Transfer Applicants: Your FAQs Answered!

With the transfer application deadline around the corner Paul, Becky and I are getting a TON of phone calls and emails from transfer students with questions about how to apply.   I’ve compiled a list of the questions you’re asking – with the answers below! Hopefully this helps you clip through the application.

Are transfer applicants required to submit a letter of recommendation?

No. But The Common App (not USC) requires all applicants to assign an Academic Evaluator to complete the application.  USC will still consider your application complete if your academic evaluator doesn’t submit a recommendation on your behalf .

Do I need to submit the Registrar Report? How about the Final Report and Mid-term Report?

No.  We do not need (or want) the Registrar Report nor do we need the “Final Report” or “Mid-term Report”.   Isn’t that a relief – less paperwork!

To workaround the Registrar Report just enter the name of your school registrar without an email address…and then don’t send us the paper version of the form because, again, we don’t need it. 

Common App is asking me to provide the name of my Academic Advisor. What should I do?

We do not typically contact academic advisors.  USC will not be concerned if you enter an invalid address into this required field.  This workaround is for USC only and you should contact other universities for their practices.  This tip is courtesy of the USC Office of Admission. 

Which classes should I list as my “current” classes in Common App?

Ideally, you should list all the classes that you took in fall 2013 and the courses that you are taking/will take in the winter 2014 (if applicable) and spring 2014.

I submitted the Common Application & USC Supplement but my transcripts won’t get to USC until after February 1^st.  Is this ok?

Yes!  To meet the application deadline you just need to submit the Common Application & USC Writing Supplement by the February 1^st.

Official high school and college transcripts can be submitted soon after the deadline. However, your application will not be considered complete and will not be reviewed until all documents are received.

How am I supposed to answer this question (see below)  about full time enrollment on the Writing Supplement?

Were you ever enrolled in less than 4 courses in a semester (or less than 3 classes/quarter)? If so, just provide a brief explanation that explains why you didn’t enroll in more courses.  That’s it!

If you’ve always been a full-time student (4 or more classes/semester) you can just leave this question blank or simply write “N/A”.

What documents must I submit to complete my application to USC?

After submitting the Common App and USC Writing Supplement you need to complete your application to USC by submitting the documents listed in our transfer application checklist.

Where should I send my transcripts? 

If you are mailing your official transcripts  please send them to:

USC Office of Admission (UG)

Univ. Park Campus

Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911

Note, you can use the address above for follow-up transcripts, application materials and all other types of correspondence.

Do I have to send my official transcripts to the USC Office of Admission and to the USC Viterbi School Office of Admission?

No.  No need to send duplicates.  When you send documents to USC they are uploaded into your file – and all offices can view your file/the documents you sent.

Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?

Probably Not.  We only need an SAT or ACT score from transfer applicants who will not have 30 semesters units complete by the spring semester.

Also my office is  hosting a live chat just for Viterbi Transfer Applicants on Tuesday, January 21st @ 5pm.

Good luck wrapping up your application!