On January 30, hundreds of new Trojans flocked to campus for a look at their future university. These were no ordinary high schoolers, however — they represented the first students admitted to USC Marshall School of Business and USC Leventhal School of Accounting through the Early Decision (ED) pilot program — the first of its kind at the University of Southern California.

The two-year pilot allows students who are confident in USC as their top choice to accelerate the admission process. Students in the ED pilot gained acceptance last December for enrollment in Fall 2026.

During the celebratory dinner, Marshall Dean Geoffrey Garrett sat down for a fireside chat with USC President Beong Soo-Kim to discuss the pilot’s overwhelming success and the high caliber of the early admitted Class of 2030.

“You are now the history that has been made,” Garrett said. “The quality of the students who are in this room today is off the charts.”

President Kim emphasized the university’s role in preparing its students for their professional journeys through access to skills, connections, and support.

“We want to produce the world’s future leaders. We want to give them those skills. We want to give them those relationships. And there is no place other than USC where you can develop those skills and take advantage of them through a 500,000-plus Trojan Network across the world.”

In his remarks, Leventhal Dean Andy Call highlighted the important role trust plays in the early decision process and how the school plans to honor that trust with the Class of 2030.

“Early decision asks something meaningful of students and their families,” Call said. “It is an early act of trust that you place in us. Early decision also asks something of the institution in return. We need to meet that with a commitment of care and clarity and purpose throughout your time here on campus.”

The admitted students attended staff panels that gave insights about what they could expect in first few months of college, as well as advice for navigating USC’s countless opportunities.

The ensuing panel of senior students focused on balancing coursework, applying for internships, and making the most of the Trojan Network. Panelists also detailed other opportunities unique to USC, including international trips and progressive degree programs.

“I think that the progressive degree program is one of my highlights of attending USC,” said Jackson Dowell, a Trustee Scholar and president of the Black Business Student Association. “There’s not many other schools where you’re able to graduate with your bachelor’s and your master’s in four or five years. It’s something that I’m very thankful for as I begin my career.”

Tiffiani Frye, assistant dean and director of undergraduate admissions and outreach, shared a similar message centered on the partnership between Marshall and its students.

“For us, early decision is more than an admissions pathway. It’s a shared commitment — students choosing Marshall early and Marshall choosing you in return,” Frye said. “For our families, you’re not handing your students off at all. You’re joining a partnership grounded in care, guidance, and opportunity.”

Penelope Stanton, from Austin, Texas, was thankful for the opportunity the early decision pilot program provided.

“[USC] has been my dream school since middle school,” Stanton said. “When this early decision came out, everything fell into place and then I worked so hard just to come here.”

Students attended the Involvement Fair at Suryan Plaza, where they learned more about Marshall careers, international programs, the financial services hub, and much more. Later, they toured campus and even got a sneak peek at their future dormitories. Ultimately, it was a chance to feel what it’s like to be a Trojan. It was also an opportunity for the Class of 2030 to bond with each other, forming crucial early connections and friendships.

“I met two girls that are in my major that I’m really excited to talk to, [and] a few that are already figuring out rooming. So that’s been super cool,” said Shamiso Chikwenhere, a member of the Class of 2030 from Kentucky who plans to major in the Business of Cinematic Arts (BCA).

Throughout the day, speakers placed an emphasis on the budding bonds between new students, some which may last a lifetime. As President Kim explained, the skills, knowledge, and opportunities gained at Marshall may have immense value, but the relationships cultivated will be priceless.

“You’re certainly going to remember the lifelong friends that you’re going to meet here,” Kim said. “Make sure that you’re learning not just in the classrooms but outside the classrooms and developing relationships with all of the amazing people that are represented in this room.”