I'm not the sorority/football/partying/alcohol/beach type, but I'm dead-set on USC.

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
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<p>I'm a bit more of an "artsy New York" type, I guess you could say. I don't drink or go to many parties. I don't even really care about sports now, but I guess that part could change. I have my concerns about USC because it's gained the reputation of being a big party school. I've heard that the campus is filled with a lot of barbie doll cheerleader types and their jocky, masculine boyfriends acting rowdy at football games and getting smashed at frat parties. Although it's clearly a huge generalization, how accurately does it depict the major social scene? If I'm open-minded but not one of those Greek life party girls, what are the chances of finding a good (but not really nerdy) social crowd? Let me explain...</p>

<p>I applied because of the popular music major, and I intend on going because it's the absolute best major program in the country for what I want to do. I also really like the weather, the campus, the academic & music prestige, and the closeness to LA life.</p>

<p>I've also heard that there are many people who are more similar to myself within the music, art, and film schools. How hard would it be to fit in with those crowds? I wouldn't be so concerned with social stuff, but I don't know a single person who goes there, and I'd just like to feel accepted. </p>

<p>Sorry if I'm majorly stereotyping any social groups; I'm just going by what I've seen on the internet. Any input is welcome.</p>

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<p>Hi 27dreams! I’ve already shared many thoughts on this with you, but I wanted to mention that my son’s closest friends are in popular music, jazz, SCA and Roski. I think this happens naturally because music students often do music for film major’s films; film majors do videos for musicians; bands and musical artists use Roski majors to do their websites and concert/recital posters, photography, etc. </p>

<p>But the popular music majors themselves are understandably a very, very tight group, the likes of which I’ve never seen in a college major before. They all go to each other’s shows (both on campus and off) and support one another. There is a USC songwriter showcase coming up at the Grammy Museum, and it seems the entire group is going (even the non-songwriters). Perhaps this camaraderie is a by-product of any performance major.</p>

<p>Also wanted to mention that this past Friday, Michael Jackson’s musical director (from This is It) came to talk to the popular music forum. My son got to perform for him - very exciting!</p>

<p>Anyway, enough from a parent. I’ll let the students answer your questions.</p>

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<p>Thanks again, jazz/shreddermom! It seems more and more as if the popular music students resemble the students in my high school’s musical theatre program in regard to social support and closeness. Having already been in that group and witnessed the development of a “family” among us, if the program at USC is anything similar, it’s a huge plus.</p>

<p>Also, as a huge MJ fan… wow!</p>

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<p>It’s not that hard to avoid the ***<strong><em>bags. Or hell, even make friends with a few of them! I mean, I’d be lying if I said the stereotypes weren’t true. But for every 9 *</em></strong>**y fratboys, you’ll find one that’s actually really great and doesn’t spend his time writing nasty, misogynistic emails or having sex on rooftops (sorority girls on the other hand… I swear, sororities change girls). Bottom line is that even though the stereotypes might be true, it’s absolutely crucial to keep an open mindset. </p>

<p>On a completely unrelated note, our Vice President of Student Affairs is named Michael Jackson. </p>

<p>I didn’t know a single soul here before I came either - and yet, now I have lots of friends here, and I’m happy. It’s all about keeping an open mindset. If the Pop Music major’s anything like the Interactive major, it’ll be a damn closeknit family, and you won’t have any trouble making your first few friends there. But really, your first USC friendmaking opportunity will be at Orientation - meet as many people as you can, and try to find your “niche” while you’re there. I’m still besties with my orientation roommate.</p>

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<p>I hate to say this, but I didn’t even consider the social scene when I selected USC. It came down to a variety of other factors, personal and academic. It really wasn’t about the social reputation because I know that USC is a huge place with a variety of different people. Keep in mind that you’re going to a very big place and that not everyone fits the generalizations. :slight_smile: I’m sure you’ll figure everything out!</p>

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<p>dreams,</p>

<pre><code> SC has all sorts of students. It is one of the most diverse universities in the United States. According to U. S. News it is the most economically diverse ranked university as well. On campus are 600 organizations and 80 different religious groups. These would not exist without support from students with varied backgrounds and unique interests. I recall one student last year who enrolled was an avid glassblower!

When Pete Carroll was the football coach he was a nationally known figure, on TV each week and a guest on many shows. There is a hilarious YouTube video of him called “Pete on the Street”. This was taken at the height of his popularity. He stands on campus and introduces himself to passers by. Only ONE even knew who he was. The idea that EVERYONE on campus breathes football is another stereotype.
</code></pre>

<p>Next year SC has added another D1 sport, women’s lacrosse. Students meet in USC college to watch the cricket matches from England. As many posters have indicated the students have varied interests. </p>

<p>When I entered SC there were two inidviduals I knew…two. You will be in one of the most exciting majors with opportunities galore. Since in your major the students appear to have a special closeness it should not be difficult to make friends.</p>

<p>The actual fact is only 17% of students are in the “social” Greek letter chapters. The vast majority are not. Keep in mind there are Greek systems at Princeton, Stanford, Penn, MIT, Dartmouth, Duke, Northwestern, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Vanderbilt, Emory, Carnegie-Mellon, UVA and UNC. </p>

<p>If you searched the internet and looked at the various lists of “Party Schools” SC is not listed on any of them. Do students have parties? Yes. Are there groups of students who do not touch alcohol and have a great USC experience? Yes. Find groups with siimilar interests. At any university is there much publicity about the students who are dedicated, studying in laboratories and doing important research? No. It does not make a good story.</p>

