University of Southern California Top Questions

It is truly about the experience of having another family to be a part of

The best thing about USC is the environment. Once you're on campus, you can feel the spirit of what it's like to be a Trojan. Though some would argue that the school is small, it's rather quaint and it keeps the student body together, so in my eyes, it's just right. When people hear that I go to USC, their first thought is that I'm rich and I'm smart. One thing about USC that I'd change is the neighborhood around USC and the idea that you have to be rich in order to come to school here. Some of the bigger controversies have been over the student kidnappings and rapes, which come as a result of the bad neighborhood, but does not necessarily mean that the students, the people, and the school are all bad. School spirit is always at its finest, with the football games at a shocking level of enthusiasm, attendance, and Trojan Pride. It's true what they say, once a Trojan, always a Trojan.

Is there school pride? You bet there is! I came from a high school and a junior college that had just about 0 school spirit. I was a member of the Associated Student Body in high school and I felt that the 30 of us were the only people in the whole institution who had school spirit. When I came to USC, I was so happy to finally be a part of an institution that had so much school pride. If you want to know what going to USC is like, come on football game day and walk around campus or hang out in the student section at the game. It's incredible how many students are milling about. Even on a regular day, you will see several people wearing USC paraphernalia. And all of the traditions we have during football games is so cool when you see almost 1,000 students participating.

Most people don't know USC and think it is part of the Cal State System

The best thing about USC is where you'll be headed when you get out of here. I've already benefited from the Trojan family network. Our academics are tough and employers know that. Size is just right, though it's very segregated. It starts from your first year. There are special interest floors, international dorms, sports dorms, honors dorms, etc. Numbers-wise USC is very diverse. However, those diverse groups are very segregated from each other. That's what I would like to change. I also hate the streets, the bums, and the general dirtiness felt when you step off campus. I feel like there is a lot of school pride, but it's shown the wrong way. It's more of, "I'm a Trojan and you're not." As opposed to, "I love this school and I'm going to throw that litter away." Or,"I'm going to go to the baseball game even though it's not football." The USC administration is good at what they do but they definitely fucked up in their decision to tear down Commons. They should have rebuilt the University Village. The administration doesn't realize that is the true center of the USC community.

The best thing about USC is the diversity of options. Because of USC's location and array of programs, you can really redefine yourself and spend your time doing what turns you on. Into sports? There's a club for you to play in, the Staples Center and Dodgers Stadium less than five miles away for pro sports and some of the greatest collegiate athletics in the country. Into music? The marching band's been featured on a platinum album, visiting bands play free shows for students on a regular basis (Mos Def, The Fray, Hot Hot Heat) and the student orchestra was conducted by John Williams last semester. Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. The school is the perfect size. Big enough so that you're always meeting new people, but small enough so that walk past people you know all the time. The school pride at USC is incredible. Students proudly wear the Cardinal and Gold, especially on Gameday. There are some problems about USC though. There is no real "college town" surrounding USC. Sure, there are some college restaurants, but generally once you leave campus you're in some pretty dangerous territory. Other frequent complaints are that the school has a tendency to nickel and dime its students for every little thing it can. Food prices on campus are outrageous, and hours on restaurants can make it tough to live on campus during the weekends. The Trojan meal plan is a complete scam. Textbook costs at the book store are equally ridiculous. DPS steals more student bikes than actual bike thiefs do. The athletics department doesn't seem to care about students at all. Sometimes students can be apathetic about any sport that isn't Football or Men's Basketball, even when the team wins a National Championship (see Women's Soccer, Men's Water Polo). Despite all of this, I wouldn't trade anything or any other college for USC. I friggin' love this place.

I love USC. Overall, I think its one of the best schools out there, especially since I am a cinema major. I am very blessed to be here. The school has a great balance of social and academic life, and is very involved with the community. School pride runs very deep and there is a sense of kinship among USC's students, staff, faculty, and alums. However, the school is not above nickle-and-diming its students, but really what university isn't?

Everything is really great at USC, the people, the faculty the registration process- except one thing- housing sucks. When I tell people I go to USC, they say: Oh how IS South Carolina? But who cares! There are also the crazy football fans who get really excited. People are always complaining about the area, but I think its fun.

