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USC Roski School of Art and Design Portfolio Submission Guidelines

Important Dates & Deadlines

First-Year Application and Portfolio: Applicants must submit their USC application, Roski portfolio, and other required materials by December 1. Merit or departmental scholarship consideration is included in the overall review process.


Transfer Application and Portfolio: Students transferring from another college or university should submit their USC application, Roski portfolio, transcripts, and other required materials. Merit or departmental scholarship consideration is included in the overall review process. Deadline: Feb 15.


Current USC students interested in transferring to an art or design major at the Roski School of Art and Design should apply through the "Roski Major Application – for current USC students only" option. For fall admissions, the deadline is October 1; for spring admissions, the deadline is March 1. Link: https://roski.slideroom.com/#/Login


To be accepted as a Roski School student, applicants must first apply to USC. While many elements of the application are general to USC, the Roski admissions team will specifically review the portfolio and other materials.


USC admissions are processed through the Common Application, which typically opens around August 1.


Application Steps

Complete the Common Application




Applicants should visit the Common App website to find guides for both first-year and transfer students or apply directly through the platform.


Upload Your Portfolio


Submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 images of artwork created within the last two years at roski.slideroom.com.


The portfolio should showcase the applicant's strongest skills in art, whether across various media or within a single discipline, and reflect the development of unique personal ideas or concepts. The portfolio may include work from class assignments or independent projects. Please note that images in PDF format are not accepted.


Upload the Artist Statement


Applicants should upload their artist essay following the prompt provided in Slideroom. The essay should be no longer than 500 words.


Upload the List of Creative Accomplishments


The list of creative accomplishments should be organized chronologically and include practical experience in visual art or design. This may encompass high school courses, summer art programs, internships, private lessons, collaborative or interdisciplinary projects, and other relevant achievements.


Submit USC Materials


Applicants must also submit transcripts, test scores (SAT/ACT scores may be optional), and letters of recommendation. Detailed instructions are available in the Application Checklist on the USC Undergraduate Admissions site. Most international students must meet specific language requirements, which are outlined on the USC Undergraduate Admissions site as well. Materials should be sent to:


USC Office of Admission


700 Childs Way
University Park Campus


Los Angeles, California 90089-0911


For assistance in organizing the portfolio for admission, Roski’s faculty admissions committee has provided a Q&A, which can be consulted for guidance.


What Sets One Portfolio Apart?

A standout portfolio features work that transcends mere documentation of the world. It should showcase a range of ideas and concepts, demonstrating evidence of creative thinking through the innovative use of materials, a strong conceptual framework, and an awareness of art history or contemporary art trends.


What Makes a Successful Portfolio?


A successful portfolio is characterized by work that captures attention and makes an impact. It should consist of bodies of work that are informed by clear ideas and concepts, and include pieces created outside of class assignments. Evidence of engagement with contemporary art—through art magazines, catalogs, and websites—helps provide context and depth to the work.


What Impresses Reviewers?


Reviewers are impressed by the ability to articulate thoughtful insights about the work, including personal influences and ideas. Strong concepts, exceptional execution, and a distinctive point of view are also key factors in making a positive impression.


How Could the Concentration Section of AP Art Become a Winning Portfolio?

To make the concentration section of AP Art stand out, applicants should focus on a coherent concept rather than random content. Avoid vague themes like "world peace" or "relationships" and instead choose a personal and specific concept that remains relatable. Reviewing the work of contemporary artists can provide valuable inspiration for selecting a compelling concentration.

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