They are looking for the characteristics listed under Eligibility, with an eye to how well you will function in the workplace and the home, your initiative, and how well you will represent your home university, USC, and the program. Each candidate is discussed at length at the close of the interview day. Decisions are made by committee consensus. The interview committee involves at least three people who travel to Columbia from Washington for that day only. A great deal of information is exchanged at Orientation.
Essential paperwork is filled out.
Students choose rooming arrangements and are interviewed at length concerning placement. The number of applicants varies considerably, but usually runs around twenty or so. All written applications are carefully reviewed, and as many as seem potentially qualified are scheduled for interview. The Program accepts approximately ten students for each semester. If appropriate, the number is fewer or greater.