Students at USC who are in good academic standing are also eligible to declare this major. For entering freshmen, this assessment is based upon high school grades, scores earned on the Scholastic Aptitude Test or American College Test, writing sample, demonstrated leadership through extracurricular activities, and letter of recommendation. Because the Planning and Development major has such a strong liberal arts component and is part of a professional school, this major for undergraduates is not found at most universities.
Admission is highly competitive so the class size stays small.