USC 2019-2020 Transfer Students STATS & DECISIONS ONLY

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
21

Accepted May 1st, on portal around 5. Have yet to receive email or package.
Accepted - Marshall/ business administration
No SGR
I did not apply for FA
Non-TTP Freshman applicant

STATS:

College Transferring From/Type: Penn State University which is an out of state public university
Entering As: Sophmore
GPA: 3.88 (from fall)
High school GPA: 4.2+
SAT: 1450
Units Completed/Degree: completed 17 and had 21 transfer credits to PSU, so those may also transfer to USC but I’m not sure
Units in Progress: 15
GE Completed/How did USC evaluate your college coursework?: I think I had 6/8 GEs completed. Business calc was completed from AP credit, did not take lower division writing/English class.
Experiences (Extracurricular, job/work, volunteer, awards, etc.): I talked about National Honors Society in high school and different volunteering in high school including tutoring and for my church. As well as my job. And then my current status as a calc II tutor and my college club I was involved in.
Common App Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): I just said how my current school wasn’t a good fit for me, and how I did not find it academically stimulating.
Supplemental Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): I think my essay about what major I wanted was my personal best. I just researched different opportunities I would have at Marshall including a specific class, program, and internship. Then I wrote an essay about how I hated slow walkers and would always pass them on the sidewalks and related it to business about how you have to be commanding. I’m not sure what my thought process was on this haha.
Short Answers (describe yourself, favorite food, etc.): These were kinda basic, but my personality shined through.
Letters of Recommendation: I did not have any LORs.
Unique-OPTIONAL (race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, military, disability, legacy/related to USC alumni, employee, etc., extraordinary situation, experience, talent, etc.): nothing insanely special
Location-OPTIONAL (where do you hail from/reside? State, country, etc.): I’m from out of state.
Schools Applied To: USC or bust
Other: I did not apply in high school cause I honestly was not aware that this school existed. I wish I did know because there was a possibility that I would have been accepted. Anyways, it all worked out in the end :slight_smile:

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results?
    I definitely was surprised by the results, especially because I am a freshman, and I got in without an SGR. (and because I did not have letters of recommendation) I was so used to checking the portal and having nothing that I was so shocked that there was a change.
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in?
    My biggest strength was I got Calc 1 for Marshall out of the way straight out of high school. I took the Calc AB test and received a 4, which constitutes credit for Calc 1 at USC. Additionally, I took calc 2 in my first semester which probably solidified my math ability. Also, I had a high GPA in a difficult school.
  3. Did you have any help with the application? Just my sister and a friend to read over the essays.
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not? Not sure yet, it’s really expensive and far away from me
  5. Is USC your first choice? Yes
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline? I submitted everything on time except for my high school transcript, which got lost in the mail and I had to send it again 2 times before they received it.

Comments: Maybe my essay really helped me because it was unique. And, I just want to say that I did not complete my lower division writing course, but before spring semester I contacted my counselor and she said that it was known that those coming from my university don’t have the corresponding class so that it was okay I did not have that class.
I am so relieved that I got in, for the past month I’ve been having dreams about getting rejected, getting SGR and getting accepted. For everyone else, stick in there, your decision will come!
Fight on!

22

Accepted - Dornsife/Political Science

Decision Date & Time: May 1st at 5pm on the portal

Stats:

[ul]
[] College transferring from: College of Southern Nevada
[] Trojan Transfer Plan (TTP): No
[] Entering as: Junior/Super Sophomore
[] GPA: 3.92
[] Units completed: 48
[] Units in progress: 13
[] Pre-reqs completed: All major pre-reqs completed
[] GEs completed: 6/8
[/ul]Subjective:

[ul]
[] ECs listed on app: Senator in student government at my college. I am really active in student government and I chair/vice chair multiple committees. I also sit as the student representative on a number of college committees.
[] Job/Work Experience: I have a ton of experience working on political campaigns since 2012. I sit as a central committee member for the Democratic Party on the county and state levels.
[] Essays: 10/10 - I worked for months on these essays because USC was my target school. I had the writing center at school look them over at least 3 times. I talked about being a former high school dropout who desired to be one those inspiration turn around stories. I mentioned how I completely uprooted my life and move across the country to have a fresh start. I also brought up my goals of becoming a foreign service officer.
[] Letters of Recommendation: One from a political science professor that I had for three different classes.
[/ul]Other:

