Is USC right for me?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>I was recently admitted to USC (spring semester :( but hoping to get bumped up to fall) and am seriously considering going. I was just wondering a few things and was hoping someone could help.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I am more of a studious type of student and was kind of worried USC might be too sports oriented. So how is the atmosphere of USC? Is it more (for lack of a better word) "jock-like?"
I fill out the typical Asian stereotype (i.e. no drugs, no drinking, not that interested in Frats/sports, etc.) (Before I make myself seem like a total bore, I do like to go out and have "clean" fun) so are there groups I could fit in? (A bit worried about making friends because no one I know well is going to USC)</p></li>
<li><p>I'm from the Northern California (The Bay Area) and I haven't spent extended time in the Los Angeles area. Is there much difference in the way people are/act (aside from the slang like "hella")?</p></li>
<li><p>I grew up in a school where I was harassed for being Asian and since entering high school Asian pride has become a big part of my life. I was just wondering how is the tolerance at USC and how popular area Asian culture clubs/classes? </p></li>
<li><p>If I start in the Spring, (honestly) is it harder to make friends, meet people, join clubs, etc. ?</p></li>
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<p>I know my questions sort of fit for the UC system as well but I'm asking because I'd rather go to USC than go to a UC because I think UCs have too many students (might take longer to graduate, larger classes, etc.), (although I have Asian pride) USC has more diversity in comparison to the UCs, USC seems to keep getting better and better with each passing year, etc. </p>

<p>And another question if you can answer: What are the chances of being bumped into fall from spring for CLAS (neuroscience)? </p>

<p>Thanks for reading this if you did :P I know it's kind of long</p>

2

<ol>
<li>School spirit is a big part of what it means to be a Trojan. Buy a student season football ticket. I repeat, buy a student season football ticket. And then go tailgating and go to the games. It is an amazing experience and I absolutely guarantee you that you will regret missing out. Of course, being a spring admit you’re going to miss football season. Go to basketball games then, they’re free. Definitely go to the USC/ucla games. We hate them, and those games are always loud and fun.</li>
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<p>USC is diverse enough that you can find a group for anything you might be interested in. All you need to do is look for it. There is an involvement fair early on in the year that all the clubs and groups set up booths at. Definitely go and check out what interests you.</p>

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<li><p>Norcal sucks :stuck_out_tongue: Saying “hella” will instantly identify you.</p></li>
<li><p>Roving gangs of 10-12 asians walking around jabbering and ignoring everyone else are common sights at SC. I am asian myself and I’ve really looked down on those people, because they are not getting involved in all the wonderful things at SC and are instead creating an insular community. Nobody is going to harass you for being asian. Just make sure you don’t cut yourself off from the rest of us kids at SC by making “asian” the characteristic by which you define yourself at school.</p></li>
<li><p>I would imagine it’s harder simply because everyone has already had a semester to settle in and make friends. That being said, everyone is meeting new people because they are taking new classes and going to different areas of campus. Again, what you put in and what your get out. Go make an effort. Join groups and clubs and do activities together. That’s the best way to meet people.</p></li>
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3

<p>A different perspective:</p>

<p>My son is having a great year as a freshman at USC. He isn’t at all interested in sports, never has been. I’m sure he has never been to a USC football game and couldn’t care less.</p>

<p>USC is a big, diverse, exciting university with something for everyone. My son is very happy with the activities he is involved in and his social life at USC, not to mention the academics. </p>

<p>Have you visited the campus? Go if you have a chance! I have no doubt that you could fit in and have a wonderful experience at USC.</p>

4

<p>My daughter’s freshman year USC went to the Rose Bowl (YAY!). Her grandfather, who loves college football, organized a Rose Bowl party in honor of his granddaughter attending USC. When told we were on our way to her gandparents’ house for a Rose Bowl party, she inquired, “Rose Bowl? What’s that - a football thing?”</p>

<p>She LOVES USC and is having a great time, so you can see that you don’t have to be a big sports fan to love USC. I DO suggest getting the student football ticket even if you have no interest in football, though. The games are lots of fun and a great social thing whether you have any idea what is going on on the field or not. (And the BAND is great!!!)</p>

5

<ol>
<li>I was a (screen) writing and music major. I’d hardly call myself “jock-like.” (I’m also super feminist and hate the he-man mentality that comes from big, burly sports-playing “bros.”) Look – there are SO many people at USC that, if you don’t get along with members of certain personalities/social groups (ie: Sorority girls, partiers, stoners, etc) you don’t hang out with them and that’s that. Just treat everyone with respect and you’ll get it right back. There are enough students that you will find people you enjoy and share similar things in common with, so try not to worry too much about the stereotypes of USC being a “bro,” “party” or “jock” school because that’s hardly even the case! (Most people I knew were wickedly smart, talented and motivated.)</li>
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<p>I would say though that you shouldn’t exclude yourself from even getting to know people from outside your comfort zone. People can surprise you and you might make a close friend out of someone you normally would have ignored. Similarly, just because you don’t like sports doesn’t mean you shouldn’t embrace the communal feeling that comes during USC football season. You may not enjoy going to games, but it’s fun to gather up your friends and have a BBQ out on the quad on tailgating days. (And, you might enjoy knowing that the Asian student organizations are always out there tailgating, too!)</p>

