Does anyone know what would happen if a student went to study abroad and didn’t receive the GPA and was denied from USC? What would occur then?
Just curious but does USC offer any kind of welcome events for students who transfer their sophomore year? Disappointed I didn’t get into USC for this fall but excited to participate in the TTP. However, still worried that I’ll miss out on a lot because I wasn’t there freshman year and that it’ll be harder for me to integrate. Anyone who has done this program have thoughts?
Hi guys! I know how you all might be feeling b/c I was offered the TTP last year. It sounded very risky but I knew I would rather go to USC than be at any other college. I didn’t get accepted to any of the colleges I wanted to go to.
For those who want to attend a 4-year, the conditions/requirements of the TTP are definitely flexible which is a plus for those who don’t want to go to a CC. I went to CSUN for my freshman year and got accepted as a sophomore transfer by USC just a few days ago. The only downside to attending a 4-year is that you have to adhere to both USC’s and the 4-year’s requirements. However, I was able to get some of that ‘freshman novelty’ by being part of the CSUN community.
Overall, I think the TTP was definitely worth it. If you guys have any questions, let me know! I’d be happy to help you guys 
@oneyeartransfer I went to CSUN, a 4-year institution. When you meet your counselor in May/June, he/she will find possible routes for you to take if you decide to go to a 4-year. If you want to research on your own, I would recommend you to look for an articulation agreement between your prospective 4-year and USC so you can see which courses transfer over. I don’t think integrating into the USC family will be hard at all. Considering the school’s large student body, everyone is practically a stranger to each other. Moreover, there are lots of clubs that allow you to make new friends.
Three questions regarding TTP:
- Is it possible to transfer after just one semester (i.e, enter USC as a spring admit)?
- Would USC be fine with me attending a UC prior to transferring?
- Again, a topic that's been brought up a lot, but... Has anyone fulfilled the TTP requirements and NOT been accepted?
- No, then you would have been accepted as a spring admit. They want to see more than that. One year.
- Yes, you can attend any 2 or 4 year school, truly. Some have better articulations agreements in place (list of classes that transfer or considered equivalents between schools), a UC would be no problem.
- I think anyone offered TTP and then not accepted would be too angry or frustrated to post :)
In regards to Question 2, how well would Occidental College work?
It really should be fine, you can do it from any 2 or 4 year, the issue is taking the right courses. You have less flexibility in a 4 year cause you are staying on their track as well, but typical core classes for freshman work well generally. You should be able to email admissions with this question if you want further info/confirmation. They push Comm College more than 4 years more cause the course they have articulation agreements in place so it is easier to check classes, and a cc person will show up. My guess is that more students that go to their 4 year fall in love with their campus, then don’t end up going to USC. But, they don’t ask you to give up your 4 year (nor should you) to attend a 2 year on a “chance” (no guarantee) you will get in the following year. If you show interest by keeping up your grades and submitting your app on time, it really doesn’t matter where you come from.
They will meet with you over summer to discuss classes, about 20-30 minute chat where they tell you type of classes USC wants to see you take. They will not go through the Occidental catalogue with you. Basics like Calc or physics are easy to determine if they transfer, it is more the humanities and whether they fit into their general ed requirements that is harder to determine.
My son was offered the TTP 2 years ago, but chose to attend UW at Seattle rather than attend a CC. He could have also attended one of the several UC’s he was admitted to and then transfer. He met the grade requirements and class requirements at UW for the TTP after 1 year, but decided he liked staying at UW. USC’s admission has a specialist for many of the 4 year colleges and can translate the respective college classes to the USC equivalent.
Are the courses that USC would want you to take your Freshman year posted anywhere?
@EnduranceArtist the courses that you take depend on the school that you attend. Once you decide on the school, a USC counselor work with you regarding courses.
If attending a four-year university, would it be better to spend freshman year at a more prestigious university (like NYU) or a smaller school (like LMU)?
As mentioned above, it makes no difference, go where you want. USC doesn’t see prestige of other schools like you do. Just take the right classes.
I’m speaking in terms of completing the requirements of TTP. I suspect it will be harder to get the right classes and maintain a high GPA at a more prestigious school like NYU. Thus, I feel there is an advantage to attending a smaller Liberal Arts school for Freshman year. Would you not agree?
My daughter is inclined to study at John Cabot in Rome and do the TTP. Are you going to study abroad?
It does not matter if under the TTP, you meet the requirements and are allowed to transfer to USC. If you don’t, I believe the more prestigious university (NYU) is better for jobs, etc.
Yes, but is it not more DIFFICULT to meet the requirements at a place like NYU?
No it is not more difficult. If there is an other school you want to attend, you should start there. You should not give up that school on a chance, (it is not a guarantee) to get in a year from now. What has been said over and over - it doesn’t matter when you are TTP. NYU or any other 4 year university has the same kind of core courses that one takes in the first year. Calc is Calc, first year writing is first year writing, etc. NYU would certainly have courses that fit USC core. This year they could admit a ton of TTPs, next year they may have a different class and take virtually none, you can’t control that. They do have a quota, it is year to year.
Now if you are asking if you should go to an “easier” school to get a better gpa…only you can answer that. What if you don’t get into USC, are you cool with being where you are? The problem is if you can’t be successful at certain schools, you won’t be successful at USC either. You need to show them you can succeed in college wherever you go.
This is a different situation than a spring admit, who is, in fact admitted - they can go to a JC or wherever and knock out some credits. A TTP is a student that has been rejected and maybe accepted later, so has to cover their bases more soundly for their future. Sorry, sounds harsh but true.
S2 went to SMU this year, kept up and/or surpassed the TTP requirements, and this past Friday received USC’s offer of admission for the Fall of 2016. USC is where his heart is and he was beyond happy to receive the acceptance. There is no absolute guarantee of admission via the USC TTP. S2 had worked so hard in high school, with an amazing resume, and he wanted to make sure he was at a well-respected four-year university working towards his goals. That was his preference and he did experience another amazing school (SMU) for two semesters.
Congrats to your student @shorty90604!
Did anyone else appeal the decision? I did because one of my recommenders did not mail their letter by accident.