<p>That could be a possibility. Or if they had a grant or something to go to UCSB.</p>
<p>hey guys so I’m not sure if someone answered this but under the document library of materials that USC has from me all my materials are listed except my letters of recommendation. However it says that they don’t need any other materials. Is this an error and they actually have them? Anybody else have that?</p>
<p>@sydneyral I have also heard that they take note of who goes on a tour. I have also heard from someone that got in that when they went the USC rep asked them many questions about why they wanted to go there etc. I am almost certain they put a little file together based on the visit. Now what I want to know is if a visit will still matter since we already turned in our app. I hope so cause I wouldn’t mind driving down there.</p>
<p>@Mike: We can update our applications…loosely. The biggest way we do this is with transcript updates. They are not going to look at us for a little while. Why not go for a tour of the campus/school? If anything, it will encourage you to work harder this semester! </p>
<p>I went to a transfer information session before I applied. I also have averaged about three calls a month to the admissions office. I’ve emailed my regional guy a few times too. I just hope the school of Cinematic Arts doesn’t look at the applications until the university does…I really want to leave a great impression on them. :)</p>
<p>sydneyral-</p>
<p>I’ve done that too…you don’t think they will be annoyed do you?</p>
<p>I would say that a good way to help your application is to continue to get great grades at the school you’re currently attending. Our D was asked for her transcript/updated grades for spring semester before she heard back that she was accepted as a spring admit transfer student, so yes, grades matter. Since she was a spring admit, she also submitted her fall grades and much of her coursework transferred & gave her a strong background to get off to a strong start at USC (having completed many of her GE requirements).</p>
<p>Neither my S (who was admitted as an entering freshman) nor my D (who was admitted as a transfer) toured USC before they were admitted and we don’t believe that hurt them at all. </p>
<p>For most schools, I don’t believe the tour guides have much power in the admissions process. Please someone correct me if you have knowlege to the contrary.</p>
<p>@chapmanpanther3</p>
<p>it depends what major you applied for. some majors do not require any letters of rec for transfer applicants. its simply optional. that might be why it says they don’t need any additional information. </p>
<p>however, like we mentioned before, the admission office is telling everyone to be patient while they’re processing everything. give them a call and ask over the phone if they have received them.</p>
<p>Hey guys, for those thinking about taking the tour, DO IT!</p>
<p>I went in late January and had a great tour and really saw what a beautiful campus it was. I then had to go again in one week later (lol) as a guest with my little brother who is a prospective freshman. Both times I went they were very nice. The admission session is very insightful, but I also think that the same depth of info is covered on this board; however, I still recommend going since it is part of the normal tour. </p>
<p>As far as them making a special deal about coming to a tour, I think it’s very possible. The tour is very personal and about a week after I received a postcard from our guide saying thank you and hope you enjoyed the tour, handwritten :). Even more interesting, I received an email from them with a link asking me to take a survey about the tour. I would not be surprised if the hold you a little higher for taking the tour. If your superstitious like me, take the survey! I’m not applying till next February, but I still filled that sucker out like my life depended on it.</p>
<p>And I recommend going on Friday! </p>
<p>I also heard people talking about living off-campus
Being from the area, I recommend living downtown. Rent is cheap for nice apartments that are in the center of the city. Los Angeles downtown is not a bad area at all. It gets a bad rep because of the riots that happened a long time ago, and people who aren’t around here seem to associate gangs with downtown. That could not be more false. The gangs are located in East Los Angeles COUNTY, not city, all the way around in a sort of horseshoe, to some areas of Inglewood. </p>
<p>The area north of USC is not so bad, I just highly recommend to not get lost by Martin Luther King blvd. That area is not pretty and can be dangerous in certain times. </p>
<p>If anyone has any questions on the area or what it’s like to live in Los Angeles, just ask.</p>
<p>My winter term just ended, how would I update my grades?</p>
<p>ArrogantBastard, just call in and ask them.</p>
<p>**For everyone hesitating about calling the Office of Admissions, they are surprisingly friendly and the most I’ve ever been put on hold for was like 1-2 minutes…</p>
<p>So definitely call in if you have any personal questions about modifications to your app info**</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>ArrogantBastard, just call in and ask them.</p>
<p>**For everyone hesitating about calling the Office of Admissions, they are surprisingly friendly and the most I’ve ever been put on hold for was like 1-2 minutes…</p>
<p>So definitely call in if you have any personal questions about modifications to your app info**</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>Anyone call and ask when they will bother looking at us yet? Haha</p>
<p>I’d have to respectfully disagree with the whole tour debate. I can name several reasons but it all comes down to having an unfair advantage. Think about it. About 50 pages back you’ll find comments from people who attended a USC transfer seminar stating USC does not take into account ECs because of the unfair advantage it creates. Some people might not have the ability or opportunity to engage in ECs. (I don’t agree with this but numerous people confirmed my previous statement.)</p>
<p>So now USC does not take into account ECs but they give you an extra advantage if you take a campus tour? See the conflict? If they do, which I’m nearly 100% positive they don’t, it is very ironic. Unless it’s a small LAC I really do not see a campus tour increasing the chances of admission.</p>
<p>After all if this was the case, thousands of students would be visiting Cambridge or New Haven several hundred times within a year to increase their outcomes.</p>
<p>MitchAPalooza- I agree too… I really haven’t heard anything about the tours but I know emailing and calling is a good thing!</p>
<p>Quick question, if I get a 3.4 or 3.5 this quarter, but get a 4.0 in the spring— how would that look? I know USC likes upward trends… </p>
<p>I started with a 3.8 then probably will go to a 3.4 then a 4.0 in the spring. This quarter is not going well for me - _ -</p>
<p>Do your best and don’t stress and over-analyze. Our D had grades all over the place. She had a 3.8 1st term & then lower grades & a W or two 2nd semester. She was still admitted as a spring transfer & brought her grades up & got OK grades for the W(s). The U wants to see that you’re taking courses that challenge you and you do decently in–As & Bs are a sign that you are learning the material–buckle down & do your best. It will help you keep your options open for grad school or other transfer apps as well.</p>
<p>With regards to housing, I would advise as many people as possible to live on or near the campus. I am not 100% sure about USC, but many universities are built in certain neighborhoods to provide unique research opportunities, strengthen the intellectual environment in those areas, and heighten the academic opportunities in those areas. It would kind of defeat the purpose if all of the students tried their best to not interact with the community and stay as far away as possible.</p>
<p>HiMom-</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice. How do you think USC looks at Pass/Fail from your opinion? Do you think its better than a W?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help!
By the way, what did your daughter apply for?</p>
<p>dropped off transcripts in person yesterday to the office of admission … got an official receipt </p>
<p>however it still hasn’t been updated in the document portal. not worrying anymore, guess it REALLY does take them a while to process stuff.</p>
<p>Looks like my USConnect admissions documents have been updated and everything’s been received. </p>
<p>How about you guys?</p>
<p>@snizzle I called and they said they have it…so I’ll just wait till next week and see what happens.</p>