Undergraduate Admission

You've made the decision to transfer to USC—congratulations! USC welcomes applications from students who have begun college elsewhere. Here's a guide that will lead you through the process of joining one of the most vibrant and accomplished student bodies in the United States.

Keep in mind that admission is competitive, and students who have completed all suggested courses might not be offered admission. Successful transfer applicants have generally completed a year of rigorous academic courses, including two semesters of English writing and, at minimum, algebra II in high school or intermediate algebra in college.

USC defines a transfer student as anyone who has attended college since finishing high school.

There are 6 basic steps to complete our transfer application and an additional step if you are an international student. You may complete much of this process online.

The Part 1 and Part 2 application deadlines have passed. Please check back in late-summer to apply.

apply now online

Complete the Part I Application for Undergraduate Admission.

  • Download the form (PDF) or apply online. Return the Part I to USC, along with a check for the non-refundable $10 fee, by October 15, 2008. Please make the check payable to the University of Southern California.

Why Part I? The Part I Application is optional. We offer it as a way for interested students to begin their admission files early. Submitting a Part I by the deadline will also earn the student a $15 discount on the Part II Application fee.

If you choose not to submit the Part I, or miss the deadline, you should begin the USC application process with Part II. Be assured that the part I is optional and the lack of a Part I will in no way affect your admission.

Complete the Part II Application for Undergraduate Admission.

Basic Academic Requirements
In planning your transfer to USC, keep in mind the following academic requirements:

  • Select a major before transferring. Transfer students rarely have room in their schedules to be “undeclared” and graduate on time.
  • Concentrate on USC-transferable courses that build on your high school record, satisfy general education and other requirements, and include preparation for your major. Seventy-five percent of the transferable courses should cover these areas, and you are expected to have at least an “A-/B+” average on transferable work.
  • There is no minimum number of transfer units you must complete before applying for admission. However, if you have completed fewer than 30 units, we will focus primarily on your high school record and results from the SAT or ACT.
  • You must submit secondary school records and proof of graduation. At minimum, your high school record should consist of 16 year-long courses, including 13 in academic solids and up to three in acceptable electives.
  • You must complete two semesters of English composition before enrolling at USC.
  • You may need to complete nontransferable skills-building courses in writing and mathematics prior to admission to USC. Placement exams offered at your current college will determine your need for any remedial course work.
  • We encourage you to take advantage of the strength of USC's General Education Program. In fact, you do not have to complete all transferable general education requirements or all prerequisites elsewhere to be admitted.
  • We consider trends in your grades and college attendance patterns. Consistent degree progress and strong recent performance are important.