FAQs
Admissions & Transfer Process
1. What GPA and extracurriculars do I need to transfer?
USC transfer applicants are often admitted with GPAs in the 3.7–3.9 range, and grades + essays matter more than ECs or work experience
2. Is a letter of recommendation required for transfer applicants?
Not typically required, but submitting strong ones doesn’t hurt
3. Do I need to complete GE and major prerequisite courses before applying?
You can finish lower-division major prerequisites and GEs by enrollment, meaning it's okay to have some still in progress before you apply.
4. When do transfer admission decisions come out?
Decisions usually arrive on the Friday before Memorial Day.
5. How important are test scores (SAT/ACT)?
Test scores are optional and less important. GPA and essays are key; submitting strong SAT/ACT scores may help.
6. How should I write transfer essays?
Essay 1: Focus on why you're transferring.
Essay 2: Highlight why USC and your chosen major fit with your future goals.
7. Do I need to take a certain number of units to transfer? Should I be full-time at a CC?
Maintaining a full-time load (14–16 semester units or equivalent in quarters) strengthens your application
8. What happens after acceptance? What’s the deal with orientation?
There’s a dedicated orientation for freshmen and a dedicated orientation for transfers that you will receive an email notice of. Consider looking at the "new transfers and freshmen" Reddit megathread for logistics help
9. What about internal transfer later (like Viterbi or Marshall)?
After entering USC, students can apply for internal majors through specified processes and criteria
10. How many transfer students are in the USC student body?
Transfers make up over 1/3 of undergraduates... you're definitely not alone.
Academics & Credits
1. How do I check which community college courses transfer over?
Use USC’s Course Articulation database (https://darsweb.usc.edu/articagrmt/artic.aspx) to confirm GE and major credit equivalencies
2. Can I transfer in as exploratory if my major is portfolio-based?
Yes, however, some portfolio-required majors like Film might require exploratory admission first. Contact your advisor for questions about specific majors.
3. Do I still need to take GE courses at USC?
Yes. USC requires at least two GE categories to be completed on campus, regardless of prior credit.
4. When do transfer admission decisions come out?
Decisions usually arrive on the Friday before Memorial Day.
Housing and Campus Life
1. Can I get on-campus housing as a transfer student?
Use USC’s Course Articulation database (https://darsweb.usc.edu/articagrmt/artic.aspx) to confirm GE and major credit equivalencies
2. How can transfer students make friends?
Most transfers make friends through clubs, classes, or transfer-specific events. We recommend connecting early via USC transfer Instagram accounts or Discord groups, but you definitely can still make friends without doing this.
3. Is it harder for transfers to find a social circle?
It can be at first, since many freshmen already have groups. However, clubs, on-campus events, and transfer student meetups make it easier to find your community
4. Where do students usually hang out on campus?
USC Village is a major social hub with restaurants and shops. Tutor Campus Center, Leavey Library, and McCarthy Quad are other go-to spots
4. What are popular off-campus hangouts?
Students love going to Ministry of Coffee (MOC for short) to study, Rock N Reilly’s at the village for game-day watching, and other nearby restaurants and cafes.
5. What are the best ways to get involved on campus?
Check out EngageSC for club listings and events. Transfers also benefit from joining professional organizations, sports clubs, or cultural groups.
6. Are there events specifically for transfer students?
Yes. USC holds transfer orientation, social mixers, and meetups throughout the semester to help transfers build community.
7. Can I join Greek life as a transfer?
Absolutely. Many transfers rush in the fall or spring, though joining early can make the transition smoother. Note that traditional sorority rush is only open in the spring, but options for transfer students to join in the fall are available.
8. Where do students eat on campus?
Cava, Panda Express, Dulce, Starbucks, and more.
9. Should I get a meal plan?
If you are living on campus, you will be required to get either a freshman or an apartment meal plan. Make sure to take advantage of your swipes at the campus center. It can be nice to have a meal plan to fall back on, but it's not a necessity if you're up for cooking your own meals or eating out frequently.
Free Campus Ammenities
1. Do USC students get free HBO Max?
Yes! USC students get free subscriptions to HBO Max, the NY Times and the LA Times, Microsoft Office, and more. Students can also get discounted tickets for various nearby attractions in person at the USC ticket office.
2. Does USC get free Lyft rides?
Sort of. USC offers free shared Lyfts rides within a 2-mile radius of campus. They previously offered free private Lyfts, but this was recently changed. This is a useful feature, but there can often be long wait times for rides. If you are enrolled and haven't yet received an invitation to join the program, fill out the form at https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/how-to-use-lyft/
3. Are there free or discounted event tickets?
Many concerts, lectures, and cultural events are free for students or offer discounted tickets through USC’s Campus Activities. The big concerts throughout the year are Welcome Back during the week before classes start, Conquest during rivalry game week, and Springfest in April. These events have featured artists in the past like Playboi Carti, Post Malone, Dominic Fike, Glass Animals, Don Toliver, Migos, Denzel Curry, and more. Check out @uscconcerts on Instagram for more information.
4. Are there free gyms and fitness facilities?
Yes, your student ID gives you access to the Lyon Center, which includes weight rooms, cardio equipment, dance studios, basketball/volleyball courts, and even a climbing wall. Your ID also gives you access to the Village Gym, which features a weight room, cardio equipment, dance and yoga studios, and more.
5. Does USC offer free printing?
Most residence halls and libraries have discounted printing for students. On-campus residents get a free printing allotment.