USC Supplemental Essays 2026–27

USC asks a 250-word essay on how you'll pursue your academic interests at USC (including your first- and second-choice majors), optional essays on a disagreement and on any gap in your education, and ten quick short answers: three words to describe yourself, plus your favorite snack, best movie, dream job, theme song, dream trip, next TV binge, ideal roommate, favorite book, and a class you'd teach.

The short answers are tiny but surprisingly revealing. This guide shows how to use them...