<p>Junior DS has been looking at LAC's, which seem like a good fit for him now as a just-turned-17-year-old, but wonders if they might seem small even in the space of the 1.5 years he will be leaving for college.</p>
<p>We toured some Southern California schools over Spring Break, and I have to say that we were blown away by USC. By far the best and most professional tour and presentation we have been to, and Marshall seems amazing. </p>
<p>USC seems like a great school to add to his list due to the size, but I also have some concerns about the size. How much help is given in picking out classes, finding out about going for a minor or second major (Communications) securing internships, etc.? Is it sort of similar to a big public U, or is there more individual attention? Marshall made it sound as if there were tons of advising, mentorship, etc., but I wanted to hear the reality, also. I realize that there are some Freshman out there who go to school fully formed, and know how to find and fight for things, but many may be sort of lost their first year, especially at a large campus, and wonder how this is handled at USC.</p>
<p>Would love to hear your experiences, and thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I think the best answer is, yes, the personal attention is there but it won’t handed to you on a silver platter, you must go seek it out. </p>
<p>As for advisement, Marshall (along with most departments) has mandatory advisement until you reach 24 USC units. After that, you should have a course plan to finish the rest of your requirements and you are welcome to come to advisement as need be. However, some advisors are hit or miss and some people may just find it easier to do it on their own or see another person.</p>
<p>Here are some sample course plans which are generally easy to follow: [Sample</a> Course Plans | Business Administration | USC Marshall School of Business](<a href=“Home - USC Marshall”>Home - USC Marshall)
However, these assume no AP/IB/transfer credit which can be used to pass out of certain requirements shifting the path slightly.</p>
<p>Marshall advisors are good however if they have a specific field or career path in mind it is better for them to go talk to professors directly who can advise as well. All of the professors are experts in their field, well connected, and can suggest the type of internships or specific classes they should consider taking. It is also a good idea to join a student org related to what they are interested in as all of the upperclassmen(and women) in those organizations can help mentor them as well as to what classes to take, what networking events to go to and so on.</p>
<p>The most overwhelming part about USC is you feel pulled in a dozen directions at once. There’s multiple networking and professional events each evening for Marshall students. Make sure they apply to the CAP program as well their first year as it is a great way to get assigned to a mentor for the entire year to help them with interviewing/resume prep and networking to get internships.</p>
<p>If they are ambitious and seek out internships/networking, there is plenty to be had and they can become friends with any of their professors if they choose it.</p>
<p>As the old saying goes: There are horses for courses. Meaning that some horses run better on certain types of tracks. They show well in certain environments but struggle in others.</p>
<p>My son went to a small private high school and couldn’t wait to get into the bigger environment of USC. Some of his friends felt most comfortable going to small LACs. Of those, many have flourished, though some are already complaining of feeling claustrophobic after freshman year. Others went to massive state universities. Some have excelled, others struggled.</p>
<p>What is best for your son today may not be best in a year. SC has countless opportunities but they are best exploited by those who go after them. My son has just finished freshman year at Marshall. For him his advisors are there to help him accomplish what he wants done. While not exactly an outlier as a freshman, he has two internships for the summer; many freshman do not.</p>
<p>I don’t think your son will flounder at USC. Being around peers going through similar challenges usually causes kids to step up. Your son will get the advice and help he needs to make smart decisions. He will excel if he learns to make the system work for him, which is a very useful adult skill to have.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. It sounds like USC would be a great fit for my son, and also let him stretch himself into adulthood and learn some valuable skills.</p>