If you're not the school-spirited kind of person, don't go here! People here bleed cardinal and gold (the school colors). Although 'SC provides a great time (it's college of course!), be ready for people who get trapped in the "USC Bubble." It's not in the best area, which is one of the reasons I actually chose it: there's so much community service that can be done in the local community. However, most students wish the local area were different and sometimes lack that open-mindedness. The administration and bureaucracy are sometimes rough too. Realistically, the attention is given to the successful sports programs rather than more financial aid counselors (lines are out the door!) and student health (many students have bad experiences with the Health Center and there are not nearly enough mental health counselors).

Best thing: the people I've met Thing to change: the huge division between the school and the surrounding community--USC shouldn't be just an "oasis." Students constantly shrink back from the surrounding area because it's dangerous, but if they embrace the community and try to help it, it would be less so. Size: just right! Reaction: "...why not Berkeley?" (People are so silly.) Spend most time: I'm usually never in the same place for more than 2 hours, but..maybe in the dorms? College town: "What college town?" USC's administration: amazing, truly dedicated to helping the students. Recent controversy: I really don't know. School pride: More than anything I've ever seen before. Anything unusual: No one walks around the school in sweatpants (unless they just finished working out.) Everyone always looks really...polished. One experience I'll always remember: ELP retreat spring 2008 :) Most frequent student complaints: really expensive/really useless meal plan

Best thing about USC: Feeling like I'm learning from all areas -- classes, extracurriculars, Visions and Voices program (arts initiative), socially Change: Housing situation - currently university housing is guaranteed only for first two years, and most sophomores aren't on campus. Size: feels right to me Reaction when I go to USC: I feel like USC is at a turning point right now. Only in the last few years has it really started climbing the academic rankings and veer away from its past image of a school for rich kids. For the most part, the reaction I get is fairly positive and often followed up with football related topics. College town -- no! you're in downtown LA. It's an urban setting and safety isn't the best, but like being in any other city, you'll be fine as long as you think about your actions USC Administration -- don't know enough about it to comment Controversy - not sure School pride -- YES! I come from high school that had no school spirit and pride. Now i'm at usc, where everywhere you go on any day people are sporting USC clothes in red and gold. I love it! Unusual - night walks around campus reveal a lot of secret places and sculptures that you usually don't notice. it's quite serene and fun One experience to remember -- too many; first football game and taking in the immense size and spirit, and often just walking to class and thinking 'I am so happy to have chosen to come here.' Frequent complaints: housing situation, freshman year: quality of food at dining hall

USC is an excellent school. The school may seem large, but it seems just about right. People react well. I spend most of my time in my dorm or in class. One would usually not venture outside of campus for fear of mugging and the sort. There is considerable school pride here. I believe that the administration and the faculty often try to push their political agendas on students, which I find abhorrent and counterproductive to a balanced education.

The best thing about USC is it's location. We are in the heart of Los Angeles, and a much more interesting area of Los Angeles than our fellow LA school. From the USC campus you can get to tons of cool places around the city by way of a bus system that is much more convenient and efficient than LA gets credit for. One thing I'd change is the administration. Sometimes it is very difficult for students to work their way the bureaucracy to get help. I wanted a large school so I could study a wide range of topics and meet people with varied interests. I also wanted a school with strong spots in multiple areas. USC is precisely that. When I tell people I go to USC they usually mention how much the school has improved in the past fifteen years. The attitude towards and character of the school is evolving into one befitting an honorable and prestigious institution, while still maintaining its relaxed Southern California feel. I spend most of my time on campus in the big lobby of my wonderful dorm which is quiet enough to study in, but welcoming enough to socialize in. Los Angeles is a bit too big to be college-centered enough to be called a college town. The surrounding area is not very USC-focused, but as USC evolves it is getting more involved in the community and gaining the community's respect. The people I meet from around the campus all root for the teams and feel very close to the school, rather than as if the school is infringing on the community. My opinion of the USC administration is that it could do with a little more organization. The biggest recent controversy on campus was about seating at the Coliseum, where the football team plays. But I think the most important recent controversy was about the school apparel. Apparently, it is made in sweat shops. But there is a significant grassroots movement called SCALE working to change that. The administration isn't too receptive, but more and more students are getting involved and soon the administration will feel the pressure. As I have mentioned before, the merit of USC lies in its students and professors, not in the administration. There is a ridiculous amount of school pride, mostly spurred by the success of the football team. USC isn't too unusual. It is probably a lot more diverse than one would expect and than what one would find at another university. But everyone mixes together to make up a wonderful student body. The mix of people is representative of the mixed-up, blended, diverse nature of the city, Los Angeles, the greatest city in the world. I will always remember the first jazz performance I went to at the school's main auditorium. It was incredible. USC attracts an impressive selection of renowned artists to come and perform and it is always amazing. The most frequent student complaints are about things like housing and frustration with paperwork.

