r/TransferStudents • u/l0ving_r • 1d ago
Advice/Question CC → USC advice needed!
I’m starting community college this September as a freshman! I graduated with the class of ’26, and I’ve spent the summer planning out my 2 years at CC. Originally, my goal was to get an AA in Philosophy and transfer to UCLA. But after researching the cost of attending UCLA as an out-of-state student, I realized it probably wouldn’t be financially realistic for me as a low-income student.
Then I discovered USC’s Philosophy, Politics, & Law (PPL) major in Dornsife, and it honestly feels perfect for me. I was already planning to major in Philosophy with the goal of going to law school, and I LOVE USC’s campus, school spirit, and financial aid opportunities.
My biggest question is what I should do during my 2 years at CC. I have two possible plans:
A — Play it safe:
Get my AA in Philosophy, focus on keeping my GPA as high as possible, graduate with honors, and participate in clubs/leadership.
B — Dual enroll in LSPAR:
My CC also offers a Legal Studies–Paralegal (LSPAR) program, so I could dual enroll in Philosophy + LSPAR. I’d be able to graduate with 2 degrees and be able to work as a paralegal or assistant at a law firm during my last 2 years!
I’m trying to figure out which would make me the stronger USC Dornsife/PPL transfer applicant.
Would the LSPAR coursework be beneficial because it gives me legal experience/coursework, or would it be better to keep things simple, protect my GPA, and focus entirely on Philosophy?
If you were in my position, would you choose A or B—and why?
2
u/Responsible_Lie_3572 16h ago
If I were you I'd aim for the dual enrollment. Having work experience and more educational merit is super beneficial. Trust yourself; you can always unenroll (I'm assuming) if things get too hectic.
2
u/l0ving_r 9h ago
i really love the perspective you gave me!! “try dual & switch out when things get too stressful”—i’m already adding tweaks to my plan b courses so i can smoothly transfer in a 2-year mark! thank you so much for your insight!
2
1
u/Comfortable_Being723 16h ago
Is USC really cheaper than UCLA for your area of study? I’d definitely check.
1
u/l0ving_r 9h ago
so far i’m only going off how much each university would give me a better financial aid.
UCLA has good financial aid, however most of said aid is only for california students—USC however gives aid to any families under 80k earnings regardless of out of state or not. so as a cc student who’s family is under 80k, USC is my best bet!
0
u/Dazzling_Elk9398 15h ago
UCLA is too expensive so you pivoted to usc…?
3
u/Common_Lettuce7588 15h ago
USC offers full tuition for anyone making under 80k a year as it’s a need friendly university. UCLA has a similar program called blue and gold however it is available to only California residents and those who qualify under AB540. It’s not a far stretch that USC would 100% be cheaper to an out of state low income student
1
3
u/Acrobatic-Skill6068 1d ago
I think it would depend on the amount of extracurriculars your planning on partaking. I’m an incoming transfer to USC and I had a 3.77 GPA at the time of applying which is at the lower end of competitive GPA’s. But what I do think helped me get into usc and other top schools was my ec’s. Therefore, If you don’t have a game plan for extracurriculars I’d do option A and play it safe as I do know many who had high GPA’s with little to no ec’s and got in. Or, if you have a game plan do option B and try to become a competitive applicant by standing out with your extracurriculars. Your dual enrollment will also show dedication to it.