The University of Southern California

“If you want to get in here, you don'tOct 22 2009Chemistry
If you want to get in here, you don't have to do much. I have heard of people that didn't take any AP's, and didn't do too well on their SAT's. I didn't even try to write a good admissions essay either. Really don't worry about it. If they like what you have, they will let you in.
Male

“Do a great job conveying how you're special orOct 01 2009Fine Arts - Painting/Sculpture/Photography/etc
Do a great job conveying how you're special or interesting in your college essay. They read thousands of those a year.

Focus on your portfolio if entering a major that uses one.

Do well on your SAT's, but don't stress over them.

Strong academics is important, but they care about hard workers more.

People said don't ask for financial aid - that's just stupid. If you need assistance - ask for it! I need probably more than anyone and it was not an issue for them at all - even in a recession year. If they want you, they will make it happen.
SAT: 1950 Male

“I did not have much trouble getting into USCJun 01 2009Chemical Engineering
I did not have much trouble getting into USC. The grades and the SAT scores did the work for me (I didn't even have to do an interview). However, if you're really going to do engineering, make sure you apply to the engineering school. You have a better shot at scholarships that way. Also, if you do get in, and you're wondering what to do during the summer, one word: internships.
ACT: 32 SAT: 1340 Male

“You send a resume list (do NOT lie! EvenMar 17 2009Video/Media
You send a resume list (do NOT lie! Even little white lies because they can tell). I didn't lie on mine but I was shocked at how extensively they ask you about each and everything on your list of works. I felt and could tell they were testing whether or not I had actually done everything listed which was cool, but somewhat sheisty. But I also could tell they were sincerely just interested to find out everything about you.

Just be passionate and relay that to them. It helps you INCREDIBLY to go to the undergrad "pre-interview" that they hold in different regions near your home for students who are interested in the program. This is YOUR CHANCE! Meet and make a good impression because the person you are meeting with / talking to is going to be one of the people who later decide whether you get in! (This is also the secret to bettering your chances at getting one of the coveted Scholarships either Presidential or Trustee). I, myself was a Trustee recipient so I didn't have to pay a cent of tuition; ever.

You will meet snobs, back stabbers, and all sorts of evil people at 'SC and you will work into the AM on several occasions and feel overwhelmed very often.

But if you make it through, you will graduate with a diploma literally worth it's weight in gold. Everywhere you go in the country people will see that you went to 'SC film school and they will respect you almost instantly (just make sure you keep it all fresh in your mind by practice-practice-practice!)

You will see films, meet people, and read books that will inspire you to your core. Fight On (^o^)/

Good luck!
SAT: 1120 Male