Best thing- you will find your niche because there are so many things to get involved in. I would change the "frattiness"-- just meaning that fraternity and sorority people, not all of them of course (some of my best friends are in sororities), but they're not always so nice. I mean, you find not-so-great people anywhere, but it just seemed very pronounced at USC that some people hold the opinion that if they cannot see something physically in common with you, then they will probably not talk to you. I have to stress again though, not everyone at USC is like this at ALL, and I have found terrific friends- people with the most giving, loyal, and warm hearts I've ever met. Since I'm from the east coast, when I say I go to USC, people always assume South Carolina. It helps to say you go to school in Los Angeles, but no, not at UCLA. One thing I have to say about the administration is that they've been really unresponsive about the anti-sweatshop protests regarding USC apparel sourcing, particularly in the past two years. I think it would have behooved them to act on that issue instead of let it carry on so long, despite the arguably unfavorable tactics involved on the part of the activists. They could have been avoided if it had just been taken care of like it has been at so many other schools. This is not a college town; this is south-central LA. Sign up for Zipcar if you're not bringing a car and expect to run any errands ever, other than the grocery store.

I like going to USC - everyone has at least heard of it because of our football team. But after the initial name recognition, they also know it for being a good school. I like the size: big enough to have all of the resources of a large university, but small enough that I recognize people when I'm walking across campus. The campus itself is also small enough to walk across in 20 minutes. Much more convenient than a huge sprawling campus that you have to take a bus across (though there are trams if you would prefer). And, the campus is beautiful. There are always flowers blooming somewhere, and there is almost always a fountain within view. There is a tremendous amount of school pride, which I knew I wanted in a college. You get the "college experience" here, with the football team, the clubs and organizations, the school pride, etc. The only thing missing is the "college town feel." The area immediately surrounding campus is void of fun/casual hangouts. There are restaurants and one bar, but not good ones. You'll have to drive across town to the UCLA area (it pains me to say so, as they are our biggest rivals) to get that college feel in Westwood. BUT, USC and Los Angeles are both working to revamp the University Park area and the downtown area, respectively. So, in the next few years, who knows what it could be like?

the school spirit = best thing! i would change the location...i wish it were where ucla is! i love the size though...i love that you see people you know all the time but can avoid them if necessary. i dont think enough people recognize that usc is a good school when i tell them. more people reacted positively to me saying i got into NYU. EVERYONE COMPLAINS ABOUT THE BIO DEPARTMENT. i wasnt having fun here until i got my car. football games are fun. i have no idea who usc's administration really is, i feel really distant from them.

I think the best thing about USC is the amount of opportunities here. There are so many different and diverse things to participate in, there is something for almost everyone. There is also generally a welcoming atmosphere among students I'd say, most people appreciate each other. I think the school is just the right size, large enough for there to be tons of people to meet and things to do, but not so huge that you get lost. One complaint I have is that sometimes, some of the facilities for regular students could be improved, for example the lyon center. While the varsity athletes have several weight rooms with excellent equipment (from what I have heard), the regular students and other athletes only have the lyon center, which does not have the best equipment and is not necessarily fit for intense athletic training. I would like to see more squat racks and powerclean platforms, either that or give other athletes (I am a competitive martial artist) access to the varsity weight rooms.

