<p>USC is way out here on the west coast 
(I am assuming you meant So Cal and not So Carolina.) My D had many excellent universities to choose from but loved USC from the moment she started the tour. Merit scholarships made it financially possible, but she didn’t get full clarification or details until a month or so after acceptance. She absolutely loves it. She had a specific Engineering major she was interested in, and their program is challenging and exactly what she was looking for. </p>
<p>I was a bit concerned about the area of Los Angeles where it is located, but University Park is just below downtown and is as safe as most other large metropolitan schools. USC’s security is phenomenal. (Kids riding everywhere on thousands of bikes and walking all around the area until all hours of the morning.)</p>
<p>It offers a great mix of academic excellence (with many interesting options including the Thematic Option, Renaissance Scholar.) There is a fair amount of “Greek” activity, but she is not in a sorority and has a fun social life. (I’ve read of the perception that the school is heavily social with unbalanced frat/sorority scene - but this is just not so.) She made many great friends in her freshman dorm. The school has been very approachable and supportive. She’s studied abroad. The football games are a blast since students and fans tailgate on campus and simply walk over to the Los Angeles Coliseum. The “Trojan Family” is real and worldwide.</p>
<p>Good luck with your choice - You have wonderful and very differet schools to choose from…</p>