I’m pretty sure there’s more in this boat alongside me.
I applied to USC’s CS(Games) Program but was instead spring-admitted to Dornsife as an Undecided. Problem is that I applied with a declared major and I sure as hell still want to pursue it.
While some earlier threads suggest that the program’s pretty easy to transfer into (just do well your freshman year and you get in, from what I picked up), Viterbi’s CS(Games) program sounds extraordinarily competitive and it just doesn’t seem logical that I can just switch in given I have a solid GPA.
What I ask specifically for CS(Games) goes for all other undecided admits who were also denied their declared majors – how easy is it to transfer to the school you want to attend, what are the requirements, and how can it be done?
@alpha989 My son is currently a Freshman Spring admit who had IMGD as his first choice (denied), CS(Games) as his second choice (never even evaluated for it) and accepted as Undecided in Dornsife. It is as easy as you have heard. Get Bs or higher in your first semester Viterbi classes and take a math class and get a B or higher. Fill out the paperwork and you are in. If you get a B-, C+ or C in one class then you have to be reviewed by admissions. If you get two C’s you will be denied but then could do something like a CS/Physics major with a Game design minor and stay in Dornsife. USC makes it easy to transfer between colleges as long as the new college is not audition or portfolio based.
Since you are allowed to take four classes in a college even if that is not your major, you can easily sign up for your classes at orientation with no problem.
This really is just a small hiccup you can easily work around.
My son loves this major. He is crazy busy but he’s doing stuff he loves. I’ll admit that the Linear algebra class he is taking is driving him crazy (he currently has an A- but he’s working really hard in it). I’m not sure if you have the AP credits to skip Calc 1 and Calc 2. If you do then take that math class before you get to USC. If you are attending a CA CC in the Fall there should be an articulation agreement already in place. Also try to take the lower level writing course before you start as that’s one if the tougher requirements.