Location is one of the best things about USC. The weather is generally really nice. Professors are a big key to what makes USC awesome. I've yet to encounter the stereotypical stuffy, monotone professor who makes you want to jump out the window. USC is a little big for my tastes. If you went to a school with a graduating class of 100 people like I did, you'll feel a little crazed walking to class and not seeing a single familiar face. If you're from the east coast and you want to come to USC, be prepared to face the hoards of people who then ask you why you're going to South Carolina. I never thought people were really that dense. Or, if they know USC, they ask you if you went to any football games. I know our football team is great, but we are a pretty good school academically, too! Personally, as I'm in one of the newer, nicer dorms (Parkside IRC), I like to spend a lot of my time in the dorm socializing. Commons can be a good place to hang out, if it's not too crowded or loud. My favorite place is one of the many cafes sprinkled around campus. You can watch news, do work, eat lunch, and enjoy the weather all at once. Although we're right near downtown Los Angeles, the area immediately surrounding USC's campus is not very safe. It's not a sure thing that if you walk out there, you're going to get mugged, but why take the chance? Hence, the walls and gates around the campus make you feel like you're in your own little bubble sometimes. Recently, there was what was called a "riot" a couple of blocks north of campus at a USC party, but in reality it was just drunken, belligerent frat boys who didn't want to move out of the street. A lot of cops were called in and it caused a lot of controversy between the partiers and the academics at USC. School pride floods USC. Everyone has at least one USC shirt or sweatshirt. As I was writing this, I looked out my window and saw someone walking their dog, and their dog was wearing a USC sweater. If you don't go to the football games, you might feel a little alienated, but I did it and it's survivable. Most student complaints arise from dealing with DPS (Department of Public Safety). They're the bike Nazis. If your bike's not registered, it's out.

The one thing I love about USC is the diverse groups of people on campus- you really can find a group of people to set into. Also, the weather is fantastic, it was 80 degrees and sunny here one day while it was snowing in Philadelphia. The one thing I'd change would be its location, there are always reports going out about people walking home late at night and getting mugged. Also since I'm a runner I HATE the air quality.

I would say that USC's campus would be a high selling point. USC's location may not be the safest, but the campus itself has high security and has lots of greenery. As for the safety issue, there is a free service called the "Campus Cruiser," which drops students who live near campus home past 5PM to ensure safety. USC has many organizations to choose from and there are lots of events to attend. For example, the Visions and Voices Arts and Humanities Initiative recently began giving students, faculty and alumni the opportunity to experience art shows, plays, musicals, and tours of the city for free or a minimal fee. If you are a football fan, then you'll be at the right place! The value of a USC education is high. The school is well known and companies recruiting pay attention to students who have a USC degree. Aside from that, the alumni network is strong.

The best thing about USC is the strong alumni network and the fact that the school instills within each student pride for the school and an innate connection with all other alumni, past, present, and future. I'd change the area around USC to make it nicer. For instance, a University Village that isn't crap. USC's size is just right. When I tell people I go to USC they think I'm smart and rich. With each year at USC, I've spent less time on campus outside of class. Next to CASA events on campus or class, I'm otherwise off campus. Not a good college town. "What college town?" USC's administration has done a great job in transforming the school into a powerhouse in almost every facet. The worth of a USC degree will only increase in value. They're messed up plenty of times but seem to realize it when they do and try their best to fix whatever problems they may have created. The Galen Center is a testament to the administration's ability to be effective. The demolition of the current student union and student center is another step forward, but we will have to see how they handle the construction phase/years in regards to providing for the students. The Coliseum leasing agreement. Loads of school pride. No shortage there. The strength of the alumni network is indeed unique. There are too many experiences to choose one. The majority of them were created by my own initiative through my student organization, CASA. LAPD being dicks about "jaywalking" or certain bicycle riding issues.

The best thing is the variety of people and opportunities you'll encounter. I would add more on-campus housing. I'd say it's just-right in terms of size, maybe a little cramped sometimes. People say, "University of ... South Carolina?" at home, but in L.A. they say "fight on!" There are plenty of things to do in L.A., of course. The administration is fair enough, the latest controversy was a big party that was broken up by police north of campus, there is definitely a lot of school pride!

