Congratulations! You've made the decision to transfer to USC. This guide 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, plus an additional step if you are an international student. You may complete much of this process online.

Complete Part I of the Application for Undergraduate Admission.

• Apply online or download the form (PDF). Return Part I to USC, along with a check for the non-refundable $10 fee, by October 15, 2009. Please make the check payable to the University of Southern California.

Complete Part II of the Application for Undergraduate Admission.

• Apply online, or download and submit these forms:
  • Forms 1a and 1b, Undergraduate Application Fall 2010.
  • Form 2, Personal Statement and Activity Summary Cover Sheet
  • Form 6, College/University Academic Summary (Forms 3, 4 and 5 are for Freshmen only)
• Send by mail official transcripts from each college you've attended.
• Send by mail official, final high school transcripts. Be sure to attach a copy of Form 7, Transcript Request Form for High School Records to each high school transcript you submit.
• International Students in need of a student visa should file Form 8, Financial Statement of Personal of Family Support.

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

• If you are applying to enter at less than junior standing, you may either choose a specific academic major or apply as “Open (Still Deciding).” If you will be a junior (64 or more semester units), you must declare a major. Some majors have a significant number of lower-division requirements that may be completed prior to applying .
• 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.