<p>Hey.</p>
<p>I was just accepted to USC’s Annenberg School for Communication from Penn State after my freshmen year, so I can help you out with the process. In many ways, I am similar to you: my high school gpa was DECENT 3.3-3.4; my ACT score was 29, while my SAT score was 1800; I was partially involved with my school newspaper, some gov. student group activities like FBLA, etc.</p>
<p>Being my big dreamer self, I longed for schools like USC and UCLA as well, but I knew I wasn’t qualified to get in out of high school, let alone applying there with all the competition. </p>
<p>When I got to Penn State, I immediately discovered what I wanted/didn’t want to do. I think this is the most important epiphany of my journey because schools want you to have a GOOD reason to want to transfer. I knew I wanted to do something within the communication field, so I took courses in journalism, pr, etc. Also, there is a website to check if your classes will transfer over. I primarily focused on USC’s application because it was the only school I applied to. By the way, UC schools give preference to in-state California students, and most juniors with 60 or so transferable credits apply. Here’s a link to the articulation website: <a href=“https://camel2.usc.edu/articagrmt/artic_hist_range.aspx[/url]”>Error;
<p>At Penn State, I also joined the newspaper and worked extensively during the Paterno “scandal,” which could’ve possibly been my “hook.” I also networked with lots of my professors and maintained a good gpa (3.7+). When you pick your classes, it’s important to plan the classes carefully while finishing all the pre-reqs. For example, you want a nice balance of humanities, social science, arts, math, etc. For the Communication major, they RECOMMEND (NOT REQUIRE) a Statistics course. You can take classes at your university that can transfer over to USC and count as one of the GE requirements or the pre-reqs (i forget which). But, remember, the more credits can transfer over, the less money you pay for tuition.</p>
<p>If you want a more clear idea of how my schedule looked like, feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>Also, make sure you write a very good essay explaining why you want to complete your education at USC. I know most people just LOVE to submit creative writing pieces, but because of my technical newspaper-oriented writing style, I opted for a more “clear-cut and straightforward” approach. Make sure you do NOT bash your current school. USC doesn’t want to hear an applicant whining how better he/she is, because that will totally kill your chances of getting in. Instead, talk about the positive experiences, the professors/mentors/friends you met; an experience which shook you for the better; basically, just say how great your experiences there concisely…just don’t write too much about your current school. Next, focus on the specifics of USC. I wrote about the location – I know this is a typical reason to transfer, but coming from small towns and wanting to learn more about media/communication effects on mass consumers and the entertainment industry, you’re going to want to be in a big city like NYC or LA. Just make yourself come off strong, dedicated, looking for more challenge, and that you will bring your experiences there to change the world (I know it sounds cliche, but I poured my heart and soul out with my essay). Feel free to even research the department you’re interested in and write about a couple of professors/researches you would love to work with for grad school or something.</p>
<p>Another tip for essays: don’t get it proofread by too many people. I firmly believe your writing style should NEVER be touched, unless the flow isn’t coherent or there are simply grammar errors. Have just two people you trust read it. I had my Communication professor and one friend read it. Both liked it after one read and I NEVER looked back at it. Oh, another note! My professor once told me during the application process, “It’s better you overkill your essay. Show 'em you want it so badly, and they will see it.”</p>
<p>Oh, and back to classes! So, USC doesn’t require you to have specific classes down unless your applying for the Engineering school or whatever other college. </p>
<p>USC also gives the best financial aid, so the UCs weren’t an option for me. But if money isn’t an issue, then go for it. UC’s application process requires important steps and procedures, so if you want to go to UCLA or Cal, make sure you read what they want and find your guidance counselor to help you out through the process. I’m not really sure how the transfer process for the other schools you listed works.</p>
<p>Good Luck and if you need to ask me more personal questions, feel free to PM me because I was in your shoes one year ago!!!</p>