University of Southern California Top Questions

I wish I would have had a mentor or a counselor that would have guided me through college.

The income differences and racial disparities between rich students and students who are people of color is noticeable, and as a poor student of color, it can be demoralizing.

The worst thing at USC is that the architecture department is not very updated. While the rest of the campus looks spectacular I wish this department had the funds to improve its facilities.

The worst thing about the school is the administration. Paradoxically enough, these were the people without the slightest clue about student needs, despite all of them possessing doctorates in education. If a student runs into problems at this school and does not have affluent parents, that student is screwed. Administration absolutely refuses to be helpful to any students not from affluent backgrounds.

USC is a great place, so it is hard to label something as the worst there. If I had to pick the worst thing, it would have to be the transportation and the cost in general. Transportation in and around Los Angeles is extremely difficut at peak hours, thus at times you feel like staying put. Also, costs for everything at USC are high.

Surrounding area.

The University of Southern California is a great university with a lot to offer. Some may consider the downside of the univeristy to be that it is quite populated with students and non-students. Tthe campus is very open to the public, and all walks of life are free to walk on campus. Despite thE drawback of the "dangerous" community, there are many, and I mean many, security guards, public safety officers, as well as emergency calling stations. People say that USC is in a dangerous area, but I say that the world is a dangerous place in general.

Plain and simple, the overwhelming amount of money that is required to study here, and the way they chose to go about my financial aid. This university has a reputation of being "the University of Spoiled Children" for good reasons. My parents got divorced last year, which I thought would be beneficial towards getting more assistance, but USC based their decision on my family's 2010 finances which don't exist anymore. They want me to take out an $8000 loan, and expect my father to take out a $22,000 loan just for one semester that ends in may.

To be honest, I have found no flaws in USC. USC is an extroidinary school that has thus far provided me with an exception education. I have just completed my first semester at USC as a freshman so perhaps later down the road I may encounter some things that I dislike about USC, although I am very doubtful that I will.

The actual location - that is, South Central Los Angeles. The neighborhood can be dangerous - especially at night. But it's quite an easy fix: know your surroundings and exercise your common sense. Don't get too drunk, or lost, and you'll be fine.

The fact that there is no good shopping areas near by.

The income difference. I come from a family with a less-than-satisfactory income and from a neighborhood that could be a little less "ghetto". I feel that a lot of the students here are wealthy or at least can rely on their parents when they need a little boost. I have to take care of myself and rely heavily on financial aid and I feel like I don't have as much as others here do. I feel a little behind in that respect.

How involved and influential Greek life is. Most people are very concerned with Greek life like what frat or sorority you are in. I am not in a sororirty and have never rushed. Most of my friends are involved in Greek life though. I have no biases against it I just think people use Greek membership to judge people too quickly. I think it is taken into consideration too much when you first meet someone, especially on the party scene. It is not uncommon for people to meet you, find out your name, then ask what house you're in.

The worst thing about my school would be the lack of unity in the college of arts and sciences as opposed to the more specialized professional schools, such as the business school. Although there are programs which allow a few students to link their studies between schools, the majority of students in the college are lost and less plugged into the school.

I do not like the stigma associated with greek life. Southern California residents also do not appreaciate the perfect weather. I find many people to be ignorant towards life in other cities/states/countries, and I find that disturbing.

How the school charges for everything. USC does not give anything for free. There are so many fees that it is ridiculous. I can't afford everything. Even though I recieve tuition help, I still need help for my books and school fees - which USC does not help me with.

Parking fees

The surrounding neighborhood.

Aside from the millions of good things about this school, USC also has its own shortcomings. There are many different clubs, events, concerts, and social activities on campus. It’s obviously fantastic, but it makes it hard for active students to keep up. Moreover, most events have overlapping time schedules, limiting you from opportunities that you could have gotten. In terms of hospitality, USC dining halls close at 10pm. Although there are Trojan Grounds and Ground Zero Cafes that opens very late, it is inconvenient for students with basic dining hall meal plans or living far from these two places.

The worst thing about my school is the surrounding area. The geographical location of it is wonderful. It is Southern California, but the surrounding area has lots of streets gangs that makes it unsafe for an individual to be out if they are unfamiliar with the area. The prestigious status of the institution can be misleading, because an individual probably never imagined that a school that is such a popular choice to attend is surrounded by gang activity. So the neighborhood's gangs around the school is my biggest disdain.