive GPA may increase your odds of admission.

However, Filmschool.org members have also reported acceptance rates as high as 30%. You can learn more by visiting our Application Database, which includes GPAs of admitted students.

In addition, our USC SCA Acceptance Statistics offer an in-depth window into accepted student demographics, including prior filmmaking experience. Take a look at the Acceptance Statistics for each USC SCA degree program:

• Writing for Screen & Television MFA
• Peter Stark Producing Program MFA
• Film and Television Production MFA
• Division of Cinema & Media Studies MA
• BA/BFA/BS Programs

3. What does the ideal USC SCA student look like?

USC SCA admissions officers favor applicants with strong academic backgrounds and marked artistic potential. Applicants must submit a portfolio list that showcases a range of interests, talents, goals, and a passion for film, while academic materials should show excellent analytical and critical thinking skills. The essay must demonstrate clarity, continuity, and creativity.

4. Can you transfer to USC film school?​

Yes, depending on your standing. If you are an undergraduate, you can transfer into the Film and Television Production program if you have 48 or fewer transferable units (excluding AP and IB classes). USC SCA also recommends transfer students first complete all of USC’s General Education requirements. (Note: Cinema classes taken prior to transferring to USC SCA will count as electives.)

5. Can undergraduate film students double major?​

Cinema & Media Studies BA students can double major. However, Writing for Screen and Television BA students and Film and Television Production BFA students are discouraged from double majoring due to the intensive workload, but can consider pursuing a minor.

6. Are USC film students allowed to study abroad?​

No. However, film students can participate in study abroad programs offered by the USC Office of Overseas Studies after receiving an approval from their academic advisors. A maximum of two cinema courses taken abroad can be counted toward the major, on the condition of departmental approval.

7. Does USC offer scholarships?​

The University offers need-based and merit-based scholarships to qualifying incoming students. Additionally, the University offers scholarships specifically for School of Cinematic Arts students after they complete one semester. (Scholarship applications typically open at the end of January.)

Information sessions for prospective USC SCA film students​

USC SCA hosts several information sessions. Prospective undergraduate students can also conduct self-guided on-campus tours. Don’t miss the next graduate information sessions for 2025 entry:

In-Person Graduate Information Session
Date: Friday, August 9, 2023 at 3:00 PM PT
Register here

Virtual SCA Graduate Open House
Includes an admissions presentation and divisional breakout sessions with a Q & A session about USC SCA and the application process.
Date: Monday, August 19th, 2024 at 3:00 PM PT
Register here

Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect 2024-2025 application instructions.

Continue reading...​

• USC SCA Acceptance Rate​

• USC SCA Application Deadlines and What to Expect After Applying for 2025 Entry​

• USC SCA Cost Breakdown, Financial Aid, and Scholarships for 2025 entry​

• USC SCA’s General Admissions Requirements for Undergraduates in 2024-2025​

• How to Apply to USC SCA's Film & Television Production BFA for 2025 Entry​

• How to Apply to USC SCA’s Cinema & Media Studies BA for 2025 Entry​

• How to Apply to SC SCA’s Writing for Screen & Television BFA for 2025 Entry​

• How to Apply to USC SCA’s Business of Cinematic Arts BS for 2025 Entry​

• USC SCA’s General Admissions Requirements for Graduates in 2024-2025​

• How to Apply to USC SCA’s Film & Television Production MFA for 2025 Entry​

• How to Apply to USC SCA's Peter Stark Producing MFA Program for 2025 Entry​

• How to Apply to USC SCA's Writing for Screen & Television MFA Program for 2025 Entry​

• Admissions Requirements and Guidelines for USC SCA International Applicants​

• Increase Your Chances of Acceptance to USC SCA​

• Read the full article​