Deadline FAQs

This initiative is a response to strong demand from students who are eager to commit to USC Marshall as their first choice and want to complete the admission process sooner. We are proceeding cautiously, however, because ED represents a significant shift in our longstanding processes. We want to better understand the dynamics and impact of this program before possibly extending it to other schools.

Students should consider applying ED if they are absolutely sure that USC Marshall is their first choice and are prepared to make a binding commitment to attend if admitted.

Early Decision (ED): Binding. This option is only for Marshall School of Business applicants. Students must attend if admitted. Applicants informed of an admission decision by mid-December.

Early Action (EA): Non-binding, and available only to students not applying to portfolio-based programs. Students receive an earlier decision but can apply to other schools. Applicants informed of an admission decision in mid-January.

Regular Decision (RD): Non-binding. Applicants informed of an admission decision by April 1.

No. You can choose to apply Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision. You should choose what is best for you.

No. If you apply ED to USC Marshall, you may not apply ED to any other college or university. This option is intended only for those who will enroll if admitted. However, you may apply to non-binding Early Action and Regular Decision programs at other schools.

If you are not admitted through ED, your application will be deferred to the Regular Decision round and considered again within the context of that applicant pool.

Yes. International students may apply to USC Marshall through ED.

No. Transfer applicants may only apply Regular Decision.

If admitted through ED, you must enroll at USC Marshall and withdraw any outstanding applications to other schools. Failure to do so may result in USC rescinding your admission offer.

USC remains committed to accessibility and financial aid. While students admitted via ED are expected to enroll, those facing unexpected financial hardship can discuss their circumstances with USC’s Admission and Financial Aid Offices.

ED applicants are admitted directly to USC Marshall’s business or accounting programs. While transferring into another program may be possible after enrolling at USC, students should apply to ED only if they are fully committed to studying business or accounting. If you are uncertain about pursuing a USC Marshall major, this option is not for you.

Yes. Applicants to ED, Early Action, and Regular Decision (portfolio or audition programs) will be considered for USC’s merit scholarships.

No. All admitted students who meet all deadlines and eligibility requirements will be considered for need-based financial aid, regardless of application round. Financial aid summaries will be released shortly after admission decisions.

No. Once you submit an ED application, you are committed to the binding process unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Yes. ED is intended only for those students who will enroll if admitted. USC’s Early Action and Regular Decision rounds are appropriate for those students who are still deciding on their first-choice college. 

There’s no need to reapply. If you are not admitted via ED, your application can be deferred to the Regular Decision round if you choose to remain in consideration.

ED allows us to attract those excellent students who might otherwise apply elsewhere. We expect those admitted in ED will meet USC’s high standards.

No. Students who are not matched will have the option to continue the application process in either Early Action or Regular Decision.

All programs in the Marshall School of Business and the Leventhal School of Accounting are included in the ED option, except the World Bachelor in Business program.

Visit USC Marshall to learn more about our programs and to connect with us.

Approximately 40 percent of the class will be admitted EA. EA applicants who are not admitted in January will be able to defer their application to the Regular Decision round.

No. EA admission is non-binding and does not require enrollment at USC.

No one will receive a denial letter in January. Students who are not admitted early will be given the chance to defer their application for consideration in the Regular Decision round.

USC is test-optional. If a student chooses to submit their SAT or ACT results for consideration, October will be the final sitting we will consider for Early Action and Early Decision.