<p>@hepburn95 you applied to 5 UC’s? Wow. Good for you. Is USC at the top of your list?</p>
<p>@seilburt I did apply to 5 UC’s, but the schools I have heard from so far (besides UCR) were not UC’s, they were Cal States, out of states, and privates. USC is definitely at the top but it is very conditional based on my financial aid package, that is my deciding factor. How about you? </p>
<p>Hello. I’ve just graduated from high school and I will be a college student in Fall 2014. I’ve got accepted to two state universities in the US, but recently I’ve been interested in some programs provided by USC. I don’t think I am able to apply and be admitted as a freshman, so I want to transfer to the university. I am wondering which is better, transferring from a state university(outside California) or a community college in California? If going tocommunity college is better, I will probably apply for Santa Monica College. Is it a good school and are they helpful for students who want to transfer to USC? Or is there a better college? I will appreciate any advices.</p>
<p>@hepburn95 I only applied to those three universities. I’m in the same boat; it’s going to come down to the financial aid package.</p>
<p>@JJ661630 It is probably in your best interest, as far as chances to transfer and monetarily, to go to Santa Monica College. It is a great school, and has the #1 transfer rate in California. A lot of people transfer from there to USC, so I would say that is your best bet! Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the help @hepburn & @lanbernas I’m not thrilled about losing money but if, by chance USC accpets me and the fiances work out so that I can attend, I’d do it. </p>
<p>@hepburn95 thank you for the advice!! I think I will apply for SMC!</p>
<p>Hey everyone, was wondering if there were any CS (Viterbi) hopefuls out there. On the transfer brochure I see that USC recommends that students have “2 terms” (I’m in the quarter system, but I think they mean a full year) of a science in calculus-based physics, chemistry, or biology.</p>
<p>I’m surprised that biology is even there because most schools require chem/physics only. Are any of you guys taking a biology sequence? And how much does a science sequence like this weigh in on admission? I’ll likely be taking a science sequence regardless, but any information to calm my nerves would be great. </p>
<p>Also I noticed no requirement for discrete math, which seems odd again because most schools require this.</p>
<p>I remember seeing on collegeboard that the transfer acceptance rate last year was around 33%. Now it says 29%. My intent is not to scare you guys, but wonder what you guys think will happen this year?</p>
<p>@greengecko could that be natural fluctuation or is it trending in that direction?</p>
<p>@greengecko The online transfer brochure (from the actual university) says the Fall 2013 transfer acceptance rate was 30%. I think the 33% came from everyone always saying that USC accepted 1/3 of its transfer applicants (which isn’t exactly true since 1/3 of 8400 is 2800).</p>
<p>It was super competitive last year and all indications - from admissions folks I’ve talked to - is that it is even more competitive this year. The school has been trending in that direction for awhile, but the transition to the Common App has artificially helped selectivity numbers since there’s so many more applicants in the first place.</p>
<p>@randomnewguy Any indications as to why they decided to extend the deadline date more than two weeks after it was already due?</p>
<p>People were confused because of the way the Common App transfer application was setup (it’s different from when I submitted it last year). Nothing nefarious. The good news is that I have met a bunch of admitted grad and undergrads this past week (free food, yay!), so the admissions folks must be pouring through y’all’s paperwork now.</p>
<p>@RandonNewGuy admitted transfers? How do they know so soon? Also, it makes sense for the percentage to decrease as more people apply (if they are only trying to admit a certain number in the first place).</p>
<p>Sidenote: the application seemed relatively straightforward</p>
<p>@scahopeful I don’t want to speak for @RandomNewGuy, but I think he’s talking about admitted freshman.</p>
<p>Correct.</p>
<p>I kind of figured he was but since they had already been discussing the transfer acceptance rate I thought maybe he knew something we didn’t :> </p>
<p>I won’t be applying until next year for Fall 2015, but I see that common app has it’s own personal essay box with a max limit of 650 words. Is this the only essay we will submit to USC or do they have their own? I thought I had more than 650 words to work with.</p>
<p>@HappyLifeMachine You have a CommonApp essay that is broad and goes to all of the schools on your CommonApp, and then you have essays specifically for USC.</p>