Everything you need to know about transferring to University of Southern California - from requirements and deadlines to competitive majors and insider strategies.
24%
Transfer Accept Rate
3.86
Median Admit GPA
74%
From CA Community Colleges
Feb 15
Application Deadline
At a Glance
Location
Los Angeles, California
Semester System
Fall Only
No spring or winter transfer admits
Minimum Units
30 semester units minimum
Junior-level standing required
Minimum GPA
3.0 (CA residents)
Competitive admits average 3.7–4.0
What You Need
USC evaluates transfer applicants holistically. Here's what you need to be competitive.
USC sets a high bar for transfer applicants:
Major-specific preparation is critical, especially for competitive schools within USC:
USC uses the Common Application - different from UC and CSU systems:
USC evaluates the whole applicant:
Know the Landscape
Acceptance rates vary by major. Understanding the competitive landscape is key to a smart application strategy.
Marshall School of Business
One of the most competitive undergraduate business programs in the country. Separate internal review.
Very Low
Accept Rate
3.9+
Competitive GPA
Viterbi School of Engineering
Highly competitive engineering program. Strong math and CS prerequisites essential.
Very Low
Accept Rate
3.8+
Competitive GPA
School of Cinematic Arts
World-renowned program. Portfolio and supplemental application required.
Very Low
Accept Rate
3.7+
Competitive GPA
Dornsife College
Competitive but more accessible than Marshall. Strong quantitative prep.
Low
Accept Rate
3.7+
Competitive GPA
Annenberg School
Top-ranked communications program. Competitive among transfers.
Low
Accept Rate
3.7+
Competitive GPA
Dornsife College
Popular liberal arts major within USC's largest college.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.6+
Competitive GPA
Key Dates
Missing a deadline can cost you an entire year. Here are the dates that matter.
August 1
Begin working on your USC transfer application through the Common Application.
December 1
Deadline for programs requiring auditions or portfolios (Cinematic Arts, Music, Theatre, etc.).
February 15
Submit your completed Common Application with all USC supplements by this date.
March 3
Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile by this date for maximum financial aid consideration.
May
USC releases transfer admission decisions. Deposit deadline follows shortly after.
Pacific + USC
Our team provides expert guidance tailored specifically to University of Southern California transfer admissions.
USC uses the Common App - a completely different system from UC or CSU applications. We guide you through essays, supplements, and recommendation letters.
Marshall, Viterbi, Cinematic Arts, Annenberg - each school within USC has different expectations. We tailor your application to your target program.
USC's supplemental essays are critical. We work through multiple drafts to show genuine fit with USC's culture and your target program.
Unlike UCs, USC requires letters of recommendation. We help you choose recommenders and guide the process.
We use USC's CC articulation agreements to ensure your courses transfer and fulfill requirements.
USC is need-blind and generous with aid. We help you navigate FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarship opportunities.