Application Procedures
Interactive Media Division
The only program of its kind tied to a cinematic arts school, the Interactive Media Division offers unprecedented opportunities for students to explore media convergence in an environment that leverages the natural advantages of its Los Angeles setting.
The faculty panel evaluates applications for originality, clarity, personal insight and artistic excellence. Considerable importance is placed on the Cinematic Arts personal statement, writing samples, portfolio list, creative work sample and letters of recommendation. There are no admission interviews. The committee ensures that all applicants are judged equitably by limiting evaluation to the items listed.
Application Deadlines
Note: There is no spring admission for Graduate Interactive Media.
USC Admission Materials
Cinematic Arts Supplemental Materials
Undergraduates: The following materials must be submitted directly to the School of Cinematic Arts (Attn: Undergraduate Interactive Entertainment, CTV-G130, 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 creative work sample) must be typed or legibly handwritten on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
Graduates: The following materials must be submitted online (except the creative work sample, which should be mailed directly to the Interactive Media Division 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 is an opportunity to express your background and basis for interest in Interactive Media and explain why you would like to study film, video and electronic media production at the School of Cinematic Arts. This statement will be read by the Interactive Media Admission Committee as a measure of creativity, self-awareness and vision. While there is no standard format, length or correct answer, your statement should give the committee a sense of your long-term goals and artistic ambitions. It should answer the questions: “Who are you as a person? What are you trying to say, using interactive media?”4. Writing Samples
Two writing samples are required to demonstrate imagination. You must complete Category III. You may choose between Category I and Category II for your second writing submission.5. Portfolio List
Category I: Write a one-page character profile of an original fictional character (no particular format) whom you consider to be truly unique. Describe this person in terms of appearance, social background and psychological attitude. What makes this person interesting?
Category II: Briefly describe an emotionally intense moment you have experienced. Limit your description to two double-spaced, typed pages.
Category III: Describe an interactive media experience that has inspired you to enter the field. What were the qualities that touched you? Limit your description to one page.
The portfolio list is a written record of the applicant’s creative material. It should include a concise description of each project, the month and year the project was completed, the applicant’s creative role and the purpose of the project. The material, which does not need to be film- or television-related, should give an idea of the range and depth of the applicant’s creative ability. Formal recognition—such as awards, publications, jobs and exhibitions—should be noted. The name of the institution or publication should be included when listing creative materials prepared for a class or publication. An example is below:
6. Creative Work Sample - must be sent directly to the Interactive Media Program at the address below.
- June 2004, Honors, 16mm black-and-white film, one hour. Position: writer/director. Honors is a story about two competitive college roommates. Produced for an advanced film production workshop: “Film Production II,” University of San Diego, San Diego, California. February 2003, “Cellomorphosis,” short story. Position: writer. A variation on the novella by Franz Kafka; published in Writing, vol. IV, 2003, at Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
The creative work sample is the one item that represents your best or most relevant work. This work might be computer-based or may be a film, photo essay, script or story. We also welcome references to URLs you have worked on. Please note, your creative work sample will not be returned to you.
7. Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. Undergraduate applicants should send the letters to the Interactive Entertainment Admission Committee at the appropriate 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 (Freshman and Transfer applicants)
Send the above materials—Cinematic Arts Supplemental Application Form, photocopy or printout of the USC admission application, Cinematic Arts personal statement, writing samples, portfolio list, creative work sample and letters of recommendation to:
USC Cinematic Arts Admission Office
Attn: Undergraduate Interactive Entertainment
University Park, CTV-G130
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211
Graduates (M.F.A. applicants)
Submit the university application, Cinematic Arts personal statement, writing samples, portfolio list, and letters of recommendation online using the university’s online application. The creative work sample may be submitted to the address below. Recommenders who will not use the online process may send their letters directly to:
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Attn: Graduate Interactive Media
University Park, SCA-218
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211
Admission Checklist
Interactive Media Division
USC Office of Admission
213.740.1111
•USC Application for Admission
•Official Transcripts
•Official Test Scores
TOEFL for international applicants
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Interactive Media Division
213.821.2515
•SCA Supplemental Application - Undergraduates
•Copy of USC Application - Undergraduates
•Cinematic Arts Personal Statement
•Portfolio List
•Creative Work Sample
•Letters of Recommendation
