Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know if my application is complete?

Only those applicants whose applications are incomplete will be notified via email. Please do not contact us to inquire about the status of your application or to confirm receipt of items sent. Given the number of applications we process it is not possible to respond to such inquiries.

When will applicants be notified of admissions decision?

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We will make admissions decisions as quickly as possible.

If I email you my profile (GMAT, GPA, TOEFL, etc) can you evaluate my chances of admission?

Like many top graduate business programs in the U.S., we will review all parts of your application before making a decision. Unfortunately we are not able to evaluate your profile before a complete application is submitted.

When is the last possible date I can take the GMAT?

Although you must take the GMAT before submitting your application, we only require that the test be taken before the application deadline. You can self-report your scores on your application.If the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) score is not available, please leave this question blank.

My recommender doesn’t feel comfortable using the online method.Can he or she mail a paper recommendation letter?

Although we prefer the online recommendation letter, we realize circumstances may prevent a recommender from submitting via the online application. If paper letters are being sent, the letters must be on an official company or university letterhead and sealed. Please mail the document to the address provided on the Admissions section of our website – the same address where official transcripts should be sent.

Is there an evening or part-time MAcc?

Part-time option is only available for our MBT-Working Professionals program.

If I am admitted but cannot attend, can I defer my admission for 1 year?

We assume that applicants each year are serious about entering USC Leventhal. Therefore we rarely grant admission deferrals. Those who decline an offer may re-apply the following year and be evaluated within the new pool of applicants. If, after being admitted, you have compelling reasons for deferring admission, you may request a review by contacting our office. Deferrals are at the discretion of the director.

International Students

Can I submit my proof of financial support (bank statement) after I am admitted?

No.All international applicants must submit a proof of financial support for the application to be complete. An admit decision will not be made without this document. You can either upload a scanned document to your online application or mail the document to the address provided on the Admissions section of our website – the same address where official transcripts should be sent.

My country uses a 100-point grading scale (not 4.0 GPA).Do I need to convert to a U.S. GPA (grade point average)?

You may leave the GPA section blank. Our Office of Graduate International Admission will evaluate your transcripts and determine the appropriate conversion.

My TOEFL iBT is just below 100, but I have at least a 20 on each section. Can I still be admitted?

It is very rare for students to be admitted with a total score below 100or less than 20 on each section of the iBT TOEFL.

I completed my undergraduate degree in China and I am now in the U.S. for a graduate degree. Do I need to take the TOEFL again?

If your TOEFL score is more than 2 years old from the start date of the intended term, you must re-take the test. The requirement will only be waived if your bachelors degree is from a country where English is the primary language.

Can I take the IELTS instead of the TOEFL?

USC does not accept the IELTS.