<p>I do have a student/athlete that has traveled the world, but not planted in one place than for more than a month or so…I will give you AUP folks credit for being way braver than I as a parent. I couldn’t send my freshman abroad, at least not my first one to college, it is hard enough to send the to a U.S. college, not just emotionally, but logistically as is obviously the challenge now. It is hard to hear your kid is in undesirable conditions in any instance, but made worse by the price, distance and effort put forth to get there. Sorry to hear it is a bit of a mess for you. Hopefully the kids are adjusting better than the parents back home and dealing with it with humor or whatever they need to make it a good experience and maybe some great friends. Not trying to be Pollyanna on your situation, I know it is tough…hope it gets better.</p>
Is everyone on the trojan transfer plan offered this or is it only a select few?
Anyone who was offered the Trojan Transfer Plan or is a Spring admit can attend AUP. It now has an articulation agreement with USC. Looking back, if my son had to do it again, he would not go. The housing situation turned out to be much worse than we initially thought- a 40 minute commute via metro,a really awful/sketchy neighborhood, a burglary at his apartment, communication issues (he took Spanish in high school, not French), etc. The housing problem was really the biggest issue. I thought AUP itself was great: small classes, interesting courses (Art History with visits to the Louvre!), engaged professors, responsive staff.
If you take the premium housing choice and get closer to AUP and in a better neighborhood, then this could be the perfect choice for the right student. Logistically it’s a pain to get your Visa and then the cost to come get there and come home over Winter break. But certainly investigate it more.
Do kids who got this TTP in their rejection letters have to wait for an invite to this? It seems last year they were “invited” to apply just few weeks after the rejections. My son who was denied (and has TTP in his letter) is a sibling who was more qualified in every way to attend USC than his brother who just graduated! We are still stunned and smarting, but this is intriguing.
@jazzshreddermom Since my son was a Spring admit I’m not sure if it works the same way for TTP. I remember an AUP web page with a short application form that he completed and then USC sent over all of his app materials so AUP could confirm his eligibility. Then AUP sent him an acceptance letter. That was the easy part.
I’ve read that it’s cheaper than USC for the semester (we do not qualify for FA at all). Can you confirm? (My son has not yet been invited to apply, but we did see the website. )
It was cheaper by about $10000 per semester. But then you need to add travel on top of that and that could run $3000 per round trip.
@gamergal thanks for responding. Another question. The website text begins with text congratulating the reader with being invited to apply for the TTP First Year in Paris program (which again, my son has not yet been - we merely googled and found the website). But further down, there is a form where it seems anyone can express interest. Do you know if my son would need to wait to be invited to apply? Honestly, with his application we are so shocked he was denied admission, we can’t imagine that he won’t be, particularly since the denial letter does offer him TTP in general. Any insight appreciated.
My son was a Spring admit and he didn’t need to be invited. I don’t think it is different for TTP. He just filled out that form. They claim it is first come first served and there is a max they will accept but it sure didn’t seem that way to me. There were 80 Spring admits and 140 TTP at AUP last year. Also, something that isn’t public (well I guess it is now) is that AUP TTP only need a 3.3 GPA versus 3.6/3.7 for regular TTP. I know TTP students all have a personal meeting with a USC adviser to discuss the other requirements. I’m sorry I can’t provide more info on this program other than that. Kirk Brennan was the USC coordinator of TTP.
The 3.3 thing is public. Already read it in several places including the website. 
The strange thing is, my kid’s got NO GPA or test score issues whatsoever (plus all the other goodies). I’m sure it’s not just us, but still… Mind boggling. GamerGal27, that’s for all the help. I guess you’re still not a fan of the program, but it seems there are many who are.
How hard are the classes there? Is a 3.3 significantly easier to earn there as opposed to a 3.6 at an American University?
@gregpuba I’m confused by your question. AUP is the American University in Paris. I am actually a fan of AUP. Our issue (and many others in the USC program) is with housing. My son achieved three As and a B+. He worked hard but it isn’t even close to what he is experiencing at USC this semester. The reason for the lower GPA requirement is the recognition that the culture is different and they want students to take advantage of the unique opportunities there.
@GamerGal27, I’ve now read conflicting information on whether or not the TTP kids have to re-apply to USC via the Common App (not Spring Admits). Or was someone else’s earlier post saying “no common app required” thinking only of Spring Admits who of course do not have to reapply?
And do you know if higher GPA’s required for Marshall?
@GamerGal27,recently i was put into the AUP by GWU, and i am quite confused about it since there is little info about AUP. Is it guaranteed that if I meet the GPA requirement I definitely would be admitted to transfer to GWU or USC? or Are there any other requirements? Do I need to go through the whole application process again on Common App?
Thank you so much!!!
@jazzshreddermom Yes, TTP students do need to reapply via Common App but I think some of their prior app docs are saved. I believe they need one new teacher rec from AUP and AUP transcripts as well. From what I heard from other parents it didn’t seem too painful.
@YokiLeong I am not aware of the GWU AUP program but in order to be admitted to USC you must have applied to USC as an incoming Freshman, been denied entry and then been offered TTP in the rejection letter. You then would be required to meet with a USC adviser who would tell you the requirements for entry your Sophomore year including the GPA and what courses they expect you to take your Freshman year. If you meet their requirements then you are offered admission.
Son has TTP but has not yet received an invite to this. I wonder if it’s coming. Very hard to weigh the TTP against an in-hand pre-admit acceptance from Ross @ Michigan. 
@jazzshreddermom Do they even need an invite? I thought it was just your student’s decision to make. That’s the way it was for my Spring admit.
It seems the kids who did TTP received an invite via email a week or so after their decline letter. We’re trying to find out if that’s happening this year. The TTP AUP website begins with a congrats on being “invited” to apply to TTP AUP.
Is this only for Paris? Or is the one in London also an option?
Do you have a link to the London one? I was told by Admissions that students who got TTP mentioned in their denial letters will be getting info on these programs soon (perhaps middle of the week).