<p>Hi everyone,
In planning our trip down south in a month or so, we will be driving near the University of South Carolina and will stay near the College of Charleston. While we are sure to visit CofC (since it is so close to where we are staying), I wanted to see if USC would be worth the extra hour drive for him to see it. As some of you who read the art forum regularly know, he is interested in various areas, mainly the visual arts, computer graphics/science and then there is marine science. (I know he is all over the place- but he is still 15 so hopefully he will firm up what he wants to do eventually!) Do any of you have any information on USC's strengths in those departments? He has done a bit of research and seems to think it would be worthwhile to visit. Just getting your input if you don't mind. Thanks!</p>
<p>The campus is beautiful and worth a visit - even just as a comparison to CofC. My D applied to both and eventually chose SC although she liked CofC a lot .
Can't help with the particular programs you are interested in, but I do recommend you check out the beautiful new fitness center at SC. Also, one of the things we liked about SC was the school spirit - everybody we met had a real love for their school and the Gamecocks!</p>
<p>I think it's worth the trip. Don't know about the particular programs, though. Nice campus, it's "urban" but Columbia itself is a nice city, so that shouldn't conjure up the thoughts that usually go along with the "urban campus" phrase. As PA Mom says, there is a lot of school spirit -- rabid is a word that comes to mind :) </p>
<p>Bear in mind that in Summer you may not get that school spirit feel. And be prepared for it being oppressively hot -- June is usually okay, but you can still have serious heat days. Due to some geographic quirks, Columbia can be just miserably hot in late July and into August. Hotter than Charleston. The good news for students is that most of them aren't there during the dog days.</p>
<p>KandKsMom
S will be a freshman at USC in the fall.We're from the eascoast (NY).I would say its worth your time to visit,just as a contrast to CofC,size wise.Can't help you with the programs your S is interested in,mine will be a Sport Management major.If your S has any chance of being an Honor's College recruit at USC (see the website for requirements) then make a special point of contacting them for personal attention during the visit. The people associated with the program are wonderful and there are many special perks available.</p>
<p>At the age of 15, I suspect he would rather spend the half day detour at home, hanging out with his friends that he hasn't seen in a while. Unless he is really interested in USC or really would like to take a look, I would not bother. And if he is copping an attitude during the visit it may taint his opinion 2 years hence when it really matters.</p>