<p>^^Yes they can, as long as you fulfill other major and minor (if doing a minor) requirements. Also, getting a 4-5 on certain APs can replace required GEs–for example AP Bio or AP Chem will replace the science requirement and AP Euro or AP Art History replaces the required History course. </p>
<p>OTOH, many students really enjoy the electives at USC. If the goal is graduating early (and saving a year’s tuition), it can be done in some cases. But at the expense of sampling courses in many different schools. My s took a Linguistics class (How to Create Alien Languages) from the professor who invented the Navi language for “Avatar.” He took a Chess class from a Russian Language professor who also happens to write the chess column for the Los Angeles Times. And he is planning to study abroad for a semester–which will only satisfy his language requirement, but allow him to take Architectural drawing classes.</p>
<p>Lots of great options.</p>