<p>What do you think of attending a community college before going to USC? Would it save a lot?</p>
<p>I have a relative who’s doing it. Saved a bunch of money those two years, had a chance to grow up a little bit, figured out what kind of effort it took to excel in college, and then went off to the Big Show and is kicking butt. What’s not to like? Worked for her, but then I think almost all teens ought to have a chance to grow up a bit before taking on tens of thousands in debt. That’s another thread, though. You should have a clear sense of what courses USC will accept from your cc. In-state cc’s will likely have some of this worked out already with USC, but always clear what the cc tells you with the admission people at USC. While you’re on the phone, ask USC admissions what they think of your idea. You might find the admissions officer wishes she had done it. Good luck.</p>
<p>warblersrule, your point is well taken about merit aid, but is grant aid similarly affected for transfer applicants?</p>
<p>Unlike many/most? top private colleges, USC accepts a lot of transfers every year.</p>
<p>Yes, need-based institutional aid is also limited for transfers. You’re sure to get the $5,500 in loans and whatever State or Federal grants you’d qualify for, but institutional aid is the #1 source of financial aid and it’s given first to freshmen and only then to transfers.</p>
<p>USC’s financial aid is based on the information in the CSS/Profile and the FAFSA and is distributed to domestic undergraduates (freshmen and transfers) using the same formula. The only difference is that sophomores, juniors and seniors have a somewhat higher Stafford loan component than freshmen. (Freshmen: $5,500, Soph: $6,500, Jr/Sr: $7,500) In other words, transfers receive the same aid as if they entered as freshmen.</p>