USC is known for a lot of things: football, film, expensive, prestigious and snobby by students and non-students. While the last category is debatable, depending on who you meet, USC known for being the University of Stolen Colleagues by the professors from other schools.
And for good reason.
Granted, there are a couple of bad seeds in the teaching staff, but the good seeds overpower the bad ones. Professors at USC are at the top of their fields, and as part of the Trojan family, they are here to help their students succeed. Many science professors conduct research projects outside of teaching and provide students with opportunities to gain experience for medical school.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
The people I have met here are quite amazing. Of course, there are people who are legacies, and whose parents are quite rich. However, there are the same amount of people who are on financial aid, scholarships and loans. Either way, you will meet people from Hawaii, New York, Washington, Illinois, as well as people from South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, England, Italy and India. Being at USC has allowed me to expand my social circle, make friends from all over the world, and as well as many lifelong friends.
As for academics, I, like many other students, do not enjoy the coursework just because it is coursework. Being a science major just adds to the distaste. However, I have found what I enjoy through taking variety of classes, from history to computer programming to health promotion. And as many people will tell you, you will do well in whatever subject you enjoy.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I will admit, having to pay 50+ grand a year is daunting task and few people, especially parents, would want to shoulder such a huge responsibility. However, since USC is a private school and funding doesn't depend on the state economy, it can and will give money to anyone who applies for financial aid. And when it is not enough, many students appeal and more often than not, they will receive more money from USC.
I know friends from UCs who do not get any financial aid at all, and are paying full price, even though it is much lower than 50+ grand. Because of USC, however, I do not even have to pay half of my tuition, and I don't even have to pay as much as a student from UCLA because USC provided me with a good amount of financial aid.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
1. Apply by December 1st
You can still apply to USC after December 1st (The second deadline is in January.) However, I would encourage students to apply by December 1st in order to be considered for scholarships. And even if you don't receive one, your application would already by done, and you can enjoy Winter Break without stressing about it.
2. Apply for Financial Aid.
If you do not receive a scholarship from USC, make sure to apply for financial aid. And even if you do, apply for it if you don't get a full scholarship. As stated before, USC is very good at giving financial aid, and will give you more if the first amount is not enough. You will need to send it a lot of papers, especially your parents' if you are still an independent. Nevertheless, it is worth it to receive any sort of financial aid.
3. Ask Questions, Do Research.
During my freshman year, I learned things that would have been very helpful as a high school graduate going into college. Quiet frankly, my high school did not prepare me at all. No one told me that if I wanted to be pre-med/pre-pharm, I don't have to be a science major. As long as I take the required courses (and MCATS if I am pre-med), I can apply for medical or pharmacy school. Having a science degree helps, but it is not required. I know a person who is a business major and planning on going to medical school. This kind of knowledge would have been very helpful in deciding my major as well as my courses for freshmen year.
4. Go to Professor's Office Hours
They are willing to answer any questions you have, as well as get to know you. They are teaching 200+ students, so knowing a few of them personally would be nice. Also, when you need recommendation letters for grad/medical/pharmacy school, you can always ask them, and many are more than willing to write you one, given that they know you personally.
5. Join Clubs/Organizations
While studying is important, it is also important to meet new people and cre...
Which types of students will excel at your college?
USC is known for a lot of things: football, film, expensive, prestigious and snobby by students and non-students. While the last category is debatable, depending on who you meet, USC known for being the University of Stolen Colleagues by the professors from other schools. And for good reason. Granted, there are a couple of bad seeds in the teaching staff, but the good seeds overpower the bad ones. Professors at USC are at the top of their fields, and as part of the Trojan family, they are here to help their students succeed. Many science professors conduct research projects outside of teaching and provide students with opportunities to gain experience for medical school.
The people I have met here are quite amazing. Of course, there are people who are legacies, and whose parents are quite rich. However, there are the same amount of people who are on financial aid, scholarships and loans. Either way, you will meet people from Hawaii, New York, Washington, Illinois, as well as people from South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, England, Italy and India. Being at USC has allowed me to expand my social circle, make friends from all over the world, and as well as many lifelong friends. As for academics, I, like many other students, do not enjoy the coursework just because it is coursework. Being a science major just adds to the distaste. However, I have found what I enjoy through taking variety of classes, from history to computer programming to health promotion. And as many people will tell you, you will do well in whatever subject you enjoy.
I will admit, having to pay 50+ grand a year is daunting task and few people, especially parents, would want to shoulder such a huge responsibility. However, since USC is a private school and funding doesn't depend on the state economy, it can and will give money to anyone who applies for financial aid. And when it is not enough, many students appeal and more often than not, they will receive more money from USC. I know friends from UCs who do not get any financial aid at all, and are paying full price, even though it is much lower than 50+ grand. Because of USC, however, I do not even have to pay half of my tuition, and I don't even have to pay as much as a student from UCLA because USC provided me with a good amount of financial aid.
1. Apply by December 1st You can still apply to USC after December 1st (The second deadline is in January.) However, I would encourage students to apply by December 1st in order to be considered for scholarships. And even if you don't receive one, your application would already by done, and you can enjoy Winter Break without stressing about it. 2. Apply for Financial Aid. If you do not receive a scholarship from USC, make sure to apply for financial aid. And even if you do, apply for it if you don't get a full scholarship. As stated before, USC is very good at giving financial aid, and will give you more if the first amount is not enough. You will need to send it a lot of papers, especially your parents' if you are still an independent. Nevertheless, it is worth it to receive any sort of financial aid. 3. Ask Questions, Do Research. During my freshman year, I learned things that would have been very helpful as a high school graduate going into college. Quiet frankly, my high school did not prepare me at all. No one told me that if I wanted to be pre-med/pre-pharm, I don't have to be a science major. As long as I take the required courses (and MCATS if I am pre-med), I can apply for medical or pharmacy school. Having a science degree helps, but it is not required. I know a person who is a business major and planning on going to medical school. This kind of knowledge would have been very helpful in deciding my major as well as my courses for freshmen year. 4. Go to Professor's Office Hours They are willing to answer any questions you have, as well as get to know you. They are teaching 200+ students, so knowing a few of them personally would be nice. Also, when you need recommendation letters for grad/medical/pharmacy school, you can always ask them, and many are more than willing to write you one, given that they know you personally. 5. Join Clubs/Organizations While studying is important, it is also important to meet new people and cre...
1. Likes to learn 2. Ambitious 3. Spirited 4. Well-rounded 5. Down-to-earth