You’re ready to apply to USC Kaufman… So what do you actually need to do? In addition to submitting the Common Application and USC Writing Supplement, you’ll need to submit the USC Kaufman Portfolio. It can seem like a lot, but the best approach is to take each portion of the process one step at a time. To make things a bit easier, we’ve put together a quick collection of our best admission advice for each step of the process.  Up first –  The Common Application.

Here is how to apply, step-by-step:

STEP ONE: Start your Common Application

USC Kaufman candidates, with the exception of current USC students, will start with the Common Application.

• Create an account at commonapp.org.
• Complete all required sections.
• Add “University of Southern California” to your list of colleges.

STEP TWO: Start your USC Writing Supplement

USC applicants must submit additional information on the USC Writing Supplement, which is embedded within the Common Application when you add USC to your list of colleges.

• Complete all required sections.
• Select “KSOD: Dance, B.F.A” as your intended major.
• Confirm your intent to submit a portfolio when asked.
• Click on the generated SlideRoom link to begin your USC Kaufman Portfolio

STEP THREE: Start your USC Kaufman Portfolio

Selecting dance as your intended major on your USC Writing Supplement will trigger the Common Application to provide a link to the USC Kaufman Portfolio on SlideRoom. IMPORTANT: Unless you are a current USC student, you must go through Common App when first accessing SlideRoom. This ensures that your general application materials and dance materials are connected.

• Select “USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance”.
• Select the application type (i.e. First-Year Applicant).
• Complete all required sections, including tracking down your 10 digit USC ID number.

STEP FOUR: Hit submit by December 1!

You can work on multiple parts of the application at the same time. Therefore, you can start your USC Kaufman Portfolio while working on your other materials. However, you will need to submit your Common Application before you can submit your USC Kaufman Portfolio.

• Verify that everything provided is correct.
• Submit your Common Application.
• Submit your USC Writing Supplement
• Submit your USC Kaufman Portfolio
• Submit all supplemental materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendations, etc.

I know that it seems very complicated, but the Common App and USC Kaufman Portfolio are quite intuitive. Remember: Everything is due by December 1. I look forward to sharing more information and tips about each part of the USC Kaufman Portfolio and other admission information over the coming months.

By Anne Aubert-Santelli