FAQ: FAQ

Why spring admission? 

Spring admission helps ensure that all students have access to the numerous resources we have to offer. More importantly, it ensures your place in our incoming class—and gives you opportunities for study abroad or time to simply relax that other students do not have. Most spring students find that the transition to campus life is relatively easy and that they arrive better prepared for USC’s challenging academic environment. 

Is there a chance I could enroll in the fall? 

This is our most commonly asked question, and we understand that you expected to begin your studies in the fall semester. It may be possible if space becomes available. These decisions are based on current enrollment levels (not on rankings, level of interest or wait-list order), so availability varies from year to year. To ensure that you may be considered for fall admission, accept your offer of spring admission by submitting your Intent to Enroll online. All students who accept the spring offer will be considered for any fall openings.  

Please do not send any supplementary information or petition. 

How many students enroll in the spring semester?  

We expect to enroll 350 to 500 first-year students and an additional 300 to 400 transfer students in the spring. 

Will I be able to participate in any USC organizations during the fall? 

Involvement with and access to university resources will become available once you enroll in January. Proximity to campus does not dictate access to university systems or resources before you become an enrolled student. 

When can I participate in Greek Life? 

All new students, whether entering in the fall or spring, must complete 12 USC units and earn a 2.5 USC GPA or higher in order to participate in Greek Life recruitment. The unit count and GPA is for USC classes only. It does not include transferable courses taken outside of USC (community college, study abroad, etc.).  

If you meet eligibility requirements, the earliest you are eligible to participate is fall 2024. Some Greek organizations recruit new students every semester, although many only recruit students during one semester. 

Visit greeklife.usc.edu for more information. 

Can I attend USC football games? 

Yes, you will be able to purchase football tickets. In early August, spring admits who have submitted their Enrollment Commitment Deposits should keep an eye out for an email from the USC Ticket Office.

What can I expect from USC during the time prior to my enrollment in classes? 

Important updates and reminders will be emailed to you throughout your time away from USC. 

Student Development Programs also has several resources and services for spring students:  

• Spring Admit Ambassadors: current students who provide their perspective, insight and advice to incoming students 
• Community college information sessions for students who take transferable courses at a community college 
• Study abroad pre-departure programs for students who choose to enroll at a preferred study abroad institution  
• One-on-one phone advising appointments throughout the summer to provide support and guidance for spring students as they plan their fall semesters 

How do I activate my USC email/Net ID?

After submitting your Admit Reply form and enrollment deposit (or deposit waiver), you will receive a confirmation email that includes your 10-digit USC ID number. You will need that number to activate your USC Net ID online.

When can I expect my financial aid summary if I have not yet received it?

Our Financial Aid Office is working as quickly as they can to send out financial aid packages. Please make sure all necessary materials are submitted via your FAST page.

Are you hosting admitted student programs?

We are delighted to offer a number of activities for incoming first-year students that will give you the opportunity to engage with USC and provide you with the information you need to make your college decision.

When you attend one of these programs, you will meet current students, other newly admitted students, and USC faculty and staff. You will also learn about academic opportunities and campus life. Additionally, whether you choose to connect virtually or in person, we have multiple options that will allow you to explore the place you might just call home for the next four years.

Visit our events page for more information about all these opportunities, and make a reservation for the program(s) you would like to attend through the Experience USC page in your applicant portal.

Will I be able to receive AP, IB and A-Level exam credit?

Yes. USC’s AP, IB and A-Level exam credit policies are thoroughly documented on our Registrar’s website.

Do I have to send in final high school transcripts?

Providing final official high school transcripts showing proof of graduation is one of the conditions of admission for every USC first-year student. We typically require this documentation before students may begin at the university. Please arrange to have your transcript sent as soon as it is available.

How do I sign up for orientation?

A few days after you submit your Admit Reply form, you will receive an invitation at your USC email address to reserve your spot for the Welcome Trojans orientation program. The Office of Orientation Programs also provides a step-by-step guide on their website.

When will I register for classes?

You will register for classes during your Welcome Trojans orientation program in December. Academic advisement and course registration will take place online.

How will I meet my academic advisor? 

Your Pre-Registration Checklist will include the necessary details for scheduling an academic advising appointment. Academic advising appointments are conducted online prior to your course registration date. 

How do I know what classes I need to take for my major?

To review requirements and ensure you are prepared for your advisement appointment and course registration, log in to Blackboard to access your Pre-Registration Checklist. As part of the checklist, you will need to complete a pre-advisement worksheet, which must be done prior to meeting with your academic advisor, who will guide you through the registration process to ensure you are enrolling in the appropriate courses. You will meet with your advisor prior to your registration date.

