Admitted Student Days-should we go?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>I made reservations for DS for the Explore Session for admitted students in April-not the scholarship one. It happens to fall on a Monday and my DS doesn't want to/can't miss school. I see there are other 1/2 day sessions that are on a Sat and another all day session at the end of April on a Sat. Does anyone know what the difference is and would you recommend one over the other? What exactly does one do at these sessions and do you think it is important to attend? </p>

<p>I did find the agenda but like my DS, I don't know that it really is important to attend any of these things? He's already had a tour and loves USC so we are just waiting on the finaid package to weigh it against the other acceptances. We are about 6 hours away so even if he could miss that Monday, it doesn't end until late so he'd miss school Tuesday, too and with 5 AP classes, I don't blame him for not wanting to miss as there would be a LOT to make up. </p>

<p>Have you gone and should we make it a point to go? Should we skip the Monday and just do a 1/2 day one? </p>

<p>Here is the agenda I found for the full day and it seems like a lot of repetition from the first tour/visit:</p>

<p>Financial Aid Presentation-Seems like we better already know most of this before we go!
Representatives from the Financial Aid Office will be giving an overview of
scholarships, grants, on-campus employment, and Federal Direct Loan Programs,
including eligibility and application procedures. You can also learn about the USC
Payment Plan and other options for managing your family’s contribution.
(duration: 40 minutes)</p>

<p>Campus Walking Tours -already did this
Acquaint yourself with our campus and discover USC history, traditions and student
life on a walking tour led by a current student. (duration: 50 minutes)</p>

<p>Neighborhood Bus Tours-Really, tour the neighborhood? Do they tell you where NOT to go? Take a driving tour of the University Park neighborhood with an Office of Admission staff member as your guide. (duration: 45 minutes) </p>

<p>Residential & Greek Life, Department of Housing Services and Department of Public
Safety-By the time this happens, DS would have already applied and ranked his housing.
Representatives from USC Residential & Greek Life, Department of Housing Services and Department of Public Safety will be covering topics of importance for new members of the Trojan Family. (duration: 40 minutes) By the time this happens, DS would have already applied and ranked his housing.</p>

<p>Student Panels- We have recruited a group of current students who can’t wait to share their USC experiences with you. (duration: 40 minutes)</p>

<p>1:00 p.m. Lunch and Welcome Presentation
Let us officially congratulate you on your admission to USC. Join us for lunch and a
warm welcome from the Office of Admission.
2:30 p.m. Academic Information Session Representatives from your academic department will host presentations to inform you about the opportunities available in your major.
4:30 p.m. Student/Host Match-up
At your Academic Information Session location
You’ll meet your student host at this session.
5:00 p.m. Dinner EVK Residential Dining Hall (EVK on map) or Parkside International Residential College Dining Hall (IRC on map)
6:00 p.m. Evening Activity/Student Performance Groups
7:30 p.m. Conclusion of Program
Meet your parent(s) at the Admission Center (TCC on map)</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for any help!</p>

2

<p>These things do get very repetitious and given all you have going on (5 APs and those test approaching, long travel to get there, etc) it just doesn’t seem like a good use of your time, given you have done the tour. I have a son there and been to a few of these events. I think your DS would be bored and not learn anything they don’t already know given the agenda you provided. Such a big school they just have several of these things all the time, its a pitch and informative session, hoping you feel bonded the more time you spend there. But new or useful info given what you know? I don’t think so.</p>

3

<p>Thank you for your reply CADREAMING. We were just trying to work out the schedule and it’s really difficult not just for DS to miss classes but also DH who would have to get a sub lined up well ahead of time for his classes. </p>

<p>I had forgotten that DS actually went twice so far because he first did the tour and then went back again 2 months later for an interview. He feels really comfortable there but the only thing he doesn’t know or remember is which dorm to pick. I don’t know if it’s really worth the travel there to pick a dorm when we can do a lot of research online and have been given some hints and tips here already. I think he should just wait until he gets the finaid package and if it’s good enough to go there, he can then maybe take a weekend trip down one more time and just do the short Saturday thing. </p>

<p>Thanks again for your reply! It’s very helpful.</p>

4

<p>You don’t really get to pick a dorm. You just list preference.</p>

5

<p>Its not worth it if you’ve visited before and if your son indeed choose to attend, everything will be repeated at orientation. Also, most of the information that they will give you is readily available online.</p>

<p>As for housing, the general opinions are posted on cc and a bunch of us can answer any specific questions about them.</p>

6

<p>Is this the event that will be on April 27th? Are the “Preview/Meet USC” events similar to this?</p>