University of Southern California (USC)

Admission

• Students may begin filling out the Common Application on August 1, 2024.
  
  

• For some majors requiring a portfolio or audition:
  Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
  
  This is the final deadline for transfer students applying to the following programs:
  
  Kaufman School of Dance
  School of Cinematic Arts – BFA programs only
  School of Dramatic Arts – BFA programs only
  Thornton School of Music

• All other majors
  Application Deadline: February 15, 2025

• See Additional Major Requirements for information about your intended program.

• Extensions of application deadlines are considered on a case-by-case basis. Students who are unable to meet the published deadlines may contact an admission counselor to be considered for an extension.

• Regular Decision Notification: May 31, 2025

• Transfer candidates will receive either an admission decision or a request for spring grades by May 31. If you receive a request for spring grades, you will be notified of an admission decision by mid-July.

Financial Aid

• Priority Application Deadline: March 3, 2025 (to be considered for USC Merit Scholarships, apply by February 15)

• Applicants who want to be considered for need-based financial aid must submit the FAFSA* and CSS Profile applications by this date.

• California residents should also apply for Cal Grants by this date.

  *Undocumented or DACA students should submit their 2022 tax return and third-party letter confirming undocumented status instead of the FAFSA.

• Visit the USC Financial Aid page for more information. To check on the status of your financial aid application, visit the FAST page in your applicant portal.

• Common Application
  
  
• Official final high school transcripts showing date of graduation.
  • Students who completed secondary school outside the U.S. may substitute a copy of a diploma or leaving certificate. Students who did not finish high school should submit transcripts showing any grades they received before leaving, as well as a copy of their completion certificate (such as a GED). These students may also submit a letter of explanation.
    
    
• Official college transcripts from any and all colleges you attended (regardless of whether coursework or degree requirements were completed).
  • We need to review your most recent fall-term grades, so be sure your current school has posted them before transcripts are sent. If your school requires an email address to send electronic transcripts, please use uetrans@usc.edu. This email address should only be used by schools; students should not personally send copies of their transcripts to this address.
    
    
• Letter(s) of recommendation. (Not required unless specifically requested by your intended academic department or major.)
  
  
• Portfolio, resumé and/or additional writing samples, if required by major. Performance majors may also require auditions. Refer to the Additional Application Requirements section, below, for more information.
  
  
• Application Affirmations: Affirmations will be available in the portal after we receive your application. Your digital signature may be submitted after the application deadline.

• High School/Secondary School Transcripts are required and must show a graduation date. Students who attended secondary school/high school in a non-U.S. system may substitute the appropriate leaving certificate or comprehensive diploma result, provided it shows the completion date.
  
  
• College/University Transcripts must be sent from ALL colleges you have attended. USC needs to review your fall term grades, so be sure your current school has posted them before transcripts are sent.
  
  
• Registrar: USC does not require the College Report, either electronically or on paper, though other universities may require it. However, if the form helps your school provide transcripts to USC, feel free to use it.
  
  
• Academic Evaluator: Some academic departments at USC require academic recommendations, but in general they consider these optional. USC will gladly consider any you wish to submit. The Common App will require you to enter a name before submitting it.
  
  
• Additional Forms: It is not necessary to submit any of the additional forms (the PDF versions of the Final Report, the Mid-term Report, or the College Report).

USC Undergraduate Admission
Contact & Resources
(213) 740-1111
admitusc@usc.edu

• Common Application Guide for Transfer Students
• Common Application Step-by-Step Video
• Common App for Transfer Program Materials
• Common App for Transfer Quick Start Guide
• Common App Ready Transfer Resources