Transferring from a community college to USC: Does the community college matter?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

I’ve heard that USC takes in a significant portion of transfers from Santa Monica College. Is there any particular reason for this? I’ve heard SMC is very nice, but would going to another CC over SMC closer to me hurt my chances of transferring into USC?

As it is now, I could take a few classes at SMC and a few at my local CC. SMC has some classes that my CC doesn’t, so this could be nice, but I can’t afford the time (hour or so) to travel to SMC more than twice a week unless I move (which I may.)

What do you all think I should do?

2

I transferred into USC from East Los Angeles College, so the community college doesn’t always matter. When I tell people I’m from East LA, a lot of people don’t even know where it is, lol. It’s like they think it’s not in Los Angeles :stuck_out_tongue: A large portion probably come from SMC because compared to other community colleges, those students are likely more dedicated in attempting to transfer and want to stay local. This is likely why SMC feeds so many students into UCLA as well. They students that want to transfer either want to go to UCLA or USC. The director for the orientation program claimed that she was a transfer from SMC as well, so it’s definitely a popular community college. I don’t recommending going completely out of your way just to attend Santa Monica College.

3

Awesome. Thank you!

4

Which CC doesn’t matter, knocking out the GEs, the appropriate prereq’s, getting a good gpa - basically following the transfer plan they outlined on the web is the best thing you can do. A relationship with your regional rep can help as well. Not annoying made up questions, but if you need guidance, contact him/her. It shows you are interested if it is a valid question whose answer isn’t obvious on the website. Good luck!

http://admission.usc.edu/transfer/prospective/usccounselors.html