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<li>I’m from the Bay Area, too, and I survived just fine! Los Angeles and the Bay are very different, even though they’re in the same state, and you will notice small discrepancies. They don’t make life difficult, though, and I actually enjoy how different LA is from San Francisco. People can’t drive as well and (some, not all) people aren’t as forthcoming with friendliness and hospitality than SF natives are. But not everyone at USC is from LA (or California, for that matter!) In fact, maybe only one or two of my really close friends were from California at all! </li>
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<p>Embrace being in a new environment and try to get the most of out of living in LA. I really disliked those students who never ventured off campus in their entire 4 years at USC. The school has trams that take you to Union Station, so you can take the Metro to different parts of LA, make friends with someone with a car – or take the bus! LA is culturally diverse and has so much to offer in the culture department in ways that the Bay Area doesn’t. LA has Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Thai Town and Korea Town (if any of these are your cultural background) that are so authentic and full of great food and shopping that may make you feel connected with your Asian community and background. There’s also Little Ethiopia, Little Armenia, Jewish sections of town, tons of great Hispanic (Mexican, Salvadorian, Cuban) sections of town, etc etc etc. Great museums, great concerts (pop, classical, opera, rock, indie, hip hop…) – you’ll never get bored if you make it a point to go explore!</p>

<ol>
<li>I’m a little upset to hear that, even from living in the Bay Area, you are harassed for being Asian! I’m hoping it’s friendly teasing and not full-on racial bigotry. Not sure what part of the Bay you’re from, but I come from a section with a lot of Vietnamese and Philipino residents and "harassing’ Asians (or any other cultural group) was NEVER part of my vocabulary. LA has a very large Asian community as well, and I NEVER EVER heard of USC students making fun of ANY student because of their cultural background. If someone will judge you based on the fact that you’re Asian, do you even want to be friends with them in the first place? </li>
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<p>I do like what a previous poster said though about not limiting yourself to "Asian only’ groups at USC and using your race/cultural background to be your sole definer in college – at USC or at whatever school you go to! You should be [your name], the really nice person who lives next door, the neuroscience major, the guy I play frisbee with on weekends, the person who cooks really awesome cupcakes, etc – not [your name] the Asian student. You’ll have a much more positive college experience.</p>

<ol>
<li>There are involvement fairs in both the fall and spring semesters, so you will be able to join clubs and other organizations with no problem. Meeting people isn’t an issue either because everyone else is still pretty new, too! Plus, it’ll be the spring semester and everyone will be in new classes. so plenty of opportunities to make friends. (Also, you’ll have your dorm/floor mates to socialize with, too!)</li>
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6

<p>Good grief asking if you’ll stick out at USC because you are asian is like you asked that if you went to Lowell High school! No chance. Lots of good advice above. If you are conservative you won’t have to put up with being the “token” at gatherings, or in groups anymore like you did in NorCal. Having lived there for 10 years, I loved it…but must admit it got tiring to ALWAYS have to be so politically correct that it was like speaking a different language. And, I don’t mean about obvious racist things. It was like if you didn’t make your own SOAP you were too conservative. You’ll find USC to be much more open and welcoming. Bring the attributes you love about Norcal, and take the best of SoCal…and you’ll be fine.</p>

7

<p>Zelda: I will say that the athletes I’ve met (even the football players, especially the football players) are very much unlike the “bros” that wear their rush tank tops all the time, chugging muscle milk and, well, you get the picture.</p>

<p>I’ve always wondered and I figure I’ll ask here… these people that didn’t enjoy football games, did they actually go and experience them? In my experience, the attitude is infectious, and it is fun to be a loud, obnoxious fan. You have to buy in of course and give it a chance, because if you’re just standing there thinking “sigh, these people around me are so silly, when will they grow up?” then you just don’t get it.</p>

8

<p>Thanks everyone!
I love the insight and I feel much better about everything.
I plan on going to check out USC soon :P</p>

9

<p>I’m not a student yet, and I’m really considering SC. I’ve also been a trojan for 18 years, and spent plenty of time on campus during and at football games - so here’s my thoughts from a student.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I think I’m much the same way as you in my student type. I don’t party, etc. and I’m kind of a nerd, but I like being one! :slight_smile: I know plenty of people who aren’t sports jocks or others who’ve gone to USC or are there, and they love it. As far as going to games: GET TICKETS! The sports culture at USC doesn’t pressure you to do sports, but it makes you love SC. It’s why Alum are so proud to be trojans. I’ve come from a high school, where I was a huge part of our leadership program, and there is something special when you have a connection to a school like that. For me, it’s a factor I’m highly considering as I’m deciding, and it leans very much in USC’s favor. (For the record my other choice is Cal, which has a fair bit of school spirit as well, but Go Bears just isn’t the same as Fight On!) Oh and to the comment about the band - USC’s Band is “The Greatest Marching Band in the history of the Universe,” are they not?</p></li>
<li><p>Yeah, hella might identify you, but I don’t think it will be much of a problem. LA is different than SF. (I personally LOVE SF!) LA has much to offer and even though I’ve lived in SoCal all my life, I won’t be bored for 4 years. In some ways, LA’s actual subway system isn’t as good as BART, but now that it gets out to Pasadena and N. Hollywood, you’re still pretty well connected! There’s also plenty of bus access and you can get a discount all-access bus pass for $36/mo. for being a college student. </p></li>
<li><p>Again, I know plenty of people from a variety of backgrounds who will fit in - so I agree with what everyone else has said. </p></li>
<li><p>Thanks to others for the answers! I’m also a spring admit! :)</p></li>
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