[list]
[] Other schools applied to:
Accepted: USC, UCLA, UVA, UCD, UCM, Chapman, USFCA, CPP, U of A, UNLV
Rejected: Berkeley
Pending: Claremont McKenna and Oxy
[] Comments: My best advice to future applicants is to stay focused on maintaining a good GPA, completing 6/8 of the GE courses, and all of your major requirements BEFORE the spring semester before you transfer. If you do this, you minimize the chances of an SGR and might get a decision sooner. Additionally, have people look over your essays. Be yourself in the essays and don’t try to come off as too pushy and desperate. They want to get to know you, the real you. Let it shine! Get to know your counselor beforehand, but leave them alone as it gets close to decision time. It truly is an amazing feeling to be accepted to USC, especially since I basically tailored my education at CSN for them lol. Fight on!!

23

Accepted - Dornsife/Narrative Studies
Decision Date and Time - May 1st at 5:20 pm through the portal/email
Non-TTP

STATS:

College Transferring From/Type: CCC in Southern California
Entering As: Junior
GPA: 4.0
Units Completed/Degree: 60+
Units in Progress: 14
GE Completed/How did USC evaluate your college coursework?: All completed
Experiences (Extracurricular, job/work, volunteer, awards, etc.): Work part-time at an elementary school, journalism internship, volunteer at an elementary school, musician, blogger, various writing awards
Common App Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): I talked about how taking a variety of classes in community college made me go back to my first love, which is creative writing, and delved into the uniqueness of Narrative Studies. Also discussed how I wasn’t ready for college as a senior in high school because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in yet.
Supplemental Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): Talked about how unique Narrative Studies is and how I want to minor in songwriting. I also discussed how I went on an impromptu trip to USC during their Involvement Fair and how I discovered the clubs I want to be a part of.
Short Answers (describe yourself, favorite food, etc.): These honestly make me cringe looking back on them… I tried to be original but I’m not sure how genuine it sounded. My favorite response is probably to the question “place you are most content”: “On the dance floor while ‘Hey Ya!’ is playing.”
Letters of Recommendation: One from my journalism professor, who is a USC Annenberg alumnus. He talked mostly about my journalism experience even though that wasn’t the major I applied to.
Unique-OPTIONAL (race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, military, disability, legacy/related to USC alumni, employee, etc., extraordinary situation, experience, talent, etc.): Biracial? I don’t know if that’s considered “special.”
Schools Applied To: Accepted - CSULB, CSUF, Pepperdine, UCI, UCLA; Waiting for - Stanford

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results?
    Yes! I wasn’t sure my personality showed enough on my application.
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in?
    Honestly, I prayed God would bless the application when I submitted it LOLOL but also I think my interest in USC really showed in my essays.
  3. Did you have any help with the application?
    I had some of my friends/family read it.
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not?
    Not sure yet!
  5. Is USC your first choice?
    I have no top choice yet!
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline?
    Around the deadline, but some arrived a little bit later.

Comments: I was rejected to USC as a senior and I was devastated. Now I see it was all part of God’s greater plan. Going to community college was one of the BEST decisions I ever made. Now I’m so excited to transfer! Fight on!

24

Accepted - Marshall School of Business
Decision on Portal and by Email
Non-TTP

STATS:

College Transferring From/Type: Big Ten University
Entering As: Sophomore
GPA: 4.0
Units Completed/Degree: 18
Units in Progress: 16

Letters of Recommendation: 1 letter of rec from a professor I had last semester

Schools Applied To: None. USC only.

25

[green]Accepted - Dornsife/Economics[/color]
Decision Date and Time - May 1st at 5:01 pm through the email/portal
Non-TTP

STATS:

College Transferring From/Type: USD (private Catholic university)
Entering As: Sophomore
GPA: 3.94
Units Completed/Degree: 26
Units in Progress: 16
GE Completed/How did USC evaluate your college coursework?: 4/8, I think.
Experiences (Extracurricular, job/work, volunteer, awards, etc.): finance club, student reporter for my school’s TV news, volunteered to register people to vote, yearbook editor in HS, volunteered at Sunday school, etc.
Common App Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): Wrote about how I thought my current school was the ideal fit but turns out it doesn’t have the program I’m passionate about and how USC has it. Talked a lot in the main essay about the different aspects of the major I wanna pursue at USC, too.
Supplemental Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): Wrote about how I’m a hurdler both on the track and in life for the first one and how USC is like a LEGO set, my fav toy growing up, for my Why USC?
Short Answers (describe yourself, favorite food, etc.): Too much to type out here lol. But honestly the most creative answers I had ever come up with.
Letters of Recommendation: None. It was a risky decision I know.
Schools Applied To: Just USC. All or nothing basically

