USC SCA: How to Apply for 2026, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as a Film Student

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

In 2025, The Hollywood Reporter once again ranked USC SCA the no. 1 film school in the U.S., citing new additions to its facilities and curriculum. The ranking also reflects the Blavatnik family's $25 million gift towards the Blavatnik Center for Virtual Production, a multi-use hub designed to train students on cutting-edge virtual production techniques.

USC SCA students and alumni leverage the University's advanced facilities and equipment to continuously break new ground: Zane Swift (MFA ’25, Film and Television Production) generated buzz with the film school's first interactive thesis film. Four alumni made history at the 96th Academy Awards, securing three out of five nominations in the Best Documentary Short category. The University also routinely celebrates countless Sundance winners and finalists.

At the time of this update, USC SCA is still accepting first-year and transfer applications for Fall 2026 entry to its undergraduate film degrees, as well as graduate applications to the Media Arts + Practice MFA and Cinema & Media Studies MA/Ph.D. programs, all with a December 1 deadline. Keep reading for tips on applying, the admissions timeline, and other key information.

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 wide mix of dining, fitness, and entertainment options.

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.

To discover how to increase your chances of getting accepted, read FilmSchool.org's interview with a USC SCA admissions committee member and our follow-up Q&A, exclusively for Supporting Members:

A mentorship pipeline for USC’s next generation of screenwriters​

In early 2025, Josh Schwartz, a creative powerhouse and USC SCA alum, unveiled the Josh Schwartz Writing Mentorship Program for students in the John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television, a significant addition to USC SCA's network of support for screenwriters.

Known for his contributions as a writer, director, and producer on hits series such as "The O.C." and "Gossip Girl," Schwartz developed the program to provide Wells Writing Division students in their final year of study with direct access to industry mentors. The curriculum aims to provide useful, doable advice during the critical shift from student to professional storyteller. Schwartz will remain closely involved with the mentorship selection process, ensuring that students work with professionals who best support their goals.

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 Aaron Kaplan (Producer, "American Housewife," "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 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

2. 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.

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 as an undergraduate?​

Yes, if you meet the criteria. Undergraduates with 48 or fewer transferable units (excluding AP and IB classes) can apply to transfer.

USC SCA also recommends transfer applicants first complete all of USC’s General Education requirements. In addition, film 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. 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?​

Film students can participate in study abroad programs offered through the USC Office of Overseas Studies only if they receive the approval from their academic advisor. 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?​

USC 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.)

8. Is an interview required for acceptance to the graduate film program?​

Select applicants may be asked to have a remote interview with faculty or staff. Interview requests are sent to the email address used in your application. You must respond within 72 hours.

USC SCA tours​

USC SCA does not allow prospective students and their families to tour its facilities. However, prospective undergraduate students can conduct self-guided on-campus tours or sign up for a traditional on-campus tour.

Alternatively, click here to sign up for an immersive virtual tour. Group tours are reserved for high school, community college, and community-based organizations.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect application instructions for 2026 entry.​

Continue reading...​

• USC SCA Acceptance Rate​

• USC SCA Application Deadlines and What to Expect After Applying for 2026 Entry​

• USC SCA Cost Breakdown, Financial Aid, and Scholarships for 2026 entry​

• USC SCA’s General Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to USC SCA's Film & Television Production BFA for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to USC SCA’s Cinema & Media Studies BA for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to SC SCA’s Writing for Screen & Television BFA for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to USC SCA’s Business of Cinematic Arts BS for 2026 Entry​

• USC SCA’s General Graduate Admissions Requirements for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to USC SCA’s Film & Television Production MFA for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to USC SCA's Peter Stark Producing MFA Program for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to USC SCA's Writing for Screen & Television MFA Program for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to USC SCA's Cinema & Media Studies MA/Ph.D. Program for 2026 Entry​

• Admissions Requirements and Guidelines for USC SCA International Applicants​

• Increase Your Chances of Acceptance to USC SCA​

• Read the full article​