Transfer to USC from a four year college or community college?

<p>Hi everyone, </p>

<p>I really wanted to get into USC but didn't, and was wondering if it would be better for me to apply to USC as a sophomore transfer from a four year college or community college? I currently live in California and I know that community colleges in California have an articulation agreement with USC. But I got into University of Oregon, Penn State, Rutgers and Syracuse University which are all pretty great schools. Should I go to one of these four year schools and then transfer sophomore year or would it be easiest and most effective to go to a community college in California? </p>

<p>I have to respond to one of the four schools by May 1st and I have no idea what to do...</p>

<p>If you can afford it, go to one of the 4 year schools for the college experience. Good chance you’ll be happy and forget about USC.</p>

<p>If you know you’ll be happy at one of those universities, then go. Maybe you’ll like it enough that you won’t want to transfer.</p>

<p>Or if you really hate the idea of going to any of those schools, then go to community college. Community college students are first priority for UC schools, so that’s always a plus.</p>

<p>Speaking from my 2 yrs of experience at community college, it’s obviously the cheaper alternative, but the trade-off is the lack of community at community colleges. The student population at cc’s tend to be less motivated, which could negatively affect your work ethic. On the plus side, teachers’ expectations are probably very low compared to 4 year schools so it would be easier for you to get a high GPA if you can motivate yourself.</p>

<p>Looking back, I’m glad I went to community college because it saved me so much money, but I probably would have grown and learned more if I went to a 4-year. </p>

<p>Either way, if you work hard enough I’m sure you’ll be able to get into USC later on.</p>

<p>USC does not give priority to 4 year vs. 2 year colleges as it is private. Chances are since those other schools are all big schools, they will have a wide enough variety of classes that you can pick and choose a schedule that would transfer over to usc just as well as the schools usc has an articulation agreement with.</p>

<p>Look at the USC transfer guide for more help on picking classes.</p>

<p>I am/was in the same boat as you. I went to Arizona last year for my Freshman year, and decided to leave for CC to transfer to USC. I really recommend CC. Although it is really boring and extremely lame, it is easier to get better grades and focus on them/applications at a CC. Also, it is a lot cheaper. Plus, most CCs have an articulation agreement with USC while 4 year colleges do not. Makes things a whole lot easier when it comes to transferring to USC, since they are picky about what transfers and what does not.</p>