PDF version of this chapterResident Honors Program
College Academic Services Building, Room 200
(213) 740-2961
(800) 872-2961
Director: Pennelope Von Helmolt, Ph.D.
Each year, USC admits a small number of exceptional and highly motivated high school seniors to begin their college careers a year early as part of the Resident Honors Program. Agreements are reached with these students' high schools that allow their first year of courses to apply toward the remainder of their high school requirements. At the same time, this course work is applicable toward their undergraduate degree. The program accepts students interested in all majors, but looks particularly for mature individuals who are ready for the challenges of a university. The typical resident honors student has a cumulative SAT score above 1440 and an A high school GPA.
The application process for the Resident Honors Program begins during a student's junior year of high school. SAT scores are an important part of the application and students are encouraged to take these exams (or the ACT) in October or November. In addition to an expanded university application, the program also requires a nomination form from the student's high school counselor and two letters of recommendation from high school teachers (one from the student's English teacher). All materials should be sent directly to the Resident Honors Program office.
For more information, contact Pennelope Von Helmolt at (213) 740-2961 or (800) 872-2961, or vonhelm@usc.edu.