Am I overdoing the amount of classes at my community college needed to transfer to USC?

I am trying to transfer to USC for Fall of '19. Since I know the competitiveness of USC, I have been taking many courses, even multiple courses in the same categories that are only needed once at USC. My thought process has been that by being seen as someone with more than enough it will impress admission officers. It is taking a tole on me though, taking courses last summer, last fall, last spring and this summer. I have around 46 credits so far. I am planning to do this routine for one last semester, starting Monday, before applying to USC after the semesters ends. Is it really necessary or simply putting more stress on myself than you guys think is needed? For example, I have met my math requirements for the program at USC I am applying for, and even have an additional math. In addition to these, I was planning on taking statistics to have it under my belt as well, even though this also falls under a fulfillment for a math course, thus having a total of three completed math courses.

Honestly, this is not a good strategy, especially as you say it is taking a toll on you. The institution you transfer to wants you to do upper-level courses at their schools. Please speak with your transfer advisor.

I agree it is NOT a good strategy,especially if it’s causing your grades to drop and since it’s taking a toll on you.

My relative applied to transfer after completing 1 semester of CC and was admitted to start after completing 3 semesters. Agree you should work with USC transfer advisor to be sure the courses you take will likely transfer. I honestly see no benefit to taking more courses than recommended by transfer advisor at USC.

Good luck!

So first of all, I know how you feel. I also took Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer etc… just like you. That being said, I don’t see any point of going beyond what is required. Also, if you already have 46 credits, don’ forget that USC accepts a maximum of 64. So from what I understand, you have 2 semesters left (fall and spring?) and only 18 credits to fill. There is no point in taking more than that. If you have 64 credits and completed all requirements and have a good GPA… then you’re golden.

@Vincent1997 I had a 3.9 before this summer but I foolishly took 3 more courses over summer and my gpa has dropped to a 3.71. I think I will lower my credit hours to 12 this semester and hope to get all A’s again, to which it would rise to around a 3.78. Do you think I should wait till after this semester to apply or just go ahead on what I have got? I mean, I did mess up on the last semester (summer) on my transcript, so it might be better to get grades up again. Not sure.

@HImom for me I have needed to wait to apply with more than 1 semester since my grades were significantly worse in high school. I had a 2. something gpa. Obviously now I have drastically improved, but more time is necessary to show I have changed. At least that is how I have been thinking before applying.

@ccprofandmomof2 Thanks for the advice. I would add though that upper course classes would still almost all be taken at USC, as USC has a 64 credit transfer cap it puts on transfer courses. I still would need 56 before graduating so I seem to be ok with that.

Our relative had bad grades in HS too but great grades in CC. Take a load that you can excel in and check with the transfer counselor to bd sure all credits will apply at transfer. Good luck.