Your Transfer Application Questions (FAQ), Answered!
The February 15 Transfer Application Deadline is almost here! We know that this can be a busy time, so we’ve put together answers to the most frequently asked questions about submitting your transfer application for Fall 2025.
Q: I submitted my application on February 15 before midnight, but my confirmation email says February 16. What happened?
A: The Common App operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), so depending on where you live, it may look like your application was submitted in the early morning of February 16. Don’t worry, if you hit “Submit” by 11:59 p.m. your time, we will consider your application on time.
Q: When are my transcripts due?
A: While we’d love to receive your transcripts by February 15, we understand they might take a little longer. As long as you’ve requested your transcripts by February 15, we’ll process them as they arrive.
Q: My transcripts won’t arrive until after the deadline. Is that okay?
A: Yes! Your application will still be considered on time as long as your Common Application arrives by February 15 and any required department supplements (e.g., SlideRoom materials) are submitted by the appropriate deadline. Just make sure to send your transcripts as soon as possible.
Q: My transcripts were sent, but they haven’t shown up on my portal checklist. What do I do?
A: If you’ve recently requested your transcripts, please allow up to three business weeks for processing. During peak periods, we’re reviewing thousands of documents! If after a few weeks (or 28 days), your USC Applicant Portal still shows them as missing, double-check that your name on the transcript matches the name on your Common Application exactly and/or contact us!
Q: How do I request official transcripts?
A: Official transcripts must be sent directly from your school to USC. The process for requesting them varies, but your school’s Registrar Office is a great place to start.
We prefer electronic transcripts (through third-party websites, like Parchment), but we’ll also accept mailed printed copies. If your school needs an email address, provide them with uetrans@usc.edu. (Note: this email address is for school use only; —transcripts sent by students to this email address will not be considered official).
If you mail your transcripts, please send them to:
USC Office of Admission
Undergraduate
University Park Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911
Q: I go to a quarter-system school. Do I need to send my winter grades?
A: Yes. We know that some schools with winter grades won’t be ready by the application deadline. For now, request an official transcript that includes your fall grades. Once your winter grades are finalized, upload an unofficial transcript to your USC Applicant Portal. Don’t forget to include your spring courses in progress!
Q: What is the required “Other” document under Program Materials in the Common App?
A: This document is for listing courses in progress. Official transcripts are still required, but they often don’t include courses you’re currently taking. To fulfill this requirement, upload your spring schedule or a document listing your courses in progress. Be sure to include:
School name
Term
Course number and name
Number of units
Quarter-system students should also list their planned spring quarter courses. If you have no courses in progress, upload a document stating, “No courses in progress or planned.”
Q: I did not graduate from high school. Do I still need to submit a high school transcript?
A: Yes. Please submit an official transcript for any completed high school coursework and provide a copy of your GED (or similar certificate) with an explanation. Keep in mind that we discourage students from leaving high school early to start college.
Q: What is the USC Applicant Portal, and how do I access it?
A: A few days after submitting your Common Application, you’ll receive an email titled “USC Admission Has Received Your Application – Set Up Your Applicant Portal Today!” Use the link and PIN in the email to set up your portal. This is where you can track the status of your materials and, eventually, view your admission decision.
Q: Should I send a letter of recommendation?
A: For most transfer applicants, letters of recommendation are not required. However, a few specific programs may ask for them, so check your program’s requirements to be sure.
Q: Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores if I have fewer than 30 units?
A: Submitting test scores is optional for transfer applicants with fewer than 30 semester (or 45 quarter) units. They are not considered for applicants with more than 30 transferable semester units.
Q: I’m an international applicant. What additional materials do I need to submit?
A: International applicants must submit a signed financial statement and proof of sufficient funds through the USC Applicant Portal. If English is not your native language, you’ll also need to submit English proficiency test scores. Visit our English Proficiency Criteria page for more details.
Please note that undocumented or DACA students in the U.S. are NOT required to submit the additional materials listed above.
Q: I am an international applicant. Is it acceptable to submit my financial statement after the application deadline?
A: Yes, it’s perfectly fine! Your financial statement is submitted through the USC Applicant Portal, which you’ll gain access to only after your application has been processed. While this means you won’t be able to submit it by the application deadline, don’t wait too long to submit it. The financial statement is a required component for international applicants, so be sure to upload it as soon as you have access to your portal.
Q: I am an international applicant and have taken an English class at my current school. Can I waive the English proficiency requirement?
A: We do not waive this requirement under any circumstances. Completing coursework at an English-speaking university, including AP or IB English classes (or exams) taken in high school, does not exempt international applicants from the English proficiency requirement. If English is not your native language, we require a valid test score to demonstrate proficiency. You can find a list of accepted exams and expected scores on our website under English Proficiency Criteria.
Q: When will I receive a decision?
A: By May 31, you’ll receive either:
An admission decision, or
A request for final spring grades or additional information.
If we request spring grades, you will receive your final decision by mid-July.
Q: I just submitted my application. What’s next?
Set up your USC Applicant Portal.
Look for an email with instructions to access your portal and track your application materials.
Be patient while we process your materials.
It can take up to three weeks for documents to show up on your portal checklist. Green check marks will only appear once items are fully processed. Letters of recommendation, if required by your program, and SlideRoom submissions will not appear on your checklist.
Sign the Applicant Affirmation.
You’ll receive a notification when this form is ready to sign in your portal. It’s required to complete your application. The Applicant Affirmation form is an electronic signature acknowledging that everything in your application is truthful, correct, and your own work. This is required for all USC applicants. Your application isn’t fully in the system until this step is done.
Take a deep breath and enjoy the Spring!
You’ve done your part. Celebrate your hard work and enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation!
Still have questions?
Visit askUSC or contact the Office of Admission at (213) 740-1111.
Of course, don’t forget to follow us on social media (@USCAdmission) for tips, information, and updates.
Good luck, and Fight On!
Written by: Tyler Swartout, International Admission Officer - Office of Admission