Application Procedures
John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts
The John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts is an innovative program designed to provide students with traditional animation education combined with experimentation with the world of digital technologies. From hand-drawn characters and experimental animation to state-of-the-art interactive computer graphics, students learn a broad range of concepts and techniques in a hands-on environment.
The John C. Hench Animation & Digital Arts Admission Committee reviews applications for originality, clarity, personal insight and artistic excellence. Considerable importance is placed on the Cinematic Arts personal statement, portfolio, résumé and letters of recommendation. There are no admission interviews. By limiting the evaluation to the items listed, the committee ensures that all applicants are judged by the same criteria.
Notes: Transfer students—admission is granted on a space available basis. There is no spring admission to this program.
USC Admission Materials
Cinematic Arts Supplemental Materials
Undergraduates: The following materials must be submitted directly to the USC School of Cinematic Arts (Attn: Undergraduate Animation & Digital Arts, LPB-200, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211) with the applicant’s name and student ID number (if available) indicated at the top of each page. All items (except the portfolio) must be typed or legibly handwritten on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
Graduates: The following materials must be submitted online (except the portfolio, which should be mailed directly to the Animation & Digital Arts Program at the address below).
1. Cinematic Arts Supplemental Application Form (undergraduates only)
Available online here.
2. Photocopy or Printout of the USC Application for Admission (undergraduates only)
Send a photocopy or printout of the application you have submitted to the USC Office of Admission. Do not send the original application to the School of Cinematic Arts. It is not necessary to send the university essay, quick takes, or short answers to the School of Cinematic Arts. Transfer applicants should send the activity summary. Online applicants should print a copy of the application from their computer. A brief statement indicating submission of the online application is acceptable if you are unable to print the materials.
3. Cinematic Arts Personal Statement
The Cinematic Arts personal statement should reflect the applicant’s individuality and explain why he or she would like to study animation and digital arts at USC. The Animation Admission Committee will review this statement as a measure of the applicant’s creativity, intelligence, self-awareness, determination and vision. There is no standard format or length for the statement, but it should give the committee a sense of the applicant’s long-term goals and artistic ambitions.
4. Portfolio
All portfolio materials must be sent directly to the John C. Hench Animation & Digital Arts Program at the address below.
The portfolio may consist of any one or all the following:
• One VHS, CD or DVD, no more than 15 minutes in length
• Slides or copies of original art, showcasing the applicant’s artwork, animation or computer graphics
• Any other samples that represent the applicant’s aesthetic sense and capabilities
All materials must be packaged in a padded envelope or other protective material. Please do not send originals, as we are unable to return portfolio items.
5. Résumé (graduates only)
A record of the applicant’s background and experience, listing creative projects in which he or she has participated. Formal recognition—such as awards, publications, jobs and exhibitions—should be noted.
6. Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation (no particular format) are required. Undergraduate applicants should send the letters to the John C. Hench Animation & Digital Arts Admission Committee at the address below. Graduate applicants are highly encouraged to submit their letters through the university’s online application. Applicants are responsible for verifying that the letters have been received.
Undergraduates: Send the above required materials—Cinematic Arts Supplemental Application Form, photocopy or printout of the USC admission application, Cinematic Arts personal statement, portfolio and letters of recommendation to:
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Attn: Undergraduate John C. Hench Animation & Digital Arts Program
University Park, LPB 200C
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211
Graduates: Submit the university application, Cinematic Arts personal statement, résumé and letters of recommendation using the university’s online application. The portfolio items may be sent to the address below. Recommenders who will not use the online process may send their letters directly to the John C. Hench Animation & Digital Arts Program.
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Attn: Graduate John C. Hench Animation & Digital Arts Program
University Park, LPB 200C
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211
Admission Checklist
John C. Hench Division
USC Office of Admission
213.740.1111
• USC Application for Admission
• Official Transcripts (from all schools attended)
• Official Test Scores (and TOEFL for international applicants)
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Office of Admission
John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts
213.740.3896
• Cinematic Arts Supplemental Application Form (undergraduates)
• Activity Summary (transfer applicants)
• Photocopy or Printout of USC Application for Admission (undergraduates)
• Cinematic Arts Personal Statement
• Portfolio
• Résumé (graduates)
• Letters of Recommendation