<p>There are students at SC majoring in Integrative and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular and Computational Biology, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Geographic and Information Science, Classics, Physics/Computer Science, Arabic and Middle East Studies, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics and East Asian Languages among many other difficult majors. I do not think you will find them at parties night after night. </p>

<p>Read radad’s posts. He is not an alumnus of SC and gives some impressions of the university and the professor/student interaction. </p>

<p>Good luck in your college journey.</p>

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<p>There are a few sororities at USC who have a large amount of girls that are NOT typical sorority partiers (more down to earth, very into school, don’t drink etc…can’t tell you how many girls in mine say “I never thought I’d join a sorority”). If you are dead set against rushing, though, I’m sure you won’t have a problem. USC has so many opportunities to be social through clubs, intramurals (no prior experience needed haha), and you’ll meet tons of people if you pick the right dorm (Pardee/Marks sounds good for you). It may take you a little while to find your “place”, but it’s totally possible, especially if you’re a naturally outgoing person.</p>

<p>p.s. remember that “barbie doll” girls and stereotypical frat guys are nowhere near a majority of USC. They’re just loud and obvious, so it seems like they’re everywhere haha</p>

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<p>Hey 27dreams…</p>

<p>I was accepted as a spring admit to Marshall (planning on minoring in Cinema) and I am the same way…not a huge partier/drinker, rushing is not on my to-do list and if anything I am more of a New York-type like yourself. I live in Los Angeles and have visited the campus enough times to know that the USC stereotype is definitely not the majority. Of course some people are bound to be annoying, but based upon the people whom I’ve met, USC is also filled with lots of “artsy-laid back” types. Definitely keep an open mind though…USC football games will be a blast and school spirit is amazing on campus. Also, LA has a lot to offer like (cheap and good :]) concerts, flea markets (you can get great vinyl for less than 5 bucks), and cool little towns (venice and los feliz/silverlake), so you will always have “other” things to do if parties on the row are not for you!</p>

<p>Congrats!!</p>

<p>FF</p>

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<p>Thanks, everyone! It’s very reassuring to know that the stereotype, although true for some people, is not the majority. I’m glad to hear about this from people who’ve seen what it’s like there, and I’m no longer all that worried. =)</p>

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<p>like everyone else has said, USC is super diverse. Yes, there are the stereotypical people you’ve mentioned, but there are also tons of other people here. We have a surprisingly large hipster population, and I say that with affection. My roommate and some of my closest friends are hipsters. The music kids are all pretty cool and eclectic and not stereotypical. But I’d say don’t be worried, USC has so many different people that you’re bound to find some awesome ones with which you click.</p>

<p>p.s. also I never thought I would join a sorority or love football, but I did both and couldn’t be happier! :)</p>

<p>ETA I don’t get Lencias’ tiff with sorority girls, all the women I know in sororities are great, lovely women. Maybe I just don’t befriend the bad apples, but I’ve yet to encounter one. Also, I only made one friend at orientation but I’m fine socially now. So don’t worry :)</p>

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<p>27dreams, don’t worry. I’m like you and I’ve got a lot of friends who don’t fit into the category of typical sorority/football/partying etc. type. A lot. </p>

<p>Worst case scenario, just come hang out with us. :)</p>

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<p>Hipsters? Really? That’ll make me feel quite at home, considering they’re all over Richmond, haha… Thanks, guys!</p>

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<p>I’ll be attending USC as a screenwriting major this fall, and I’m going to do a songwriting minor because I’m a singer/songwriter and I looove music. Anyway, I’m not the partying sorority-girl type either, and I always considered myself a New York girl (it’s my favourite city in the world) but USC has been my dream school for the past two years. I really hope I’m not the only one like this at USC next year, haha. But based on the facebook conversations I’ve had with other admitted students and things I’ve read here, I don’t think you or I will have trouble finding friends with shared interests.</p>

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<p>I know a lot of people with your inclinations, Canada, and can definitely assure you that, with an appropriate amount of effort, you’ll find a niche.</p>

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<p>Yay for all the New York love… haha sorry shoutout to my hometown. But yeah, you’ll definitely find your niche here at USC; I’m not involved in greek life but i’m still enjoying my time here :)</p>

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<p>27dreams - are you from Richmond, VA? I’m actually from northern VA, near Fairfax. :D</p>

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<p>Oh, cool! Yeah, I’m from Richmond VA. It’s been alright growing up here, but I can’t wait to leave for LA. It seems so much more interesting, and the weather actually makes sense over there, haha…</p>

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<p>im also choosing between nyu and usc. personally, since i live in ny, i realy do favor the hipster scene a lot. i kno that LA is a large hipster area, but i didn’t know whether usc had them. im leaning towards usc, because im dying to see whats out there.</p>

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<p>USC does have hipsters, they’re just not as visible as the fratty/sorority types. That’s too mainstream for them. :)</p>

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<p>There are plenty of hipsters in Los Angeles. If you’re a self-proclaimed hipter, you’ll find yourself in Silver Lake or downtown’s Arts District soon enough.</p>

<p>Be sure to check out Art Walk in downtown LA when you guys get. You can catch up on LA arts & culture on blogdowntown. It’s a blog / community resource run by USC alum Eric Richardson.</p>

<p>Edit: And for some hipster food, check out Wurskuche, which was co-founded by a USC student.</p>