Interdisciplinary programs have a broad appeal to students, and for good reason. They let you approach interesting and complicated problems from multiple angles, give you unique insight and tools, and allow you to make connections other programs can’t cover. We’ve discussed some of these programs before, and today we’re going to dive deep into another.
USC’s Iovine and Young Academy is a hub for innovation, and offers students remarkable opportunities they won’t find elsewhere. In this article, we’ll explore what the Academy is, how you can apply to it, and what it’s looking for in applicants. Let’s get started!
What is the Iovine and Young Academy?
Often abbreviated as IYA, the academy is a professional school located within the University of Southern California. This school admits a small cohort of students each year (around 30), and focuses on an interdisciplinary program combining entrepreneurship, technology, and design.
The goal of the academy is to create the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, by giving students a broad introduction to technology, business, and the principles of design. Students are given mentorship and individual guidance by professors, take courses which are only available through IYA, and have access to unique networking opportunities.
Students from the academy often go on to found or join startups, and take positions with top tech firms working on novel and exciting projects. All students in the academy earn a BS degree, but have flexibility in which courses they take and what they choose to focus on.
Students learn not just through classrooms, but through maker spaces, which are located in the program’s main building, Iovine and Young Hall. Their goal is to foster a collaborative community, and give their students all the resources they need to take advantage of these opportunities.
How to Apply to the Iovine and Young Academy
You can apply to the school as a freshman, as an external transfer student, or as an internal transfer student. That said, most students enter the academy as incoming freshmen; spaces for transfer students are limited.
Applying as a freshman is simple; you use the Common App, and select “IYA: Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation B.S.” as your first choice major. You may only apply for the academy for the regular decision deadline; it does not participate in USC’s early action admissions program.
The application requires everything a standard application to USC does, but includes two unique components: a video, and a portfolio. We’ll cover the requirements for each.
Proposal Video
There are two options for this video. In the first, you create a pitch video of less than a minute in length. In this, you pitch a product, service, or system meant to solve a problem or address a need. This should cover why this is a good idea, how the idea works and can be implemented, and the viability of the idea; how it might become self-sustaining.
This is meant as a chance for you to show off your creativity, problem solving, and communications skills. They strongly encourage unique and innovative video formats, and prefer you not submit a “selfie” video, where you simply film yourself speaking to the camera. Your choice of topics and format is otherwise broad, so long as it fulfills the prompt for the video.
Project Narration
This is your second option, which is also constrained to a minute in length. In this, you are invited to describe a project you have already done, be it technological, entrepreneurial, design-based, or creative. As opposed to the other video, which is more free form, they want you to cover specific points in this one. Namely:
- A brief personal introduction
- An overview of the project
- The creation process, including tools, materials, and techniques
- What you specifically did, if this was a group project
- What you learned about yourself
There are additional portfolio submissions, one of them should be a visual example of the project. Unlike the above video, this one can just be you speaking into the camera. Though more creative approaches are allowed as well, you must make sure you cover all of the relevant points.
Your Portfolio
In addition to the one-minute video (either of the above options), you must submit a portfolio of original work. This may include up to five pieces, and should be examples of projects you have completed in design, technology, business, art, science, or communication.
Each submission for the portfolio must include a title, description, details of your work in the project’s creation, and the methods used in the development of the project. You should include citations if relevant to the project.
You may submit projects from one or more of the following categories. They encourage a range of submissions where possible:
- Visual arts and design. This includes 2D and 3D arts in traditional or digital mediums.
- Technology and science projects. Those developed during internships or other programs can be submitted. Projects should demonstrate problem solving and the ability to integrate multiple disciplines. Evidence includes code excerpts, schematics, abstracts, photos, and videos.
- Time based media. This includes videos, video games, motion graphics, recordings of audio, or recordings of performance based art.
- Business ventures. This includes written materials, images, and videos that describe a business venture or marketing plan undertaken by you. Your role must be clearly explained.
Regardless of what you submit, make sure it is carefully curated. Admissions officers want to give each application the needed review, and that is often impossible with overly long submissions. This is why the video is limited to a minute in length, and your portfolio submissions should be similarly selective in what you include. Make sure you include all relevant details, but don’t overwhelm admissions officers with unnecessary details.
Virtual Interviews
The academy has a two stage selection process. First all of the materials in your application are reviewed; essays and portfolio alike. Select applicants are then invited to complete virtual interviews in February. You will be notified if you have been selected for an interview in January. Even if you were not selected, your application will still be considered for acceptance to USC for your second choice major.
These interviews are more formal, and more impactful, than most college interviews. That said, our interview advice still holds in how to prepare, and you will likely be asked similar questions. The difference is that these interviews are held with faculty and admissions officers from the academy, who will be directly deciding on the fate of your application.
Transferring into the Iovine and Young Academy
You can also apply to the academy as a transfer student, either within USC, or externally. Note that the academy is set up as a full curriculum, and transferring in may delay your graduation date. Credit and standing for external transfer applicants is decided on a case by case basis.
External applicants must complete the same video and portfolio components, and must answer this additional essay question:
- You are applying to transfer to USC for a major that will likely take 3-4 years to complete. What will the Academy allow you to accomplish that your current degree program/institution will not?
Internal transfer applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply to transfer. Credit and standing is also decided on a case by case basis. In addition to the video and portfolio components listed above, applicants must answer the following essay question:
- You are applying to change your major, which may mean extending your time at USC beyond the standard four years (the Academy curriculum is sequential and typically takes 3-4 years to complete depending on previous coursework completed). What will the Academy allow you to accomplish that your current degree program will not?
Both sorts of transfer applications are due in February. There are limited seats available for transfer applicants.
What the Iovine and Young Academy is Looking For
There is no single thing the academy wants to see in applicants; this is because the academy is trying to admit a cadre of students who will work in concert, each with unique skills, interests, and viewpoints to contribute. That said, there are some traits they look for in all applicants:
- An ability to collaborate. They want to see both that you can work as a team leader and a team player; that you will be able to contribute ideas towards a common goal, and work with others to accomplish that goal, even if your ideas are not the ones selected.
- Passion. You should care deeply about things, and want to accomplish things. You should have some sense of your goals, both in the near and long term, and understand how the academy can help you achieve them.
- Interdisciplinary focus. The academy exists to help students explore the intersection of their interests, and they are looking for students who already have these interests in multiple fields.
Overall, the academy is looking for students who will bring something unique, in terms of views and experiences. They want to see past examples of what you have done, and that you have actively explored your passions; this is what the portfolio examples are meant to demonstrate.
Final Thoughts
We live in a constantly changing and innovating world, and students looking for a program with a multidisciplinary approach to innovation and entrepreneurship will be well served by the Iovine and Young academy at USC. We hope this article has given you a good look at what you need to apply to this academy, and what they want to see in applicants.
College applications are often tricky, especially to highly competitive and specialized programs such as this. If you are looking for help composing the perfect essays, or showcasing your projects in the best light, schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help you. We have an in-depth knowledge of specialized programs, and are always happy to hear from you.