You are also welcome to familiarize yourself with our USC Catalogue, where you can review the graduation requirements for each major.

Can I switch my major?

The Office of Admission does not facilitate switching majors. A change of major is granted at the discretion of the academic departments, who set their own policies and procedures for doing so. An admitted student who wishes to change majors must contact both the current and intended academic departments to receive the appropriate permission and advising. If you have committed to USC and activated your USC Net ID, log in to Blackboard to access the departmental folder of the school you are interested in changing to and review the school’s requirements. Some majors have a separate application process, so a major change would not be complete in time for you to register for your first semester of classes. However, this would not affect your ability to move forward in your educational plan.

How do I add a second major or a minor?

Most students who add a second major or a minor typically do so after the first semester. However, you are welcome to bring it up with your academic advisor during your advisement meeting if you wish. Either way, you will not need to declare a second major or minor during your registration time.

What placement exams do I need to take?

Please visit the your Blackboard account and follow the instructions in your pre-registration checklist.

Will classes be in person or online in the spring?

Classes will be in person in the spring. However, if we need to make changes to this plan in order to ensure the safety of the USC community, updates will be posted on we-are.usc.edu.

Where can I get more information about vaccinations requirements?

For information on USC’s COVID-19 vaccination policy, please visit the COVID-19 Resource Center.

Where can I learn more about how USC is continuing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic?

For updates on how USC is continuing to maintain the health and safety of our community, including vaccination requirements, please visit the USC COVID-19 website.

How do I know which courses will transfer to USC?

The Articulation Office will prepare a transfer credit report (TCR) for you based on the official transcripts you submit. Until your report is prepared, you can spend time reviewing our articulation agreements (most California community colleges) and histories (other schools) to see how courses you have already completed may transfer.

Please note that articulation histories are not a guarantee nor are they comprehensive. As we do not maintain a formal articulation agreement with four-year universities or schools outside California, we cannot guarantee how courses will transfer until Articulation reviews your transcript. However, it is very likely these courses will continue to transfer the way they are listed on those histories.

When will my Transfer Credit Report (TCR) be ready?

The Articulation Office is working on TCRs as quickly as possible. They prioritize TCRs for students with upcoming registration dates. If you have not already submitted your final official transcripts, please arrange to have your college send your transcripts electronically as soon as possible. If your school’s system requires an email address in order to send the transcript, please use uetrans@usc.edu.

How can I view my Transfer Credit Report (TCR)?

Once you activate your USC Net ID, you will be able to access my.usc.edu. There you can see your degree progress through OASIS.

When can I expect that my Transfer Credit Report (TCR) will be updated if it doesn’t appear to have all the right information on it?

The Articulation Office will work throughout the summer to update TCRs with new information, such as new AP/IB scores, updated transcripts, etc.

Will I get university housing as a transfer student?

USC Housing is not guaranteed for transfer students. Please visit the Housing FAQ for more information or contact housing@usc.edu with questions.

What should I be doing before orientation? 

You will find information for your Welcome Trojans orientation program on the Orientation website. 

When will I register for classes? 

You will register for classes online, by department, during your Welcome Trojans orientation program.  

Are there resources that transfer students can utilize to help with the transition to USC?  

Whether you are new to USC or have been on campus for a while, Transfer Student Soul Search connects you to resources and opportunities to network and socialize with other transfer students. The self-discovery modules are designed to support you in finding community and learning about the benefits of being a member of the Trojan Family.  

Some modules are linked with social events hosted by USC’s Transfer Student Assembly—chances to build relationships with other transfer students. To get involved or learn more about the Assembly’s programming, follow the TSA on Instagram @usc.tsa or contact the student leadership team by email at tsausc@usc.edu. 

Read, watch, learn, make friends – and have fun! 

How do I receive my I-20?

I-20s are available to admitted students who have committed to enroll at USC and have submitted their commitment deposit.

To receive your I-20:

Log in to Trojan International and submit the New F-1 Student Request e-form located in the Admission section. New undergraduate students should request an Initial I-20.

Upload your financial documentation and a passport copy, even if you already submitted these during the admission process. You will need to upload new documents, as the Office of Admission will not be able to provide you with previously submitted copies.

Students currently attending a U.S. school on F-1 status:

Follow these instructions for transferring your SEVIS record to USC. Submit the New F-1 Student Request e-form in Trojan International and request a Transfer I-20.

More Information:

Guidelines for preparing documents: Trojan International Checklist
General information: Admission I-20 Processing page
Guidelines for acceptable financial documentation: Graduate Admission website