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Step 2: Complete Online Application

USC no longer accepts paper applications. After you have read all instructions carefully, please complete our online graduate application for your intended program here. We also recommend you review our video tutorial titled, “Navigating your USC Graduate Application” for more details.

You may only apply to up to three programs per term. Applications to additional programs in a single term will not be considered. Please note that withdrawing an application does not reset the three program application limit for that term.

Step 3: Pay your Application Fees

The application fee is $90 for all graduate programs, except those offered by the Marshall School of Business ($155) and the International Academy’s Pre-Master’s program ($175). We accept payments via Visa, MasterCard and Discover card.

Fee Waivers: Students who qualify for a fee waiver must start their online application, then have their waiver request approved prior to application submission by providing supporting documents to demonstrate their qualification. Please click here to check if you are eligible for the fee waiver.

Step 4: Provide Program Materials

In addition to transcripts and test scores, most USC graduate programs require supplemental materials for admission review. These materials may include (but are not limited to) items such as a statement of purpose, recommendations, writing samples, creative portfolio, etc. Supplemental materials are reviewed by the department only, not the Office of Graduate Admission.

Please refer to the homepage of your intended graduate department as well as the instructions on the “Program Materials” quadrant on our online application to verify which supplemental materials are needed and how to submit them. In most cases, they can be submitted via the online application. Some programs may require that you submit your supplemental materials via Slideroom. You will receive instructions on our application or directly from your department if this is the case. If the materials need to be mailed, the postal address will be given on the department website. (This is usually not the same address to which you send your transcripts.)

Please contact your intended graduate program with any questions regarding supplemental materials.