Deadline FAQs

This initiative is a response to strong demand from students who are eager to commit to USC as their first choice and want to complete the admission process sooner.

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

• Early Decision (ED): Binding and restrictive, and available for most majors. Students may apply to only one institution through a restrictive process and must attend if admitted. Applicants are informed of an admission decision by mid-December.
• Early Action (EA): Non-binding and non-restrictive, and available for most majors. Students receive an earlier decision but can apply to other schools, and are not required to attend should they be admitted. Applicants are informed of an admission decision in mid-January.
• Regular Decision (RD): Non-binding and non-restrictive. Applicants are informed of an admission decision by April 1.

No. If you apply Early Decision to USC, 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 Early Decision, 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 through Early Decision.

No. Transfer applicants may only apply Regular Decision.

If admitted through Early Decision, you must enroll at USC 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 Early Decision are expected to enroll, those facing unexpected financial hardship can discuss their circumstances with USC’s Admission and Financial Aid Offices.

While transferring into another program may be possible after enrolling at USC, students should apply Early Decision only if they are fully committed to studying the major chosen on their application.

Yes. Applicants to Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision (for performing arts 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.

Yes. Early Decision 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 Early Decision, your application can be deferred to the Regular Decision round if you choose to remain in consideration.

Early Decision allows us to attract those excellent students who might otherwise apply elsewhere. We expect those admitted through 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.

It is available for most, but not all, majors. Students applying to the , Kaufman School of Dance, School of Dramatic Arts, and Thornton School of Music will need to apply Regular Decision.

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

Students who are not admitted early will be given the chance to defer their application for consideration in the Regular Decision round. We do not expect to turn away students in early rounds.

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