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results?
    Somewhat because I think I had both a strong GPA and strong essays (which I spent 2 months writing and polishing) so I believed that my chances were somewhat high.
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in?
    Definitely the combination of high GPA and the genuineness and authenticity of my essays. I literally poured my heart into them.
  3. Did you have any help with the application?
    I had several friends read it and my senior year English teacher read it, too.
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not?
    If financial aid is generous, I would for sure attend.
  5. Is USC your first choice?
    Definitely.
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline?
    Submitted everything around 2 weeks before the deadline.
26

[GREEN/BOLD]: Accepted - School/Major

STATS:

College Transferring From/Type: 4 year / OOS
Entering As: Junior
GPA: At my college - 4.00 (grade inflation because of A+'s), removing the A+'s, 3.91
Units Completed/Degree: 56
Units in Progress: 17
GE Completed/How did USC evaluate your college coursework?: 4/8 GE’s
Experiences (Extracurricular, job/work, volunteer, awards, etc.): Investment banking internships
Common App Essays Description (subject/prompt & response):
Supplemental Essays Description (subject/prompt & response):
Short Answers (describe yourself, favorite food, etc.): Job I would like most: Personal Assistant to Warren Buffett
Hashtag to describe myself: #FutureUSCAlumni
Letters of Recommendation: Professional and academic, both should be pretty solid (8/10)
Unique-OPTIONAL (race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, military, disability, legacy/related to USC alumni, employee, etc., extraordinary situation, experience, talent, etc.): Declined to state in application, but white male
Finances-OPTIONAL (low income or high income? can you pay? etc.) High Income
Other (anything else?):
Schools Applied To:
UNC - CH - accepted
Vandy - Denied
Hopkins - waiting
Cornell - waiting
Georgetown - waiting
UVA: denied

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results? No - I tailored my essays accordingly and came into my current college doing everything the way USC wanted it to be a competitive transfer. Had a horrible HS GPA and ACT score, showed an incredible upward trend
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in? My EC’s (student government, internships, 4.00 GPA)
  3. Did you have any help with the application? No
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not? Most likely
  5. Is USC your first choice? Tied with Hopkins for first choice
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline? Day of deadline
27

[GREEN/BOLD]: Accepted - Marshall School of Business-Business Administration in Accounting

STATS:

College Transferring From/Type: Pasadena City College
Entering As: Junior
GPA: 3.86
Units Completed/Degree: 65 units
Units in Progress: 14 units
GE Completed/How did USC evaluate your college coursework?: TTP completed and all GEs completed
Experiences (Extracurricular, job/work, volunteer, awards, etc.): 2 Part time Jobs, one is office assistant, the other one is cashier/waitress in a restaurant. Volunteer in Humane Society
Common App Essays Description:8 or 9 out of 10
Supplemental Essays Description : 8 or 9 out of 10
Short Answers (describe yourself, favorite food, etc.): I would say not bad
Letters of Recommendation: have my supervisor wrote my letter of recommendation
Schools Applied To: UCB, UCLA, UCSB, UCI, UCSD, USC
Rejected: UCB, UCLA
Waitlisted: UCSD
Accepted: USC, UCSB, UCI

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results? Yes I thought I would get rejected from USC since I got rejected from UCB and UCLA
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in? I think my recommendation letter from my supervisor definitely helped me a lot.
  3. Did you have any help with the application?
    No, Only have my friend editing my essays.
  4. Are you going to attend? Yes. USC is my dream school.
  5. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline? I submitted my high school transcript after the deadline

Comments: I got B both in Marginal accounting class and Single variable Calculus I which made me think I would get no chance lol. However, I think my letter of recommendation is pretty strong which helped me a lot mor. I work as office assistant in fiscal office so I think it would increase my chance since it’s related to my field of study

28

Accepted - Marshall School of Business
Decision Date and Time - May 1st at 5:20 pm through the portal (package arrived in the mail 3-4 days later)
Non-TTP

STATS:

College Transferring From/Type: CC in Southern California
Entering As: Junior
GPA: 3.92
Units Completed/Degree: 52
Units in Progress: 17
GE Completed?: ALL

