USC SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE GRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applying for Graduate Admission to the USC School of Architecture is a two-part process. PART ONE The following documents must be submitted to the University’s Graduate Admission Office, using the online application system. PLEASE NOTE: USC prefers that students apply online. However, a credit card is required to complete the online application. If you do not have a credit card, or do not wish to use your card number to apply online, you must use the paper application. 1) The USC online application for admission 2) Three letters of recommendation, as required by the School of Architecture. The School of Architecture does not have a separate form for the recommenders to fill out, but there is an optional form found on the USC online application for admission. Recommenders may submit their letter online or directly to the School of Architecture on paper. 3) Statement of Intent, as required by the School of Architecture. Please clearly describe your study intentions and interests. Please upload this information directly onto the USC online application for admission. 4) Resume and/or Curriculum Vitae, as required by the School of Architecture. Please upload this information directly onto the USC online application for admission. 5) GRE test scores. Test scores that are more than five years old at the time of application are not acceptable. USC’s institution code is 4852 and the Departmental Code is 4401. The GRE is not required of applicants to the certificate programs.
6) TOEFL scores (photocopy of scores and electronic submission by ETS), as required for international applicants. USC’s institution code is 4852 and the Departmental Code is 12. You must have taken the TOEFL test within the last two years.
Portfolio Submission Instructions If you are applying to a program that requires a portfolio, please review the guidelines below. While the visual work you are presenting is the most important element, don’t forget to proofread the text for typing and grammar errors. 1) A design portfolio is a compilation of one’s own work, which demonstrates past creative and graphic ability. It should include drawings and photographs of models from past architectural or design studios as well as any professional work you have done.
7) Academic records (transcripts) from all post-secondary schools you have attended. These records must be stamped and sealed by the institution and unopened by the applicant. Transcripts and degree certificates/diplomas must be written in the language of your home country. All documents must be accompanied by a wordfor-word English translation.
Applicants to the Master of Historic Preservation program must submit a writing sample (i.e., essay, article, published work, or nomination). Additional portfolio materials are not required, but will be reviewed if submitted.
8) International applicants only: Confidential Statement for Financing Studies at USC
A portfolio is not required of applicants to the certificate programs. If a portfolio is submitted, it will be reviewed.
9) Application fee. The application fee must be paid before an application is processed. Fee waivers are not granted for international applicants.
PART TWO The items below must be sent directly to the School of Architecture: USC School of Architecture Graduate Admission Watt Hall 204 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0291 1) Portfolio 2) Any information submitted in the part one process as outlined above that you are unable to submit electronically 3) International applicants only: copy of passport with your name, date of birth, country of birth and country of citizenship Please ensure that all materials are submitted directly to the School of Architecture.
Applicants to the Master of Building Science program may submit a portfolio consisting of papers, projects, computer programs, Web sites or other materials, which demonstrate technical competence, research skills, or appropriate knowledge or talents.
2) All work must be submitted in a bound format. The portfolio should not be larger than 8.5” x 11”. All work submitted should be reproductions of the original work and any three-dimensional work, such as sculpture or models, must be presented in photographs. Do not submit original drawings, slides, loose sheets or oversized binders. Portfolios for the Master of Building Science program may be submitted in electronic format or posted to an accessible Web site of the applicant’s choice. Portfolios for the Master of Historic Preservation program may also be submitted in electronic format. 3) Label the portfolio with your name, address, student ID number and email address. Include a table of contents listing everything being submitted. Also, each project should be labeled indicating when and where the work was produced, such as semester and year, studio level, project duration, where the project was built, etc. 4) Include the portfolio cover page. 5) Please remember that the selection committee will be reviewing the portfolios for the quality of work, not the quantity. It will be very important to present your work in a clear and coherent manner, and it is wise to limit the number of projects to a maximum of 10 projects, showing your best and indicative work. 6) Think of your portfolio as a design problem. You want it to look good but also to be easy to look at. The images should be clear. Orient the pieces in the same direction.