Are last year transfers less likely to get in?

Because of an issue with completing the CSS profile I most likely won’t be able to afford any of my top choices, and my best bet would be to apply again next year, when I told my mom she said that was a bad idea because colleges are less likely to take incoming seniors. I never heard of this being a risk factor before and would love input so I could plan accordingly. Thanks!

(if it makes a differences my two top choices are USC and NYU both for film)

I’m just not sure you get in, period.

I think most schools have a policy requiring you to spend a minimum of two years on their campus to graduate. Unless you were completely changing your major and thus would require at least two more years to graduate on time, I don’t think you’re eligible for transfer.

Based on the research I’ve done, most schools require about half of your degree’s credits to be earned at their institution. That usually comes out to about 60-70 semester credits. I would look into the transfer admissions pages of the universities you are interested in. USC requires a minimum of 64 (https://admission.usc.edu/apply/transfer-students/#/credit-policies) and NYU looks like they also require 64 (https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/how-to-apply/transfer-applicants/transfer-credits.html).

Will the CSS Profile issue be resolved next year?

You could take a leave of absence from your current college/university, and out together a more affordable application list during your time off. That way you would still be a junior transfer.