Does University of Southern California Require Letters of Recommendation?

USC Letter of Recommendation Requirements

USC requires one counselor recommendation and one teacher recommendation through Common App. Up to two additional optional recommendations are accepted. USC's admissions process is holistic, and letters should add information not already visible in the rest of the application.

Who Should Write the Letters

A school counselor or guidance counselor must submit the counselor recommendation through Common App. The counselor's report typically includes context about the school's curriculum, the student's class rank or standing, and a personal evaluation of the student's character and contributions.

Teacher recommendations should come from instructors in academic subjects, ideally from 11th or 12th grade, who can speak to the student's intellectual engagement, work habits, and classroom contributions. For STEM-focused programs, at least one letter from a math or science teacher is often most relevant. For humanities programs, an English or social studies teacher may provide the best perspective.

The optional additional recommendation can come from a coach, employer, mentor, community leader, or research supervisor who knows the student in a context different from the classroom. Optional letters add value only if they present new, meaningful information that is not already evident in the main application.

How to Submit Letters Through Common App

Once the student submits the application through Common App, the system sends automatic requests to each designated recommender. Recommenders submit letters directly through the portal and do not send paper copies. Students should notify recommenders before adding their contact information to the application and should provide ample time — ideally four to six weeks — for the letter to be written and submitted before the deadline.