Application Note University of Southern California –B.S in Physical Science, International Freshman I PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Physical Sciences Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences The Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences degree offers a broad survey of the physical sciences This program is designed to allow students interested in teaching at the secondary school level With proper scheduling, the program can provide both the breadth and depth required by the State of California and the USC School of Education for a Single Subject Teaching credential Contact the Undergraduate Office in the Physics Department for more information Degree listings here reflect current requirements Since actual graduation requirements depend on the specific year which a student enters USC, students should always consult with their faculty advisor to determine course selection https://dornsife.usc.edu/physics/physical-sciences/ II DEADLINE Date and Deadline The following are deadlines for 2019-2020 academic year admission: December 1, 2018* First-Year Application Deadline for Merit Scholarship Consideration All first-year applicants who submit a complete application by December will be considered for USC Merit Scholarships * USC does not have an Early Decision or Early Action program First-year and transfer deadline for the following programs: All Dramatic Arts, Cinematic Arts and Music programs, Kaufman School of Dance, the Iovine and Young Academy, and the World Bachelor in Business (WBB) program January 15, 2019 Final first-year application deadline February 13, 2019 FAFSA and CSS Profile applications due for financial aid If you are interested in receiving Financial Aid, learn more in the Financial Aid website February Merit Scholarship Notifications First-year applicants who submitted their application by December will receive notification of their Merit Scholarship status by February Applicants who are not selected to receive or interview for scholarships will still be considered for admission April 1, 2018 Final Admission Decisions Application Note All first-year applicants who submitted a complete application by the January deadline will be mailed an admission decision by April Only notification from the Office of Admission constitutes an offer of admission https://admission.usc.edu/apply/dates-deadlines/ III.ADMISSION REQUIREMENT What We Look For We look for those students we believe will thrive at USC Our application process is designed to discover your individual story, so that we might see how you would take advantage of the many opportunities available at USC Like many highly selective universities, we conduct a comprehensive, holistic review of your application to consider academic and personal characteristics We will review your performance in school, the rigor of your program, writing skills and test scores We also consider personal qualities, as revealed in community involvement, leadership and achievements Successful USC Students USC students pursue ambitious intellectual and professional goals by studying across disciplines and taking advantage of the diversity of programs available They are willing to venture outside their comfort zones They are interested in the world, in other peoples and cultures, and enjoy examining important issues from a global perspective USC students are unafraid to speak up in class to make others think or fight for a cause They get involved by participating in student organizations and connecting with others They seek to grow to their fullest potential, and they seek to serve others in the community along the way https://admission.usc.edu/apply/our-admission-process/ Academics Incoming first-year students demonstrate superior academic performance — and the potential to more Most admitted students are ranked in the top 10 percent of their graduating class, and their median standardized test score is in the top percent No specific curriculum is prescribed or required, though students offered admission typically pursue the most rigorous program available to them in English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign language and the arts Careful attention is paid to preparation for the intended major The review is not formulaic — we try to envision your performance at the next level We are also looking for your potential to make an impact: willingness to go beyond the requirements, to dig deeply into texts, to explore ideas and become a lifelong learner Ultimately we look for students who will become enthusiastic partners in learning and research Admission to Specific Majors Applicants to some majors must submit a portfolio or audition In some cases, you will need to submit these by December Our final decision is based in part on the feedback we receive Application Note from the faculty of these programs Some of these programs are particularly competitive, so we will consider students for their second-choice majors as well, or we may admit them as “undecided/undeclared.” Personal Characteristics We strive to enroll a diverse group of students who represent a vast array of perspectives and passions, who will enrich each other’s education by challenging each other, inside the classroom and out Your essay and short-answer responses will help us get to know your personality and your voice Teacher