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