Fall Opportunities for Spring Admits

It's up to you! Your admission to USC is secure for the spring term, so your choices are as broad as your imagination.

You could enroll in college – even study abroad -- to stay on pace to finish your degree in four years. You could take time off to work, explore new cultures or participate in a service learning opportunity to make the world a better place.

The options listed below will help guide you.

Study

Most spring admits will graduate with their peers who started in fall. One way you can ensure on-time graduation is to take courses in the fall that will count toward USC degree requirements. We can help you select courses to make sure you stay on track. Choose a community college, or enroll as a non-degree-seeking student at a local university (look for visitor status, continuing education, or extension/professional studies programs). You might even explore study abroad opportunities such as those listed below.

Before you Enroll:

• The requirements for your intended USC degree (pp. 12-15). Pay close attention to lower-division courses you can complete during fall. Check with the admission offices in the Dornsife College (science majors take note) or Viterbi School of Engineering if you intend to pursue a course of study in these schools. Some schools, including our study abroad partners, may not be a good fit for your major.
• USC transfer credit policies (pp. 16-17).
• USC Core requirements (pp. 9-11);
• USC GE requirements, part of the USC Core, are being updated this year. The new GE program is described at dornsife.usc.edu/2015ge.

Next, refer to the USC Articulation Office page for spring admits, which has many resources to help you. You can see if your courses have already been evaluated for transfer credit, or you can request pre-approval for any courses we have not previously reviewed.

Finally, please do not hesitate to call your USC Admission Counselor for help in selecting your courses.

Consider these enrollment options:

Study Abroad

USC has established special partnerships with these four American institutions in Europe. Each is US-accredited, and instruction is in English. Space may be limited, so apply soon. Students will stay connected as a USC-bound cohort so you will have an instant network of friends upon arriving in Los Angeles.

American University of Paris

American University of Paris is located in the heart of Paris, near the Eiffel Tower.

Franklin University Switzerland

Located in Lugano, Switzerland near the Italian border, Franklin University Switzerland is committed to the liberal arts with an emphasis in promoting cross-cultural perspectives.

Richmond, The American International University in London

Richmond University in London offers an ideal freshman-year program for spring admits.

John Cabot University, Rome

John Cabot University is an American university in the heart of Rome.

Community College

Most first-year spring admits choose to enroll in community college during the fall. Our local transfer partners encourage you to apply right away to allow ample time for placement testing and academic advisement. Some examples near USC include Santa Monica College, El Camino College, Pasadena City College, or West Los Angeles College. USC does not prefer one college over another, so choose a school that is convenient for you.

Four-Year Options

Do not enroll in a four-year college under the false pretense of finishing your degree there. Doing so may take up a valuable space for someone else. Enroll in a non-degree or continuing education program.

Gap Semester

Taking a break between high school and college is a common choice around the world, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. Here is a sampling of some opportunities for travel, volunteering or exploring in the U.S. and abroad.

Embark on a new adventure, encounter new cultures, and help make the world a better place for everyone.	Make friends, develop leadership skills and spend a gap semester in Asia, Africa or Latin America.
Choose from international internship, volunteer or study abroad programs around the world.	This national circuit of events will introduce you to the variety of gap year programs available.
Offered throughout Asia and Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and Central and South America, these programs emphasize leadership development, outdoor and wilderness education, volunteer and service learning opportunities, and sustainability.	Explore the connections between art, music, literature, history and philosophy while traveling throughout Italy.
ISA aims to provide affordable study abroad programs to students around the world.	National Outdoor Leadership School: A leader in outdoor education, NOLS leads students on wilderness expeditions to teach them technical outdoor skills, leadership and environmental ethics.
Carpe Diem Education: Carpe Diem provides three-month and yearlong gap programs focused on community, cultural immersion, service learning and adventure.

Work and Internships

Many students also choose to gain valuable hands-on experience and professional skills through internships and paid work. Community colleges may allow you to complete an internship for academic credit. Check with their advising or career office for more information.

Check with local employers for job opportunities.

Stay Connected

Spring admits may purchase USC football student season tickets. During the summer, the USC Ticket Office will e-mail the details to those who have submitted the Enrollment Commitment Deposit. You will need to obtain your USCard and purchase your tickets in early August. Refer to this FAQ for details.

Connect with other spring admits on Facebook. Visit you.usc.edu for a link to the private group especially for spring admits. It's a great way to “meet” other students before you arrive on campus.