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FAQ (Transfer)Transfer Applicants

Letters of Recommendation Are Not Required for Transfer Applicants

By January 13, 2011January 30th, 201518 Comments
Are you applying for Fall 2015 Admission? If so, check out my updated Transfer Application Tips  (which includes an explanation about letters of rec for fall 2015 admission)

I just received email from an applicant asking:

“If I am a transfer student, do I need to submit any letters of recommendation?”

This question comes up a lot so I thought I’d share the answer with everyone.

No, transfer applicants do not need to submit a letter of recommendation in order to apply to USC for fall 2012 admission.

However, if you would like to submit a letter of recommendation you may.  Letters of recommendations may be submitted to:

USC Office of Admission
University Park Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911

Viterbi Admission

18 Comments

  • Carlson Leverkus says:

    So, if I am to submit a letter of recommendation, is there any form that I will have to fill out and attach to the letter?

  • Hi Carlson,

    No, there is no form or additional paperwork you need to fill out to submit a letter of recommendation.

    Thanks,
    Christine

  • Vivian says:

    I was wondering, if we were to submit letters of recommendations would they be due before Feb 1st? Or can we get it in later?

  • Hi Vivian,

    Letters of recommendation can be submitted after the application deadline of February 1st. I suggest that you submit your letter of by the end of February.

    Again, submission of letters of recommendation is not required for transfer applicants. You or any other transfer applicant should not feel obligated to submit one. Of course, if you want to you are welcome to do so.

    Letters of Recommendation can be mailed to the USC Admission Office:

    USC Office of Admission
    University Park Campus
    Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911

    I hope this helps!
    Christine

  • Chelsea says:

    Hello!
    I have heard that while the university does not require letters of recommendation, some schools do require letters for certain majors. Do you know which majors or have a web link to the information I’m looking for?
    Thank you!

  • Hi Chelsea,

    Our admission blog is only intended for students wishing to apply to Viterbi. If you’re not applying to Viterbi then I would suggest reviewing the USC Admission Website – http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/apply/transfer.html – and/or contacting the USC Office of Admission directly at 213-740-1111.

    Christine

  • Preston Sam says:

    If I want to send letters of recommendation, do I use the instructor evaluation form that is provided under the school form section of the common app?

  • Hi Preston,
    You’re welcome to send in a letter of recommendation. Typically, if an applicant decides to submit a letter of recommendation it’s just that – a letter. If you would like to use the form available through Common App that’s fine, too.

    We aren’t really in a position to have a preference because submitting a letter of recommendation and/or an institutor evaluation is optional.

  • Jasmine Collins says:

    Is it possible to send my letter of recommendation via email? Or is it required it send in the actual paper? I had heard that it could be sent electronically, but I’m having trouble sending my teacher the information to do so.

  • Julian Chan says:

    Can we fax the Letter of Recommendation into the office? Or does it have to be sent in with a sealed envelope with the professor’s signature signed across the flap?

  • We don’t have true guidelines on this since transfer students aren’t required to submit a letter of recommendation. IF you choose to submit a letter it’s best for it to be mailed rather than faxed/emailed.

  • Jasmine, submitting letters of recommendation as a transfer applicant is not required for Viterbi. If you choose to submit one, please mail it.

  • Cinny says:

    What is the format of the recommendation? Could you give me a link?

  • The transfer application does not require (nor do we expect) applicants to submit letters of recommendation. If you wish to submit one, you may do so by having the letter mailed to the address above.

  • yadanathu.7days@ymail.com says:

    Hello Christine…
    For accounting and business major, does recommendation letter require for transfer students?
    Yadana

  • I only work with Viterbi students so I don’t know the answer to your question. You should contact the Marshall School of Business with any questions about the application process. Good luck!

  • Li Zhong says:

    I want to apply econ major in USC, but I can not find the recommendation letter form. Could you please tell me the link where I can find the recommendation form for econ major?

  • Paul Ledesma says:

    Li – thank you for your question, but we only work with engineering applicants. I suggest looking into the Common App at commonapp.org, or contact the USC Office of Admission with your question: (213) 740-1111.