Experiences (Extracurricular, job/work, volunteer, awards, etc.): Summer Job working in a manufacturing plant learning the day-to-day role of the plant manager and the different transformations implemented to reduce costs.
Supplemental Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): For the why USC essay, I went into detail of specific classes I planned on taking with my business electives, as well as the various academic clubs I planned on joining while at USC.
Short Answers (describe yourself, favorite food, etc.): Through these, I tried to show that I also have a personality and do not just have my head stuck in books all day. For example, my hashtag to describe myself was “#What’sForDinner”
I tried to stay away from cliché answers like “hard-working and dedicated.”
Letters of Recommendation: One from my accounting professor who is also the chair of the business department at my school

Schools Applied To: Accepted - ASU

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results?
    Yes. I had received, a B in Business Calc, one of the only two requirements; so, I did not know how heavy that would impact my decision. Thankfully it did not.
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in?
    My biggest strength was definitely my grades. Strive for that 4.0. I unfortunately came up slightly short with one B
  3. Did you have any help with the application?
    I had a few people read over my essays.
  4. Are you going to attend?
    YES!
  5. Is USC your first choice?
    Definitely
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline?
    Submitted on deadline, February 1.

Comments: As previously mentioned, I received a B in Business Calc. I also had a W on my transcript from a summer class I dropped (not a USC requirement). I did, however, attach an additional file explaining my reason for withdrawing the class. My advice for those who plan on applying is to really focus on your GPA and give yourself plenty of time to do your essays. I had written about 3 completely different essays for one prompt before choosing the one I submitted. Best wishes to everyone waiting for a decision! #FightOn

29

Applied: Non-TTP (5/17)

College Transferring From/Type: California Community College (De Anza College)
Entering As: Junior
GPA: 3.85
Major: Business Administration
Units Completed/Degree: 60 (approximately)
Units in Progress: 15
GE Completed/How did USC evaluate your college coursework?: GEs completed
Letters of Recommendation: None

Finances-OPTIONAL (low income or high income? can you pay? etc.): high income, can pay
Location-OPTIONAL (where do you hail from/reside? State, country, etc.): South Bay Area, California, United States
Other (anything else?):
Schools Applied To: UC Berkeley - Accepted (Economics), UC Irvine - Accepted (Business Economics), University of Washington Seattle -Waiting (Business Administration), UCSB - Accepted (Accounting/Economics), UCSC - Accepted (Business Econ?)

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results? I was expecting the results to come out later. So yes I was surprised :slight_smile:
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in? GPA/Well known CC
  3. Did you have any help with the application? Np
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not? Deciding between UC Berkeley Economics and USC Marshall (Top 2 choices)
  5. Is USC your first choice? Same answer as above
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline? Before
30

STATS:

Accepted - Marshall School of Business
Decision Date and Time - May 17th at nearly 6:00PM (alerted through email)
Non-TTP
College Transferring From/Type: CC
Entering As: Junior
GPA: 3.98
Units Completed: +60 units
Units in Progress: 17
GE Completed: 6/8
Experiences: Summer work experience since high school. Art classes outside of school. It is my belief that USC doesn’t particularly care about ECs when it comes to transfer applicants, so only the latter is relevant to my application as it was the crux of one of my personal essays.
Common App Essays Description: My essays were reviewed by two academic counselors who both gave their seal of approval. They were solid in terms of prose and subject matter: they reflected my research concerning their curriculum and detailed my personal history following a second rejection from usc.
Letters of Recommendation: One from my art professor who I have a good rapport with.
Location: SoCal
Other: I previously attended an UC and one of my academic counselors believed the fact that I could handle that kind of coursework suggested that I would also be able to handle usc’s coursework.
Schools Applied To: CSULB (accepted)

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results? I had no expectations since competitive universities can be seemingly arbitrary with admissions (meaning it’s not strictly a numbers game).
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in? Strong GPA, most of my GE’s completed, and compelling personal essays. I also completed the math and writing requirement necessary for Marshall applicants which I believe was crucial.
    4/5. usc was always my first choice but i will say it’ll be weird attending class with people younger than me while most everyone my age has just graduated or will within the month.
  3. I submit everything required in January and sent my winter semester grades unprompted as soon as they were available.
31

STATS:

Accepted - Dornslife/Political Science
Decision Date and Time - May 17th at 5:53 pm (alerted through email)
Non-TTP
College Transferring From/Type: CCC
Entering As: Junior
GPA: 3.8
Units Completed: +60 units
Units in Progress: 12
GE Completed: 6/8
Experiences: Peer Tutor. Several volunteering activities. Hnrs Program.