USC was an incredible undergrad experience for me. While I was there, the school was (and still is, to my knowledge) going through a period of significant change as the administration is working to play down USC's reputation as a "party" school and vault it into the top tier of American universities. This has had obvious benefits and drawbacks. For students, it means that after you graduate, your degree will likely continue to appreciate in value, especially if you majored in engineering, communications, or business. Unfortunately, it also means that the school is frankly becoming less fun. The Greek system is under incredible scrutiny by the administration, who seem to view the Row as a liability. Although they can't arbitrarily curtail the significant Greek presence at USC (because a significant amount of donations come in from Greek alumni), they are looking for any excuse to kick the "old guard" of fraternities off campus and replace them with organizations that are more friendly to the administration. Parties on and off the Row are routinely broken up by DPS (campus police) before midnight, and there seem to be no efforts by anyone with any sort of power to find alternatives, as the downtown bars are a chore to get to and do not really cater to USC students. Despite all this, though, the social scene at USC has proved highly resilient, and although the campus may not be as fun as it used to be, it's still a great place to spend four years. It's all about finding that niche that you're comfortable in, finding people who want to do the same things you want to do and are willing to resist efforts to shut you down. For a student body which gets such a bad rap for being politically apathetic, just watch what happens when you try to shut down a party or campus event at USC (we had three full-on student riots in the four years I was there).

The best thing about USC is the fact that it is soo big and there are just so many different types of people that you are bound to find many friends who will remain in your life. One thing I'd change is the social scene. It seems almost clique-y, like high school, but honestly not as bad as it could be. USC is the perfect size. You meet new people all the time but you also see the same ones around campus. People from home (NJ) think its amazing that I came this far. I got a lot of support from those around me, telling me how great the school was and how lucky I was to be able to live in Cali where sunshine reigns, while my friends back on the East Coast have to sit through snow storms. I mean, I went swimming outdoors in February!!! That is something you cannot do in New Jersey... I spend most of my time in my friend's dorms or at Parkside, EVK, or TroGro. Well, other than the time I spend in class... The college campus is like its own, self-sufficient town. The area around USC isn't that great, but I live off campus and its been like 8 months and nothing bad has happened so its not too much to worry about. USC's administration is kind of distant. We only see them at ceremonies and stuff. They don't seem to be available for the students to talk to. The biggest recent controversy? Definitely the 30th street block party!!! I was there. It was absolutely amazing, then DPS and LAPD got involved, and then the school issued a letter saying how disappointed they were in us. HA! School Pride? Are you kidding me? Of course there is school pride!! There is tons of school pride!! This is, after all, USC... On any given day, I see about 10 fucla shirts and tons and tons of USC shirts of all types. So many people love being here. It's amazing. Not to mention football game days... Anything unusual about USC... no. Its a pretty normal college campus. One experience I'll always remember? Viterbi Ball definitely!! While most of my friends were at Snowball, I went to Viterbi Ball with my best friend and her boyfriend and it was at the Peterson Car Museum on the Miracle Mile. Best Dance Everrr!! Most frequent student complaints is that the school doesn't do much, but thats okay, because the students do a great job of running things!

I absolutely love USC. as long as you put time and effort into joining student organizations and meeting new people, you will definitely come out of it having experienced so much in college. usc has so many opporunities, and the campus is beautiful. it stinks not having a car in la, but you find ways to get around :) i cant even think of my favorite thing because i just love my school so much!

Besides our fabulous football team, I would say the best thing about USC is the passion that students, alumni and faculty feel for the university. We all bleed cardinal and gold and genuinely love our school. Everyone is very friendly and outgoing here- very southern California. If I could change one thing about USC I would say I wish it got snow once in a while rather than the silly winter/ spring showers (all five of them). USC has a large student body- but you wouldn't know it when walking on campus. Our campus is definitely on the smaller side- you can cross it entirely, corner to corner, on foot in about 12 minutes. I never go anywhere without seeing someone I know at Commons (food court), in the quad or just milling around between classes. Most people at home think I go to the University of South Carolina at first but once I remind them of the west coast and real USC they usually think it is pretty cool. I think the funniest reaction I ever got when I said I go to USC was on Catalina Island (Island off the coast of California). My mom told the little old lady running a shop that I was going to USC and she went on for about 10 minutes about how great it was with the Trojan Family and how when one boy on the island got in there was practically a parade. On campus I'm involved in a lot of student organizations so I am busy doing those things. Since I'm an engineer I do have to spend a decent amount of time studying- whether it is in my room, at the library or on the random days when I can get away with not getting a lot of work done I'll be outside. I like hanging out outside of commons- our dining place, as well as outside Leavey Library by the reflecting pool. USC has a gorgeous campus with excellent weather that lends itself to picnics and hanging out outside. I'd answer more questions but I have homework I really should get rolling on... so in the interest of time- next section!

