<p>I'm a CS major and was recently waitlisted for a CHEM class I needed this quarter, and after the deadline I wasn't able to get in. I know a full year of a science + lab is "strongly recommended" to be completed prior to transfer for Viterbi students, so I'm starting to believe that this is going to kill my transfer application. I'm so stressed over it and the possibility that I might have to stay another year in CC over one class that I've actually lost sleep, going to class on 2 hours of rest some days.</p>
<p>I attended a university for 2 years (not 2 yrs worth of credit) as a business major, really messed up and got a few W's and a 2.9 GPA, dropped out of college and reassessed my life and goals. Since then, I've enrolled in CC and I currently have a 4.0 at CC. I believe my combined GPA would be 3.5 at least and I definitely will have that higher by the end of the year -- also, those grades from my first university are all non-major grades (in relation to CS). I also volunteer as a tutor for students as part of the CIS department and should have a letter of recommendation from a CIS professor when I apply. Finally, I will have all categories finished besides one, also have the diversity req finished.</p>
<p>I know this is a tiring question, but what are my chances without that CHEM class? I should have 2/3rds (goes by quarters) of the sequence done at the end of the year. That would only account for the first CHEM course at USC.. Has anyone been accepted into Viterbi missing part of this req?</p>
<p>No one can give you an answer to that question. That’s why we have a “what are my chances” sticky at the top of this thread.</p>
<p>I can hazard a guess since I interview for another school that takes few transfers. If a student enters USC as an undesignated Freshman and wants to transfer to Viterbi - they have to take specific classes and achieve a pretty high GPA in order to do it. No exceptions that I’ve heard of.</p>
<p>So a transfer student will be expected to meet those same standards. In fact USC makes it clear transfer students have to have a specific course of study before coming on campus.</p>
<p>When I’m conducting an interview I’m often worried about how often a student wants me to overlook something because their school couldn’t make it happen. I wonder - then why not take it in the summer? Then why not commute to a different community or other local college and take the class ala carte? If getting into a dream college is so important, why ask them to make an exception when others are coming in with equally strong resumes and the prescribed courses.</p>
<p>Part of being an engineer is problem solving. And finding a solution where one does not appear to exist. If we don’t see evidence of that, the candidate isn’t going to get through the rest of the process given how many others students demonstrate the ability.</p>
<p>I think it is admirable that you reset your life. I think any college will give great emphasis to that aspect. But you want to transfer into Viterbi which already is fielding 10,000 Freshman applications and untold amounts of transfer requests (internal and external) and looking for reasons to weed that pile down.</p>
<p>So honestly - you have to at least be competitive. </p>
<p>But you never know - if you apply have a back-up plan.USC turns down a lot of students regardless. Just too much demand and too few slots. Or call admissions and ask before you apply. They’re pretty upfront and straightforward. But never say never. USC is also holistic in its approach and no one on CC can say if they’ll look favorably on your application or not. To try is to have a chance. To not try is a definite “no.”</p>
<p>@ArtsandLetters I’ve basically tried this. I went into the quarter thinking that because I was the first on the waitlisted, I could get the class, but when I found out that the professor wasn’t going to add anyone, I rushed to find other schools with open CHEM classes. Of the CC’s that did, it took 24 hrs to get enrolled and then 7 days for them to accept my pre-requisite introductory CHEM class, and by that time the last add date for classes had passed. It’s been a very stressful month and a half.</p>
<p>Also I could finish the CHEM series by the end of the 2015 summer, and this is what I will be doing, but as far as I know, those grades are not considered in your application.</p>
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<p>Thank you, I’m actually from the Midwest and last year hopped in my car and drove to California to attend what I really believe are among the best CC’s in the country. It’s been a crazy journey so far. </p>
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<p>Thank you again, I will be applying, but I’m coming to the realization that if I do not get accepted that I am just going to take another year at CC which could better my chances. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but I knew nothing would come easy when I moved here. </p>