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The University of Southern California

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityB Faculty AccessibilityA
Useful SchoolworkB Excess CompetitionB-
Academic SuccessB+ Creativity/ InnovationA
Individual ValueA University Resource UseA
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyA+ FriendlinessB+
Campus MaintenanceA+ Social LifeA+
Surrounding CityA Extra CurricularsA
SafetyA-
Describes the student body as:
Friendly, Arrogant, Approachable

Describes the faculty as:
Friendly, Helpful, Arrogant

Female
SAT1460
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Excess Competition
B-
Highest Rating
Campus Aesthetics/ Beauty
A+
She cares more about Excess Competition than the average student.
Date: Nov 07 2004
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
I'm really happy that I chose to come here. I hadn't made up my mind on a university (I was deciding mainly between UW, UCLA, Occidental and here) until I visited the campus during an interview. I was quite ill during the visit, but everyone was so friendly, approachable and made me feel incredibly comfortable. And that's when I knew that I really wanted to come here. The nice weather and the gorgeous campus is just a bonus.

I know that some people don't settle naturally into a campus, but that happens at any university. USC is a very unique setting and it does not appeal to everyone. For me, however, it's been a great fit. I don't really like the core program, but some of my favorite classes have come from it. My main problem with the university is the fact that the area is so expensive to reside in and the school requires a lot of credits to obtain a degree - bad news for a person who wants to double major and minor, like me.

I know the university's greek system has quite a reputation. And yes, they are pretty rowdy. But I've never had a problem fitting in here, even though I am completely anti-sorority. I make my dislike for sororities very evident, but it hasn't prevented me from becoming friends with girls who are apart of them. I have friends spanning from the Kappas to Alpha Chi…my roommate is ADPi. And I know a lot of guys, from various classes (bio, myth, journalism, acting), in frats like SAE, AEPi, and ZBT. They also know that I'm not a fan of the greek life, but they are pretty "so what" about it. Since I don't rag on them too much for being a part of it, they don't say anything about it to me. I've made a lot of visits to some of the houses this year, because of my friendship with these guys, and they have welcome my boyfriend (who definitely isn't in a frat..he's very macabre artist-esque) and me to any and all events that we want to attend.

Since I don't partake in the greek life much, I hang out or party with people who are in the theater or cinema programs. I'm friends with all three of the main improv troupes on campus, and they have been nothing but friendly. And I'm not a theater or cinema major.

And the CONNECTIONS that you get from USC. For schools like Harvard and Stanford, sure you get the "wow" factor when you go to interviews. But what gets you further in life isn't "wow you got a degree from an impressive school," it's "wow you got a degree from an impressive school that has one of the most extensive alumni networks, and it's the same one i went to…" :D. People in Portland (where I'm from) will see my 'SC sticker and come up and start telling me about how much they loved it. I was offered two jobs last summer from managers and executives that I ran into, because my school made them look twice at me.

As far as the safety issue goes: I've had friends who have had things happen to them. And I'll admit, I've gotten paranoid sometimes, walking at night. But if you're smart, aware and take advantages of the services given to you (like campus cruiser…the best thing, honestly. you call up and they send a car over to pick you up and drop you off where you need to go, for free), you should be fine. I personally like the LA environment. I love Portland and Manhattan ten times more, but I often walk from my boyfriend's place on Orchard (pretty far north above campus) and I say hi and have daily conversation with the neighbors, the workers and the kids in the area. Los Angeles is a dangerous place to live, but what large city isn't?

As far as finances go, USC was the least expensive school on my list, outside of my state school. Because I was coming from out of state, UCLA would have been over 20,000 dollars more expensive for me to attend. It's still expensive to go to 'SC, and I feel like I deserved a better scholarship, but having a Presidential to the school definitely helps with the situation. 'SC is better than most universities about their financial aid, simply because they are in a better position to provide it. Why's that? Because of the satisfied alumni.

I don't know. I am really happy that I chose to go here. I've met so many intelligent people, from all over the world and in a range of majors and interests. I've had frustrating moments, but some of the best times of my life. It's fantastic to go and sit in front of Leavey Library on the pond/fountain at 1 in the morning talking about philosophy and religion with a new-founded friend. I've had so many random conversations with passing people that have developed into full-fledged friendships. A university experience, like everything else in life, is what you make of it. I don't mind sitting at home on a weekend, doing homework and watching some tv. I enjoy that as much as going to a house party or cheering at a football game. The Trojan family has treated me well, and I think that, for many people, it will be one of the best choices they can make.

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