and counselor recommendations speak to your academic success and the contributions you might make to the classroom, the broader learning environment and the community at large Your values will be reflected in those letters, as well as in your activity list We pay close attention to your personal narrative, background and circumstances, realizing that each student is unique and has something to offer Your application will paint a picture of you and how you might contribute to the community, tradition and spirit that make USC the dynamic place it is https://admission.usc.edu/apply/first-year-students/ Official Test Scores USC requires either SAT or ACT scores from all first-year applicants For students who take the SAT more than once, USC records the highest scores for each section — Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics — even if achieved in different sittings For the ACT, USC will just consider the highest composite score https://admission.usc.edu/apply/first-year-students/ First-year (freshman) international applicants are required to submit: SAT or ACT scores; AND TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores, if the native language is not English (Applicants with minimum scores of 650 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing exam or 27 on the ACT English exam are exempt See English Proficiency Criteria below.) First-year international applicants should earn: Minimum score of 600 on the SAT Critical Reading exam (previous SAT) or 650 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing exam (redesigned SAT) or 27 on the ACT English exam; OR A minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL iBT (with a minimum score of 20 in each section); OR A minimum IELTS score of 7; OR A minimum PTE score of 68 Application Note https://admission.usc.edu/apply/international-students/#/additional-requirements When requesting that test results be sent to USC, use the following code numbers: USC SAT code number: 4852 USC ACT code number: 0470 You must have your scores sent directly to USC by the agency administering the exam http://ask.usc.edu/app/answers/detail/a_id/778/~/what-are-uscs-sat%2Fact-school-codes%3F UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION Student Profile http://admission.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/Freshman-Profile-2019.pdf IV PROCESS & MAILING ADDRESS Applicant Checklist Online Application Application Fee TOEFL(Code: 4852) / IELTS ACT (Code: 0470) / SAT(Code: 4852) Official Transcripts One Recommendation Letter Essays Documentation of Financial Support https://admission.usc.edu/apply/first-year-students/ Application Note Contact Information Mailing address for follow-up application materials and all other types of correspondence: USC Office of Admission Undergraduate University Park Campus Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911 TEL: 213-740-1111 https://admission.usc.edu/contact/ Transcripts Academic Records International applicants must provide official copies of academic records from all secondary or senior secondary schools, pre-university programs, and colleges and universities attended Applicants should: Have all academics records sent directly from the schools (whenever possible) Submit all academic records in the native language, accompanied by an English translation, if the native language is not English Send external examination results or predicted results Examples: predicted IB results, Indian board exam results, GCSE/IGCSE results, predicted A-levels, Australian ATAR, etc Submit any additional documents as requested by the USC Office of Admission Note: USC expects students to prepare work that is their own, factually true and honestly presented USC does not contract with, nor is represented by, non-USC entities in the recruitment and admission process https://admission.usc.edu/apply/international-students/#/additional-requirements A transcript is considered official when we receive it in the sealed envelope the school provides or if it is electronically transmitted (not emailed) from the institution It can be mailed by the school or the applicant and be considered official as long as the envelope has not been opened Transcripts that are uploaded are not considered official The address above may also be used for recommenders who wish to mail in hard copy letters of recommendation http://ask.usc.edu/app/answers/detail/a_id/447 Letter(s) of Recommendation One letter is required from either your school counselor or a teacher from your school https://admission.usc.edu/apply/first-year-students/ Application Note Documentation of Financial Support The US government requires all international students to provide proof of the ability to pay tuition and living expenses for the first academic year Along with your application for admission, you must submit the Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support, accompanied by documentation of available funds (such as savings deposits, checking accounts, investment portfolios, or a signed bank letter verifying the ability to pay educational expenses) Documentation may also include proof of any scholarships or fellowships you have received or expect to receive https://admission.usc.edu/apply/international-students/#/additional-requirements V SOP/ESSAY/WRITING SAMPLE USC Supplement Please respond to one of the prompts