Common App Essays Description: Short and sweet. I asked a teacher of mine to read over mine throughout the process. I made sure to keep things lighthearted!
Letters of Recommendation: One LOR
Location: SoCal
Other: N/A
Schools Applied To: UCLA (accepted), UCB (accepted), UCSD (accepted), UCD (accepted)

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results? Yes!
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in? GPA, most of my GEs completed, LOR, and unique essays. I also completed the math and writing requirement. I had all my major courses & GEs completed by the fall semester.
    4/5. Yes, USC is my first choice. And I will be attending this fall. Fight on!
  3. I made sure everything was in by the deadline.
32

STATS:

[Green]:Accepted - Marshall School of Business
Decision Date and Time - May 17th at 5:56 pm (alerted through email)
Non-TTP
College Transferring From/Type: CCC
Entering As: Junior
GPA: 3.96
Units Completed: 89 units (including this spring semester)
GE Completed: 6/8
Experiences: Talked about how I did some community service in High School
Common App Essays Description: Nothing exciting. Had my dad look over it.
Letters of Recommendation: One- Accounting teacher
Location: SoCal
Other: N/A
Schools Applied UCSD (accepted), UCR (accepted)

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results? Yes very surprised. I did not get into ucla, uc Berkeley, or uc irvine so I figured I would not get into USC.
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in? My gpa and the amount of units completed.
  3. Did you have any help with the application? Not really. I was very last minute and only received help from my dad.
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not? Yes I will attend, hoping for financial aid.
  5. Is USC your first choice? USC and Berkeley
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline? I was on time with everything.
33

STATS:

Accepted - Dornslife/ Biochemistry, B.S. (Pre-Medicine) (No spring grade request)
Decision Date and Time - May 17th at 5:54 pm (via email and portal)
Non-TTP
College Transferring From/Type: Penn State University (out of state 4 year college)
Entering As: Junior (I think and I hope)
GPA: 3.7
Units Completed: 45
Units in Progress: 17
GE Completed: All (I think)
Experiences: tutor, THON (Penn State FTK organization), various clubs, and volunteered in hospital (Junior year in high school)
Letters of Recommendation: One from Chemistry professor
Schools Applied To: UCLA (rejected), Penn State University Park campus (Accepted)

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results?
    Omg yes! I still can’t believe I got into my dream school.
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in?
    Most likely essay. I spent solid two weeks to write essay just for USC. And my upward trend gpa definitely helped.
  3. Did you have any help with the application?
    My friend read my essay for me.
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not?
    Yes! Fight on!
  5. Is USC your first choice?
    Yes it was my first choice.
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline?
    Yes I submitted all my materials before February 1st.

Comment: Best thing happened in my entire life. I wanted to go to USC since I was a kid. But my high school gpa was much lower than average USC gpa. And if anyone applying to USC in future. Y’all can do it!!! Back in middle school, I got F in my entire class. My middle school teacher told me I can’t make it to any college. And my high school gpa was not the best (2.6 gpa in junior year). But I tried my best for 2 years and I made it to my dream school.
Fight on!

34

Accepted - Dornslife / Neuroscience (pre-med)

STATS:

College Transferring From/Type: CCC
Entering As:Junior
GPA: 4.0 in current CCC / 3.75 overall including international 4 year college records
Units Completed/Degree: 108 units / AA
Units in Progress: 13 units
GE Completed/How did USC evaluate your college coursework?: GE all done except Category B and G incomplete.
Experiences (Extracurricular, job/work, volunteer, awards, etc.): A few honors research, lab assistants, secretary at honors society, performing art portfolios (SAG-AFTRA), peer tutoring and a few community services etc.
Common App Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): Personal experience hook that made me choose the major → appealed my academic rigor (taking 24-25 credits of classes a semester and aced them all) → Extracurricular activity → USC pride → Want to give back as a trojan.
Supplemental Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): 1. Passionate about? foreign languages, 2. How do you plan academics? Major and research purpose.
Short Answers (describe yourself, favorite food, etc.): Charismatic, intelligent, loving
Letters of Recommendation: None.
Unique-OPTIONAL (race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, military, disability, legacy/related to USC alumni, employee, etc., extraordinary situation, experience, talent, etc.): Asian, first gen college student !
Finances-OPTIONAL (low income or high income? can you pay? etc.): Definitely need a scholarship.
Location-OPTIONAL (where do you hail from/reside? State, country, etc.): Los Angeles
Other (anything else?):
Schools Applied To: UCLA (rejected; too many credits from other 4 year college?) UCB (rejected; too many credits units from other 4 year college?) UCI (accepted) UCR (accepted) UCSC (accepted) SFSU (accepted) SJSU (accepted)

