<p>Just to add something else on to the issues of selectivity, 4 year grad rates, etc.</p>
<p>My DH has been on the faculty of the USC math dept since '86, so he has witnessed the positive academic changes at the school, first hand. Yes, USC will be one of the schools our DS will apply to next year. I can assure you that it's not just because an acceptance means a tutition free ride, although that factor looms large. </p>
<p>My H would not consider having our S apply to USC if it didn't meet his standards, which are pretty exacting. We aren't planning on any ED applications, so our S might be in the lucky situation this time next year to choose among USC and other great options.</p>
<p>We've known faculty members whose children have gone to USC and others who were interested in programs at other schools. What we haven't known are faculty members who have steered their S's or D's away from considering USC as one of their choices, and it's not just because Mom or Dad work there. It's because USC is one of the great schools our country has to offer, and is still striving to become even better, which is what really counts in my book.</p>