We live quite far from L.A., and would prefer to do a regional, off campus registration session to save money for the actual move in trip in August. Are there any serious disadvantages to the off campus option? We’ve already visited campus when my S had his audition, and there are no required placement tests for his major, so I imagine it’s just going to be about registering for courses. Any reason we should bite the bullet and spring for the on campus option?
This is the first year USC has offered off-campus registration and there should be no concern for students in Dornsife for sure. They may also bring advisors from some of the larger schools as well. However, some of the smaller schools have special requirements and sequencing of courses, or require special D-clearance from the advisor in the major to register (locked for non-majors, etc) and I’m wondering how they will handle advising such a diverse range of schools. In addition, those who are entering Thematic Option get special advisors at on-campus registration and the specific courses offered each semester is only presented then (not online) with syllabi, and reading lists.
USC is really on top of details, but then this is the first year they’re trying off-campus reg. I’m pretty sure they will have most of this accounted for–but for those with niche majors or specific questions of their major, maybe a phone call or two beforehand will answer these questions or reassure you a rep from your S’s major will be there.
Thank you, @madbean , that’s very helpful. I will definitely call them.
This isn’t the first year that USC is holding registration/orientation off campus. They did it last year at several places around the U.S. and have been doing it in China for like five years.
The sessions go really well and they send lots of advisers to help with everything. About the only issue that sometimes happens is with internet access at the hotels they use. I know they like it if you bring your own laptop or tablet.
Like madbean said, USC is really on top of the details. You should definitely feel comfortable attending, no matter your major. Might as well save a trip to L.A.
The best thing you can do is start going through the courses on your own, well ahead of registration and have many options based on availability. It is good to be familiar with names of classes so you aren’t just put in stuff, but have some input into the process. Watch the sequence classes like math in sciences and econ in business, those need to get knocked out so you can get into other things as you progress. Every school probably has a class or two that is important to get in the first 2-3 semesters if not the first.