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results? I did not really expect it, and was quite excited that I got in! YES!
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in? I did show my academic rigor/ discipline through the very recent 2 semester when applying. Taking 24-25 credit units in math and sciences was a no joke honestly. I was quite overwhelmed, but definitely rewarding experience.
  3. Did you have any help with the application? I had multiple people proofread my essays.
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not? Likely if the financial aid package comes through
  5. Is USC your first choice? Depending on financial aid. I am excited quite frankly. I would still be thrilled to pursue undergraduate PharmSci (pre-med) at UCI because it offered me full tuition and board. However, if USC can offer the same scale of grants, I would consider going.
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline?I did everything before the deadline.

Comments: good luck to everyone!

35

Accepted via Portal 5/17/19 - Dornsife/ Health and Human Sciences
Pre-Pharmacy emphasis (No SGR)
Decision date and time: May 17 at 5:54pm
Non-TTP

College Transferring From/Type: Antelope Valley College
Entering As: Junior
GPA: 4.0
Units Completed/Degree: 65 AA Liberal Studies- Arts and Humanities, AA Sociology Transfer

GE Completed/How did USC evaluate your college coursework?:
Completed most except foreign language

Experiences (Extracurricular, job/work, volunteer, awards, etc.):
volunteer work with cancer patients, sociology club, caregiver, personal assistant for CEO of large corporation.

Common App Essays Description (subject/prompt & response):
The prompt is to describe why you want to transfer. I was just honest. I wanted to be genuine and sincere without over embellishing my accomplishments.

Supplemental Essays Description (subject/prompt & response):
In my essay prompts, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone by making myself come across as perfect. I was really honest about my experiences and my flaws but spoke about my time at CC. I was thankful community college gave me the ability to work and get to know people with similar and contrasting beliefs.

Why USC?: The resources at SC are endless. Anything you can think of is possible at this school. With all the tools at your disposal, how can you fail in an environment that facilitates your success?

Letters of Recommendation:
None

Unique-OPTIONAL (race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, military, disability, legacy/related to USC alumni, employee, etc., extraordinary situation, experience, talent, etc.):Non traditional student, first gen, military

Location-OPTIONAL (where do you hail from/reside? State, country, etc.): California

Schools Applied To: USC

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results? yes, I have checked the portal multiple times because I am in disbelief.
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in? I love school, I love to learn and I want to break the perpetual cycle of lack of education for my family. I was very honest about that. I said I wanted nothing more in this world than to be a Trojan.
  3. Did you have any help with the application? No
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not? Yes, even if I don’t get the best FA, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m going to make the best of it.
  5. Is USC your first choice? Yes
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline? Yes

Comments:

I still don’t believe it. Be true to yourself. Be honest and make as many friends with your peers as possible. Establish bonds with your professors and ask for help throughout the process. The fact that you’re here on College Confidential is an indicator that you’re headed in the right direction. Be brave, and always keep on fighting!

36

[GREEN/BOLD]: Accepted - School of Cinematic Arts, film production

STATS:

College Transferring From/Type: Public OOS
Entering As: Junior
GPA: 3.52 from University of Minnesota (60ish credits), 3.94 from UCLA (13 credits, summer program)
Units Completed/Degree: around 73
Units in Progress:
GE Completed/How did USC evaluate your college coursework?: 5/8
Experiences (Extracurricular, job/work, volunteer, awards, etc.): Worked on 16 short films in the past year, video production intern at non profit, chair of the student board for non profit, 3 study abroad experiences, competitive rock climber
Common App Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): Very straight forward, but was sure to dive deep into each point I made for myself
Supplemental Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): Talked about which clubs and organizations I wanted to join. Also explained my gap year.
Short Answers (describe yourself, favorite food, etc.):
Letters of Recommendation: sent 2 directly to USC (honors advisor and internship mentor) and four to SCA (first two and also english 101 TA as well as supervisor from non profit where I intern at) (SCA requires three LORs but they will read additional if they are there)
Unique-OPTIONAL (race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, military, disability, legacy/related to USC alumni, employee, etc., extraordinary situation, experience, talent, etc.): Many of these
Finances-OPTIONAL (low income or high income? can you pay? etc.) High income
Location-OPTIONAL (where do you hail from/reside? State, country, etc.): Iowa, but family is moving to LA with me
Other (anything else?):
Schools Applied To: Loyola Marymount (accepted), Chapman (denied)

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results?
    Yes. I had a 98% chance of being rejected.
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in?
    Strong writing skills, unique talents, unusual background
  3. Did you have any help with the application?
    My mom helped me with my SCA personal statement.
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not?
    Yes. I value being at a large university because it allow me to come in contact with many diverse people with unique stories.
  5. Is USC your first choice?
    Yes.
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline?
    Arrived on the deadline.

