USC Transfer Guide: Key Deadlines, Historical Data, Application Checklist, and Successful Applicant Traits

发布时间：Date: 2020-06-04 返回新鲜资讯Back to News

As a top private institution on the West Coast, the University of Southern California (USC) boasts nationally ranked programs in film, journalism, engineering, and more, along with outstanding academic reputation and alumni network. For prospective transfer students, understanding the competitive landscape is crucial: in recent years, USC's transfer admission rate has been around 23%, with an average admitted GPA of 3.78, and the majority of transfer students come from community colleges and well-known universities. CheersYou（清柚教育） advises applicants to plan early, thoroughly analyze historical data and their own profiles, and precisely target their application strategies to navigate the intense competition.

In terms of specific application requirements, USC admits transfer students for both sophomore and junior entry. Although there is no minimum transfer credit requirement, applicants with fewer than 30 credits must submit SAT or ACT scores and high school transcripts. The main application materials include the Common Application, all official transcripts, and supplementary materials such as letters of recommendation or portfolios for specific majors. CheersYou（清柚教育） reminds all students to pay close attention to key deadlines and ensure that all materials, including spring grades, are submitted by May 31 to secure their admission results and achieve their dream of attending a top university.

As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. Students who submitted their applications in 2019 should be happily receiving offers these days, right? Doesn't that also motivate those who are applying for transfer this year?

There's no doubt that early preparation and planning are key. This year, we've received feedback from many students that online transfer information is confusing; so we've compiled a comprehensive guide about transferring to USC.

About USC

Introduction

The University of Southern California (USC), commonly referred to as USC, is located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1880 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, it is the oldest private research university on the West Coast and a member of the Association of American Universities and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities.

Rankings

Many of USC's schools rank in the top 10 nationally, including the School of Cinematic Arts (#1), the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism (#1), the Sol Price School of Public Policy (#2), the School of Architecture (#5), the Viterbi School of Engineering (#8), and the School of Pharmacy (#9). In U.S. News & World Report's 2019 Best Colleges rankings, USC is tied for 22nd among national universities, and ranked 18th in the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings.

Honors and Achievements

Among its faculty and alumni are 9 Nobel laureates, 6 MacArthur Fellows, and 1 Turing Award winner. USC was selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as the first Homeland Security Center of Excellence. The Viterbi School of Engineering houses two National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Centers. USC alumni have won more Academy Awards than any other university. In Olympic history, USC alumni have won the most gold medals and total medals of any U.S. university.

Historical Transfer Data

2019-2020 Applicants: 9,602

2019-2020 Admits: 2,219

Average Admitted GPA: 3.78; Admission Rate: 23%

Average Age: 21

27% are first-generation college students

Top 10 Feeder Schools for Transfer Students

Important Deadlines

Application Checklist

USC admits transfer students for both sophomore and junior entry. There is no minimum number of transfer credits required. However, if you have fewer than 30 transferable credits, your application will be evaluated based on your high school record and SAT or ACT scores, or you may wait until your spring grades are received for review.

Applicants who submit their applications by the deadline will receive an admission decision by May 31, or a request to submit spring grades.

General Requirements

- Common Application

- Official final high school transcripts

- All official college transcripts

- Major-Related Requirements

- SAT or ACT scores (required if fewer than 30 credits)

- Letter(s) of recommendation (depending on major requirements)

Portfolio, résumé, and/or additional writing samples

Additional Requirements for International Students

- TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

- Financial Statement

Characteristics of Successful Applicants

Have at least one year of rigorous full-time academic coursework with strong grades; the average transfer GPA in 2019 was around 3.7. A strong academic background significantly influences admission decisions.

Demonstrate excellent writing skills, having completed coursework equivalent to USC's writing requirement.

Have strong math skills, having completed Algebra II in high school or intermediate algebra in college.

Perform well in general education courses.

In particular, applicants to programs in science, engineering, architecture, dental hygiene, or business should complete additional lower-division courses to meet major requirements.

Non-native English speakers must submit strong English proficiency test scores.