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.

In an effort to streamline our application process, USC now uses the Common Application exclusively. Students wishing to apply for admission to the 2013-2014 academic year should submit the Common Application and the USC Supplement, both of which can be accessed at www.commonapp.org.

Please be aware of this important application deadline:

• February 1, 2013: Transfer Application Deadline for Scholarship and Regular Consideration

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.