below (250 word limit) USC believes that one learns best when interacting with people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives Tell us about a time you were exposed to a new idea or when your beliefs were challenged by another point of view Describe something outside of your intended academic focus about which you are interested in learning What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you? Essay (Required) Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections (250 word limit) Describe yourself in three words First Word: (25 characters limit –含含含) Second Word: (25 characters limit –含含含) Third Word: (25 characters limit –含含含) What is your favorite snack?: (100 characters limit –含含含) Favorite app/website: (100 characters limit –含含含) Application Note Best movie of all time: (100 characters limit –含含含) Hashtag to describe yourself (100 characters limit –含含含) Dream job: (100 characters limit –含含含) What is your theme song?: (100 characters limit –含含含) Dream trip: (100 characters limit –含含含) What TV show will you binge watch next?: (100 characters limit –含含含) Place you are most content?: (100 characters limit –含含含) **Applicants who select certain Majors will be required to complete additional writing questions ASCJ: USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism Essay How would an Annenberg major help you solve a global issue facing society in the 21st century? (250 word limit) VSE: USC Viterbi School of Engineering Essay While scientists yearn to discover the world that exists, Engineers and Computer Scientists seek to create the world that never was Our faculty and students believe collaborative teams are the key to great accomplishments Please describe a time in your life (academic, cocurricular, or otherwise) where you had to collaborate to accomplish more than you could alone (250 word limit) While the world as a whole may be more technologically advanced than ever before, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has outlined 14 Grand Challenges that engineers should focus on to improve life on the planet Learn about the Grand Challenges at www.engineeringchallenges.org and tell us which challenge is most important, and why (250 word limit) MBUS: World Bachelor in Business Essay First-year applicants applying to the WBB program are required to complete an online video interview by December 1st Please visit the following website for instructions on the video interview, https://app.kiratalent.com/applicant/4XLe6D/instructions In addition, please answer the short answer prompts below What experiences and/or skills best prepare you for success in our World Bachelor in Business program? (250 word limit) How does the WBB program meet your educational and/or professional goals? (250 word Application Note limit) What skills you find most useful in adapting to changing environments? (250 word limit) Acknowledging that the WBB does not offer a “traditional” or fixed residential experience, please explain why this alternative education experience is a good fit for you Please share examples of how you plan to create unique or new opportunities in the WBB environment (250 word limit) (From Online Application) VI ADDITIONAL NOTE FOR INT’L APPLICANT 2018-2019 Undergraduate Estimate of Costs Tuition (12-18 units for two semesters) $55,320 Fees $905 Room and board* $15,395 Books and supplies $1,200 Personal and miscellaneous $1,452 Transportation $553 Total** $74,825 *Includes average rent and the standard meal plan for students living in on-campus freshman housing **Add $450 New Student Fee for your first semester https://financialaid.usc.edu/undergraduates/prospective/how-much-wil-my-education-cost.html VII STATUS CHECK Online Status Check After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email from our office with instructions on how to set up your account in the USC Applicant Portal https://admission.usc.edu/contact/ VIII OTHER / FINANCIAL AID / INTERVIEW Financial Aid and Merit Scholarships Although you will not qualify for need-based financial aid if you are not a US citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for merit scholarships Please note: You will not be able to pay for the full amount of your educational expenses by working while you are in the United States Interview Application Note USC no longer conducts on- or off-campus admission interviews However, prospective students are welcome to contact their USC admission counselor with any questions about the admission process To find the USC counselor who covers your school, please visit admission.usc.edu/find-your-counselor https://admission.usc.edu/apply/first-year-students/#/interviews ... deadline will be mailed an admission decision by April Only notification from the Office of Admission constitutes an offer of admission https://admission.usc.edu/apply/dates-deadlines/ III.ADMISSION... Mailing address for follow-up application materials and all other types of correspondence: USC Office of Admission Undergraduate University Park Campus Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911 TEL: 213-740-1111... minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL iBT (with a minimum score of 20 in each section); OR A minimum IELTS score of 7; OR A minimum PTE score of 68 Application Note https://admission.usc.edu/apply/international-students/#/additional-requirements