<p>I'm curious what potential college students, particularly ones in the East coast, think about USC (u of southern california). Is it regarded as an academically rigorous school with competitive undergrad admissions or simply another 3rd choice-type school? I would appreciate any type of input.</p>
<p>I'm from New Jersey and USC was my first choice school. I have a 4.0 UW (4.7ish W) and am at the top of my class... The admissions have gotten very competitive and USC is considered (at least by everyone I've spoken to) to have good academics and an amazing overall student experience.</p>
<p>Although USC is a very good school and known out here on the West Coast, I still think that it's not nearly as respected by east coasters. From what I've heard/read from those outside of the west coast, most people know of Trojan football and that's about it....not that it's a really solid school.</p>
<p>I thought that it was part of the UC system. with good football.</p>
<p>I think most people who aren't from the SoCal area or who haven't visited SC have alot of misconceptions about it.</p>
<p>...that alone will keep me from encouraging D to apply there.</p>
<p>USC is NOT part of the UC system. The UC system is public. USC, formerly known here in So Cal as the University of Spoiled Children, is private, and as mom2threegirls said, it is in a terrible part of town. Bear in mind that Los Angeles has virtually no public transport and that it is vital to have a car in order to get around. It is getting more competitive but I am from L.A. and never considered for a moment going there and could have gotten in in a heartbeat.</p>
<p>L.A. does have public transport. But it depends how far out of the downtown area you want to go. There are metros and shuttle buses that can take you into downtown, where upon you can take the red/blue/etc. lines to get to the Hollywood, Valley, etc. area. But if you're looking to get to the beach/coast/Santa Monica, then yes, transportation can be tricky without a car.</p>
<p>I actually like the area around SC. It's not the most college-friendly, but I just love the historic feel. (Don't worry, I still think Westwood is better, haha)</p>
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USC is in a terrible part of town...</p>
<p>...that alone will keep me from encouraging D to apply there.
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Well, I guess she won't be applying to Yale either. Or Duke for that matter.</p>
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I think most people who aren't from the SoCal area or who haven't visited SC have alot of misconceptions about it.
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USC is in a terrible part of town...
...that alone will keep me from encouraging D to apply there.
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<p>perfect example.</p>
<p>Too expensive and too far away. We have the equivalent school closer by: U of Miami</p>
<p>USC is FAR better academically than U. of Miami</p>
<p>I was just using it as an example, we have plenty of expensive private schools back east that have great academics. The only reason I can think of a kid going west to USC is if he loves California, or there is a specific program there which he is interested in that is really highly rated.</p>
<p>I have 2 sons who attended large public high schools, and neither of their graduating classes had a single kid apply to USC that my sons know of.</p>
<p>I know it is an awesome school, it's just not on the radar here in our neck of the woods.</p>
<p>It has been on the radar in the DC area for the last four or five years. Seventy-five to 100 kids and parents turn out to the USC recruiting event in Alexandria. At the last accepted student event we went to a couple of years ago there were 40-50 kids. I' not sure how many actually go.</p>
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USC is in a terrible part of town... </p>
<p>...that alone will keep me from encouraging D to apply there.
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<p>I suppose UPenn and Columbia are out to... or any school in an urban area.</p>
<p>I am from ATL. USC would really be between 15th and 20th choice for me. It just doesn't seem like an amazing school. I think i could do better elsewhere. Plus, LA is nasty</p>
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LA is nasty
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I am from ATL.
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<p>lol (10 char)</p>
<p>when i first brought it up with my parents, the first thing my dad said was, "oh the university of spoiled children?" and that was probably the end of it. i live in new york and my parents said the only way i was going to california for college was if i got into stanford (applied, but probably not happening). i kind of wished i applied to USC anyway.</p>
<p>I can't say it any better than Worried Student ^</p>