University of Southern California Top Questions

College taught me how to think globally and care compassionately. I entered a diverse campus filled with minds that yearned to learn. The challenge was no longer to be "the best." But to be "my best": in my Chinese class, in my Calculus class, in my theory of structures class, in student groups, while running a race during a track meet my new passion was to do my best. The security of the campus helped fostered creativity. And, depsite the different weather seasons, the consistent kindness and respectfulness of faculty, staff, and students, whether the professors or the physical plant associate, was truly refreshing. Even now, as I travel through different seasons and see many uncertainanties I am encouraged to continue moving forward; to simply "Fight On"!

A college education expands your mind, makes you a life-time learner, helps you solve problems by looking at causes and alternative solutions, increases your life-time earnings, creates a nice network of freinds and colleagues. In addition you can work in the fields you chose and change to other fields that match your skills.

Although i am only attending a two year college before I go on to a university, I have still gained much from my experience. Thus far I have not only been imparted with some basic textbook knowledge (and for a reasonable price), but I have also gained invaluable social experiences. Going to a community college before a university is taking things in stride and working your way up to the challenge of completing a bachelor's degree, and for many of us it is the only way we can afford going to college.

I have grown more as a person than I ever could have imaginzed. I thought I was only going to this school to earn my degree and get a good paying job but I learned so much about myself and what I want to accomplish in my life. The friends I made will last my entire life and I feel so proud to call myself a Trojan. The cost to attend a private school are definitely high but I don't think you can put a price on maturing as an individual person and becoming a young, responsibile adult.

The ability to attend college online while maintaining my full-time job is valuable beyond words. I'm a 30 year old full-time professional returning to college to enter the medical field. Living in rural Colorado, without the online option, I would have to relocate my family at least four hours away to attend school. This is giving me a huge opportunity to better myself, and my family. The online resources, study groups, and tutoring available to online students is also amazing. I've been able to obtain some wonderful assistance from co-students, teachers, and faculty all through distance learning. I'm thrilled to be able to go back to college, however, some financial assistance would be very helpful as my choice of major is not inexpensive. I can't wait to graduate and immerse myself in a profession where I'm actually helping people and can be proud of.

College taught me how to learn, be analytical, balance work with play and develop strong valuable friendships.

USC has prepared me for the real world in a way that I think no other University could. When discussing the university many people will point out location as a negative. USC is located close to downtown Los Angeles in an area that one wouldn't exactly call prosperous. Words often used to describe the are around the university include urban and ghetto. While many would worry about safety and crime I feel that the neighbourhood around the university has been a valuable addition to my learning experience. First off it provides a great perspective and a place in which to put into practice the things that I learn in school such as diversity conciousness. Also, it teaches you how to take care of yourself, manage yourself as an adult, and make smart decisions. Staying safe is easy as long as you use common sense, like not to walk home alone late at night. Universities that are in rural locations or small towns don't provide that experience, they're very protected. Students there may learn about race and poverty but never really get to see or experience it. USC is the real world and a real education.

College, while so far it has been a short experience, has helped me to grow so much socially. I used to be very shy and have very low self esteem, so I was very afraid that making friends at school would be difficult. But I vowed to myself that I would go out there and talk to people, and it worked! No where else would I have had the opportunity to start fresh and recreate myself-- no longer did I need to be that shy girl, I could be as outgoing and crazy as I wanted. It also allowed me to see that I can put myself out there and reveal my true self and people will accept that, even if I don't know them. And learning how to make the most out of cafeteria food is a good lesson as well!

I have only recently discovered the impact that my college experience had on my life. After two years out of undergrad, I decided to return to school to pursue a master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel. I struggled throughout school to find my place and my destiny. I have since realized that my passion is to help others find their passions. I can achieve that by working with student leaders, helping them find their path and discover their strengths. Each day I get to play a part in forming future leaders, building them up and supporting them. For a long time I felt like a failure, not knowing what my talents were. I know now what I am meant to do and how my unique gifts allow me to do these things. Every time a student wanders into my office to release their tears about a stressful day or come in beaming about getting their first post-grad job, I know I have made the right choice. Each day in my undergraduate education led me to this place, each difficult exam, each football game, each night spent with friends. I cannot thank USC for that enough.

I've learned a lot about myself. I also feel I know the educators better. I see that they are me only with a few years of more education. I find that I, and we (students), are becoming the next leaders in our fields. I am hopeful. I feel face up with the world and find that I have so many opportunities in front of me. The greatest thing I've learned is to breath. To take it one step at a time. And to follow my passions. Heart is what gets us through the storm and heart is what is at the end of the tunnel. If there is no passion there is no life. I've learned to express my heart desires and pursue what makes me happy. Psychology. I've learned I can be and do whatever I wish. Freedom. In the wake of this relization: I ask myself what do I want to be. I hope every minute I am in the presence of this answer: Psychologist.

