Mannn this is soooo hard :(

<p>I just called USC's admissions office... so for the record, USC is my dream school. They keep prove me over and over again how cold, snobby and not helpful they are. I called to ask if they offer housing to int'l students who come from outside the country and want to stay overnight, lots of school have it. Turns out there's no such thing there. That rude lady just gave me the number of the nearest hotel. Great.
Then she asked wether I was a senior, so I said I had already graduated in 2004, and had to serve in the army for 2 years, so she said "then perhaps you shouldn't go straight to college, it'll be tough for you. Go take some classes elsewhere and then try and apply". Now, what-in-the-world was that supposed to mean? I was so offended. Sorry I had to take 2 years off, but what about people who take more than that due to some other obligations that they have? Aren't they supposed to encourage students to apply?
When I called them a few weeks ago I mentioned that I'll be needing finaid and I want to try get a scholarship, otherwise I can't attend the school. So I asked for an advice on what I can do considerring USC is my dream school, and they just said "I don't think you should bother applying, these merit scholarships are extremely competitve". Now, how the hell does she know wether or not I'm qualified for one? They never even asked for my stats and they don't know me! They never even asked where I was from.
After spending every single penny I have on their stupid overprized applications, working my <em>S</em> off to buy a ticket for $1100 to LA just to see this school (not looking into any other school on the west coast, all of my schools are in the east), trying desperately to find a place to stay while I'm all alone in the states and doing so unbelieveable, nearly impossible efforts to leave the army before my time (trust me, that was hard and more than anyone would ever do to go to this school!) and everything was just so I can visit USC, and maybe get an interview. For the first time, in a very long time, I'm starting to re-think this school. </p>

<p>Sorry, had to let it out.</p>

<p>What the hell??? I'm offended x-(
From what I've learned, USC people are very helpful and open. Maybe the woman you've talked with was just an exception. Had I been in your shoses I would feel the same. However as you're visiting the school, you may take this valuable chance to re-evaluate USC and decide whether apply or not.
Every school has some persons of that kind, but this USC admission officeer seems unbelievable.</p>

<p>Hey! Thanks a lot for replying. I know I shouldn't generalize, but after my several attempts to find assistence and willingness, it's now safe for me to conclude that I'm overall dissapointed.
I know I should re-evaluate the school now, but this assesment will cost a lot, and I'm starting to get the feeling that they don't even worth it, and that my chances are really that slim.
Wish I were Trump's daughter now or something... Eh well... They'd take anyone that would give them money, or I dunno, a buiding or something.</p>

<p>hey cotton_candy, i'm sorry that u've to chance upon such a pompous adcom.. but i've dis impression that adcoms at large schs like usc r usually not too friendly with students given the large number of enquiries they have to entertain everyday.. maybe she had been bombarded by silly enquiries the whole day b4 entertaining urs? haha... anw i'm also serving 2 years of national service in my home country... (singapore, wad'z urs?) and as time progresses i indeed do feel stupider... but i dun suppose i need to go for remedial classes b4 matriculating still. =X</p>

<p>You're so perseverent! Don't give up now that you've done so much! Just go there and try your luck. If it doesn't work, apply to other schools. But do your best for USC! As far as I know, about 30-40% of the students there live on campus, so maybe they have problems with that and that's why you can't stay there. And the lady who told you not to bother applying should be burnt at stake (just like the CB people and Mrs F... never mind)! I would be so angry if someone told me the same! If you get the chance to be interviewed, let the interviewer know that this is your dream school and you've done so much to visit. Are you applying EA/ED?</p>

<p>kudos for you for trying so hard to get where you want in life! There's always karma for that lady=) good luck!</p>

<p>Dana, so sorry to read about your experience with the USC lady. Seems like most people end up being shot in the face by the supposedly mature and helpful adults. :mad:
Hopefully, though, despite admin being absolutely horrible, the students themselves will be great and nice! :D Good luck with your tour and if you get the chance, ask really uncomfortable questions! :D</p>

<p>haha! Izzy, you naughty little girl!:D</p>

<p><em>mischievous grin</em> So my family keeps telling me!</p>

<p>No, but really, you sometimes got to get down to the nitty gritty.</p>

<p>For example, on the Livejournals for some schools I'm considering, I ask about <em>ahem</em> washing "stained underclothing". <em>ahem ahem</em> </p>

<p>Chicas, you'll get what I mean!</p>

<p>woebegone-
I'm from Israel. Thanks for what you wrote and yes I realize it's hard to be nice all day to people asking you the same questions all day. But I've already talked to several schools and have never encountered such attitude towards me and my situation. </p>

<p>: )))-
Thank you so much :) Your reply was amazing and very encouraging.
And yeah, I guess I have no choise but trying to find an affordable hotel, it's just that I'm so short on cash. Well, it's really not their problem though.</p>

<p>jay01-
Nothing much I can say to you except for thank you, thank you, and thanks again :)</p>

<p>IzzyJ-
My little short pal, thanks for making me smile. honest. And don't worry, I've done my research on the most important aspects of this school :) Anything praticular you'd like to know?</p>

<p>Once again THANK YOU all so much for replying :)</p>