Comments:
I am very pleased with my admissions decision and excited to start at USC this fall. To anyone who makes a snap decision to change their career path like me (previously an econ major) don’t be afraid! Go for it, because things may work out better than expected.

37

STATS:

ACCEPTED- Dornsife- Anthropology Pre-med track (No SGR)

College Transferring From/Type: CC MiraCosta College
Entering As: Junior
GPA: 3.87
Units Completed/Degree: 49
Units in Progress: 21
GE Completed/How did USC evaluate your college coursework?: completed everything and was in the religion requirement
Experiences (Extracurricular, job/work, volunteer, awards, etc.): President of Native Union, ASG, Student Ambassador, Volunteer
Common App Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): Wrote about why I wanted to become a doctor, family history and how that influences my future
Supplemental Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): I wrote about how I dealt with hate crimes on campus and what I’ve done to change my college in general
Short Answers (describe yourself, favorite food, etc.): I’m literally a natural born leader, my favorite food is carrots, my favorite song is Agape
Letters of Recommendation: Anthro professor, and coordinator of outreach
Unique-OPTIONAL (race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, military, disability, legacy/related to USC alumni, employee, etc., extraordinary situation, experience, talent, etc.): Native American first generation student
Finances-OPTIONAL (low income or high income? can you pay? etc.) Lowww income
Location-OPTIONAL (where do you hail from/reside? State, country, etc.): Raised in Encinitas but reside in Vista
Other (anything else?):
Schools Applied To: UCB, UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, and USC!

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results? Ahhh it was literally 50/50 with me since I was rejected in the past
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in? My personal statements, I was raw with my emotions and with what I truly want to see in the future
  3. Did you have any help with the application? yes college writing center
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not? Yes!
  5. Is USC your first choice? Yup
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline?

I submitted them before the deadline but still got the email about not having them in on time.

Comments:

I’m stoked!

38

Use the format below.

Accepted - School of Cinematic Arts/Film and TV Production
Found out on portal at 5:13 p.m.; did not receive an email

STATS:

College Transferring From/Type: Cerro Coso Community College (SoCal school located in the Central Valley)
Entering As: Junior, Non-TTP
GPA: 4.0
Units Completed/Degree: 60
Units in Progress: n/a (Completed 14 in the Spring)
GE Completed/How did USC evaluate your college coursework?: I’m unsure about this. I know I am missing my foreign language and also plan on having to retake a science with a lab since my first was online. Most of my classes were taken while in high school so, I hope these will be counted.
Experiences (Extracurricular, job/work, volunteer, awards, etc.): I work as an editor for my town’s newspaper. I had worked as a freelancer there prior. I was the Commissioner of Sound & Tech for two years in my high school’s ASB. I also competed in my high school district’s 24 Hour Film Project and placed third my final year. Since I was a sophomore in high school I have been working with a film mentor. As a result, I have worked on the set of multiple documentaries. I was also involved in my high school’s CSF chapter.
Common App Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): For the supplemental, I wrote about my journey through transferring, ie, why I began community colleges early and the struggle of testing out of high school and never really having a place to fit in. I finished that with a description of attending a USC Transfer Days event and how I saw myself at USC. For the prompt essay, I choose the prompt about different backgrounds. I wrote about moving to a small town and reporting on those politics as a journalist. I’m pretty political and I wrote strongly about that in that essay. For the final prompt, I wrote about wanting to be a documentary filmmaker in an algorithmic society. Basically, my dream of telling people’s stories and how the resources at USC would help.
Supplemental Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): I went alllll out on these. I wrote each one in a very “creative writing” style, almost like I was writing a movie script. I really tried to show them who I was in these. I very proud of these. My submitted film can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_0Iew9WW9M
Short Answers (describe yourself, favorite food, etc.): I tried to pick different answers but still be true to myself. I wasn’t a fan of these questions and they kind of stressed me out, lol.
Letters of Recommendation: Common App - English Professor and Film Mentor. Supplemental - My boss
Unique-OPTIONAL (race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, military, disability, legacy/related to USC alumni, employee, etc., extraordinary situation, experience, talent, etc.): Latina (Second-Generation Mexican American). I am also pretty young to be transferring as a junior (only 18). Graduated high school a year early through the CHSPE.
Finances-OPTIONAL (low income or high income? can you pay? etc.): Loans will be taken out, lol.
Location-OPTIONAL (where do you hail from/reside? State, country, etc.): Originally from Bakersfield, California, now living in Kernville.
Other (anything else?):
Schools Applied To: UCSD, UCSB, Pitzer College, USC

