How to transfer to the University of Southern California (USC)
The University of Southern California: Transfer Acceptance Rates and Application Guidelines
Why USC?
Have you always dreamed of attending the University of Southern California (USC)? As one of the most well-known universities in the United States, USC offers many highly respected academic programs and a vibrant campus life for transfer and first-year students alike.
However, transfer admissions at USC is competitive and requires careful planning. Read on to learn more about the specifics of transfer admission at USC. You will find out if this transfer option is the right choice for you and get tips to increase your chances of getting accepted.
Whether you’re transferring from a community college or another university, this guide will help you navigate through the USC transfer admissions process successfully. Discover the steps to become a USC Trojan and unlock the doors to your dream education.
Transfer Acceptance Rate: 24%
Although the University of Southern California is highly selective, it maintains a solid commitment to admitting and supporting transfers from various backgrounds.
For the fall 2022 semester, USC received 9100 applications from transfer students and accepted a whopping 2141 transfers! That made USC’s transfer admission rate 24% – double the admission rate for first-year students that semester.
Transfer Graduation Rate: 92%
Remember that the goal is not just to get INTO the college of your dreams but to GRADUATE with a degree from it! USC has support systems in place to ensure that transfer students succeed. This results in a graduation rate for transfer students that hovers around 92%.
Requirements for Transfer to USC
USC accepts both sophomore and junior transfers. Admitted students typically have a full year of college coursework under their belts. Students with fewer than 30 semester units can also apply for transfer to USC, but these low-unit transfers will have both their high school and college academic records under consideration during the admissions process. If your high school record is dicey, you might want to wait and transfer as a junior!
Transfer Student GPA Range: 3.74-4.00
Successful applicants typically have GPAs in the 3.74-4.00 range. This range represents the middle 50% of transfer applicants, meaning that 25% of students have GPAs lower than 3.74 and 25% have GPAs at or above 4.00.
Recommended Preparation for Transfer to USC
To be a competitive transfer applicant, you should take a full load of college classes (14-16 units) each semester. Make sure you complete a lower-division writing class early on and finish math through Algebra II/College Algebra if you did not already reach that level in high school.
Then, start working through classes that are likely to fulfill the general education requirements at USC. Some majors have additional requirements as well. More details are available in USC’s downloadable Transfer Planning Guide.
Transferable Credits
One of the biggest problems in college transfer is credit loss. Once you decide to switch colleges, you want to ensure that your classes will count toward your degree at USC.
If you are a California community college student, you are in luck! USC maintains credit articulation agreements with several CCCs. You can also create a personalized transfer guide specific to your major. Select your community college from the drop-down and your intended major, then receive a list of classes that will fulfill GE and major requirements at USC.
Students planning to transfer from other universities may find their schools and courses listed in the articulation history database. This database shows classes that students have successfully transferred to USC in the past. Don’t worry if you don’t see your college or classes here – that doesn’t mean your credits are worthless! It simply means that USC will need to review your courses individually to determine transferability of credits.
Be careful when taking online courses! Sometimes, credits from a traditional course will transfer, but credits from an online version of that course will not. USC has a few restrictions for online classes, such as lab courses, so read the guidelines carefully to ensure your online classes will be approved.
Housing for Transfer Students
Unfortunately, the University of Southern California cannot guarantee on-campus housing for transfer students. If you hope to live in campus housing, be sure to apply as early as possible! Space is limited! However, USC says that most transfer students prefer to live off-campus in private apartments.
Financial Aid and Merit Scholarships for Transfers
USC offers both need-based aid and merit scholarships to transfer students. To apply for need-based aid, you must submit both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. Requirements for USC merit scholarships vary, and some may require the submission of a separate application or additional materials. Keep an eye out! You don’t want to miss your chance to earn the USC Transfer Merit Scholarship for more than $16,000!
How to Apply for Transfer to USC
First, consider attending a virtual info session for prospective University of Southern California transfer students. The best source of information is always the college itself! You can attend a general transfer session or a department-specific transfer session. Why not both?
Then, when you are ready to apply, create an account on the Common App for Transfer. Check the University of Southern California transfer deadlines for your major, and make sure you submit on time! USC has earlier transfer deadlines than many other schools, so don’t be caught by surprise.
More Information
Do you need help navigating the transfer application process for the University of Southern California? Reach out and request a free 15-minute consultation to see if Jaime can help you on your educational journey. You can also follow Jaime online to get quick tips every week.