My favorite part of USC is the wide range of students within my grasp. I love having friends who come from all parts of the country - even the world - who study a vast variety of subjects, who have hugely different beliefs, and who participate in extremely diverse activities. But the best aspects of USC's diversity are the similarities that join all the students together. I love that I can find something outstanding about every student at USC; everyone here has something valuable to offer to the campus, whether it be brains, personality, originality, whatever, I feel that everyone at USC brings something unique and valuable to the table. As a member of a Greek organization (Alpha Phi sorority), I spend most of my time with my sorority sisters at greek events and functions. 28th street is a thriving community within USC, and I appreciate that our big campus provides a multitude of opportunities for students to find smaller niches within the university. I love the benefits of being a large campus (seeing the speakers who come to campus, going to football games, being a member of a huge alumni network, 24-hour library and coffee shop, etc), but I also get the experience of a smaller, more intimate community in Greek life, which is just one of many sub-communities abundant on and around campus. One of the reasons I chose USC was because it has all the benefits of a large campus but the feel of a small campus, and after my experience so far, USC has certainly not let me down in regards to my size expectations.

USC has the perfect blend of academics, extracurriculars, social life, and spirit. Whatever you want to do or see, you can find here. I would want USC to be a more residential campus because so many students commute, it feels like you lose touch with people once classes end. There is no centralized campus feel. The school is just the right size, but there are a lot of grad students. People have mixed reactions: the people who are up to date are impressed and the elitists are arrogant and smug. I spend most of my time in my apartment with friends or studying. There is no college town, but hopefully that will change. Certain departments are more susceptible to hearing students opinions but for the most part, Sample has us going in the right direction: up. There was a riot after a party. USC is one of the most spirited campuses in the country. If you don't wear something cardinal and gold once a week, you're out of the loop. USC has an unusually strong party scene. I will always remember freshman year when my professor said "I'me not going to spoon feed you what the book says. I'm going to teach you from my experienced. If you want the book read to you, go to Cal State Dominguez Hills" and that's when I realized I was in college, and a great one at that. Our gym is too small, too crowded, and doesn't have enough equipment.

Coming from St. Louis, the name USC evokes one of two ideas: college football or Frat. It is not known as a good school that will provide a strong education, and its placement in the "LA ghetto" made my parents fear that they would be losing their daughter to a rundown, unrecognized dwelling posing as a university. They were wrong. USC is, in one word, inspiring. The administration has been nothing but supportive, the education has been every bit as stimulating as I dreamed it could be, and the people I have met are both diverse and enlightening. The Trojan pride on campus is overwhelming; on days in which we have home football games, alumni and students all coalesce together on every inch of grass we can find to chant, celebrate, and tailgate with extravagant spirit. It truly feels like a family. USC is not flawless, however. The school itself can be a bit stingy; funds are hard to come by, everything on campus is a bit expensive, and we certainly are not paying for the quality of food and housing we would expect. The city of Los Angeles is also a bit inaccessible unless you know someone with a car; the public transportation in LA is unreliable and inefficient. The campus is also a bit more conservative than I would have liked (surprising, I know, we're in california!). But USC makes a sincere attempt to bring its students to the artistic and cultural luxuries of LA. The Visions and Voices Arts Initiative is, quite possibly, the central highlight of being at USC. Musicals, concerts, guest speakers, performances, art museums...anything you can think of, and USC has funded for us to see it or invited it onto campus for us. All for free. All with supplied transportation. Amazing.