From living in one of the best residential colleges on campus to singing in USC’s professional Chamber Choir group with 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of Masters and PhD students, I enjoy every single moment of being in this top university. Every single of these moments has its own significance. To me, living in a dormitory has been a great experience for my character growth, to be more specific, for growing out of my high school teenage immaturity. Being a piano major with dozens of other piano students here, at Thornton School of Music, develops me to become a stronger person in facing struggles and competitive environment. Learning from outstanding piano professor and professionally known choral conductor has also shaped me to become a better musician. I can feel myself improving in lots of my musical aspects and skills. Not to mention performance classes and public concerts. None of these experiences passes by without leaving any memories in my heart. Attending USC as a lifelong Trojan is definitely a priceless opportunity and experience of a lifetime.

USC has been the first school to give me a challenge. Throughout grade school, my first college (Seton Hall University), and my second take at college (Diablo Valley College), learning has been relatively easy for me. I found in USC an environment of friendly competition and support. For the first time, I have been pushed to my limits and am amongst other students who share the same passion for learning. This new environment is refreshing and I am grateful to have such a unique experience. I hope to apply my new-found knowledge to future endeavors such as graduate school and eventually pursue a doctorate degree. My educators and fellow students at USC reinforce my passion for knowledge, which will in turn ignite my spark once more.

I have not started yet.

Although it is still very early in my college career to comment, I have enjoyed every bit of this short life as a college student. I feel as though I am an adult, since I now live in an apartment and manage my own finances and meals and transportation. And also as a kid, since I am surrounded by so many wonders, questions, unknowns. This school is huge. In order to get from one end to the other, you will need couple of hours of walking, or bus ride. To buy books, I had to spend hours in line. To figure out the best way to get to classes and different locations on campus, I am still investigating. It will take months to get used to the flow of the campus, but I am sure glad to be here. Attending USC, is like getting the glimpse of the real world, full of wonder, uncertainty, challenge, worry and hope.

Although I've only been in college for a few weeks now it is already the most rewarding experience. All the talk about college being the best four years of people's live leads to high expectations and USC exceeded these. I have never felt lonely or left out since arriving here. Everyone is friendly and wants to help you. There are opportunities around every turn. I feel like my professor's really care about my understanding and want to see me suceed in life. Every day I wake up excited for my classes and the chance to learn at such an institution. Everything is new and sometimes I get lost but it is refreshing. I feel like I am growing as a person and am finding out more about myself each day. I am proud to be a Trojan and would not change a thing. I am ever so grateful that I was given the opportunity to go to college and hope every person is given this chance someday.

I have received a sense of unity, and envolvement that I have never felt before. Often my focus remains on only academics and learning, however, I have learned to broaden my mind to other experiences and allow myself to open my mind and soul to opportunities that were left closed. It is most valuable to look beyond one's own surrounding and take in what people and one's environment has to offer, mentally and physically. Life and living is not about a closed door, but an open door to explore and lives to ones full potential. By attending this school, I have allowed myself to be open and strive for the best being that there are so many people in the world with great capabilities and astounding abilities that inspire an individual like myself to value my life, my education, and my potention future.

My college experience has allowed me to continue to reach my full potential. While in high school, many students are distracted by the environment or extracurricular activities or relationships. I have found that as students make the jump from high school to college, a new maturity level is reached making them more capable of retaining information and perfecting a certain work method. I know this scenario has been the case for me. College has allowed me to feel as though I am capable of making an impact on the world. The more I learn, the better I feel about myself as well as my future. I feel I am more prepared to learn than ever before. I believe that attending college is not only valuable to me personally, but also to the world as a whole. The more educated minds in the world, the better chances our society has of thriving.

Confidence and purpose is what I lacked and questioned before I entered college. After suffering a devastating and life changing gunshot wound to my spinal cord that disabled me physically; both confidence and purpose were my life daily challenges. By definition confidence is the belief in oneself and one?s powers or abilities. Also purpose is an intended or desire result; end; aim; goal. So, my college attendance is what is developing my confidence and solidifying my purpose. The rigorous work and discipline it takes to succeed in college and me doing well in school enhanced my confidence, that I could still be a significant individual in life. My experience of college has developed a level of confidence that I did not have in me before. Because of it, I have full trust and assurance in my abilities to prosper in life. Furthermore, college has been very valuable to me because it has solidified my purpose. Usually after a tragic injury happens to an individual, they ask why me, why did this have to happen to me, but I say why not me? I refuse to let this injury define me, but rather to give it purpose to motivate others.

Going to college allowed me to become more independent and to experience life away from home. I grew up in a small town and i'm not used to having a great number of students at my school and at Our Lady of the Lake university, it hasnt been a change. I've learned so much about myself at this university and I love it. I feel as if all my friends are part of my family. Everyone knows everyone and it's great.

So far, my college experience has gifted me with new challenges socially and academically. I have gained a greater sense of independence, as this is my first time living away from home. Also, I have discovered more about who I am and what type of career I hope to pursue. I have enjoyed meeting new people from a variety of locations, learning about different cultures, and exploring life as an adult. Academically, I believe I am recieving an unparalleled education that will benefit me for the rest of my life. Ultimately, I believe it has been valuable for me to attend because college is truly the beginning of the rest of my life, specifically in that I feel I am taking steps that will shape my future. I feel in control of my life and hope to do great things.