Rejection: UCSD, UCSB, Pitzer College

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results? Yes and no. I had a great interview with a SCA professor that I felt extremely confident about. However, after being denied by literally every other college I applied to, I started doubting myself. Luckily, it all worked out in the end.
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in? My supplemental essays. I am confident they have never read essays like that before. I also said I wanted to be a documentary filmmaker, a small niche at SCA so, that could have also stuck out.
  3. Did you have any help with the application? Yes, my sister, mom, and dad proofread and made suggestions.
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not? Yes, it’s my only choice but, more importantly, the best choice. There’s a reason I’m supposed to be there and I’m going to find out.
  5. Is USC your first choice? Yep.
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline? I submitted essays on the deadline. I think my transcripts were submitted beforehand but didn’t get processed till after.

Comments: This whole experience has been extremely emotional. I can not be any happier though. Fight on!

39

[GREEN/BOLD]: Accepted - School/Major: Dana and David Dornsife: Political Science

College Transferring From/Type: Pasadena City College
Entering As: Junior
GPA: 3.75
Units Completed/Degree: 52
Units in Progress: 19
GE Completed/How did USC evaluate your college coursework?: completed all pre reqs before applying so they can see how I’ve done
Experiences (Extracurricular, job/work, volunteer, awards, etc.): work at a real estate company, participated in a political campaign, participated in dance
Common App Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): I tried to talk about my c and why I got it. I also talked about how I learned from this experience and became a better person from it.
Supplemental Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): I talked about clubs I want to join and classes that interest me.
Short Answers (describe yourself, favorite food, etc.): don’t remember lol
Letters of Recommendation: 1 from my political science teacher
Finances-OPTIONAL (low income or high income? can you pay? etc.)
Location-OPTIONAL (where do you hail from/reside? State, country, etc.): Los Angeles
Schools Applied To: UCLA, UCI, USC, CSUN accepted to all

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results? yes and no because I have a decent gpa, but I do have a C in a history class I took a year ago
  2. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in? my first essay was strong, one recommendation letter
  3. Did you have any help with the application? yes an English professor, and uci student
  4. Are you going to attend? Why or why not? Do not know yet im between usc and ucla
  5. Is USC your first choice? yes(:
  6. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline? I sent the transcripts a bit after the deadline so they got there on 2/7-2/8
40

ACCEPTED - Political Science, B.A. via portal 5/17/19

STATS:
College Transferring From/Type: Community College
Entering As: Junior
GPA: 3.4-5
Units Completed/Degree: 54
Units in Progress: 12
GE Completed: All completed

Experiences: Had a part-time job, didn’t have much EC aside from volunteer work and old hs clubs

Common App Essays Description: Talked about social issues in my life and wanting to pursue a career that could help me understand and fix them. Also mentioned how my parents didn’t approve of my career path and the classes/programs I could join at USC

Supplemental Essays Description (subject/prompt & response): talked about wanting to learn more about marine life

Short Answers (describe yourself, favorite food, etc.): theme song - Praise The Lord by A$AP Rocky

Letters of Recommendation: None

Location- Bay Area

Schools Applied To: UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, UCB, UW

QUESTIONS:

  1. Were you surprised by the results? Yes!!! I did my application really last minute
  1. What do you think was your biggest strength/what got you in? Personal Statement
  2. Did you have any help with the application? No
  3. Are you going to attend? Why or why not? Still deciding! One of my classes wasn't college transferrable so I ended might not get a response until after June 1st, so I will probably make a deposit to USC just in case. I received a generous amount of aid, but it wasn't enough to fully cover my tuition so I may not be financially stable enough to go
  4. Is USC your first choice? No
  5. Did you submit/did the materials (transcripts, etc.) arrive on, before, or the deadline? I sent my high school and winter quarter transcripts after the deadline