<p>Hi, I would like to know how I can increase my chances of making it as a transfer to USC as a Business Major. Currently I'm attending a CC in Southern California and my cumulative GPA is a meek 2.95 (A in Acct'ing 1A). Only recently have I decided on my major and started to put more work and effort into my school work. I think if I do well this semester and retake a couple courses I received an "F" or "D" in I might be able to bring that up towards a 3.5. </p>
<p>I'm aware how stiff the competition is at USC and I realize I'm facing a real uphill battle. </p>
<p>So, besides improving my GPA which I'm trying to do, what can I do to better my chances?</p>
<p>No not necessarily honors. You said you were a business major so taking classes that are pre-req’s for the business program. If you have a high GPA in things like Calc, Economics, etc it’s much better than if you have a high gpa in Poetry, Health, and Liberal Arts Math. Of course, honors classes couldn’t hurt.</p>
<p>Go to the USC website. Like many highly selective schools, they count both times when you retake a class. So if you get a D and then a B, for the same retaken 3 credit course, it will end up in your GPA computation as in effect 2 Cs.</p>
<p>USC is probably a reach for you even after retaking those classes. There is going to be too much competition from other transfer students who have 3.5 GPA without any Ds and Fs on their transcripts</p>
<p>ECs that are related to your business major will work in your favor, especially if it helps your “narrative” of who you are as a person. The EC will look better the more passionate and sustained the activity is and if it has real world impact on your community. However, that still won’t guarantee admission to USC or anywhere else for that matter–so do the EC because you feel passionate about it, not because you are attempting to pad your application.</p>
<p>I recommend you make a list of safety schools to go along with the USC app. Good look!</p>