<p>How selective is this program? If I am a trustee finalist, is it likely I will be accepted if I apply?</p>
<p>I would like to know too.</p>
<p>I would also like to know! Any insight, anyone?</p>
<p>I’m a freshman in Thematic Option this year. While I don’t have any hard statistics to quote, I’ve never talked to a scholarship recipient who got turned down from Thematic Option. That’s not to say that people aren’t turned down from within the scholarship pool, but it certainly doesn’t seem common. </p>
<p>But keep in mind that the program wishes to enroll a set number of students: 200. So much of it all depends on how big the interest level is any particular year. If more than 200 students apply, obviously some will have to be turned down. The program is very strict on limiting enrollment to keep the small class sizes. </p>
<p>I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Thematic Option this year, and would definitely encourage anyone to apply. Let me know if you have any other questions.</p>
<p>oops. nevermind.</p>
<p>I got this also. I am not the reading/writing kind of guy, however. Is it worth it too apply?</p>
<p>My son got it also. All Presidential and Trustee finalists got it, I’m pretty sure. Though my son likes reading and is okay with lots of writing, he’s not sure he wants to do this. He has lots of other plans for college, many of which are time-consuming. We’ve heard such good things about T.O.,though. If it weren’t for his concern with fitting it in with both an engineering track and orchestra, he would be all over this. It is right up his alley, in terms of what and how he likes to learn.</p>
<p>I wonder how hard it is to fit in with Engineering and the Engineering Honors Program. Anybody here on CC who’s doing both right now? Any comments? Advice?</p>
<p>This is just another way of doing the Gen Ed requirements, right? It will not add more courses? Also, is it given any special recognition past college?</p>
<p>CBP123, Yes TO satisfies the general requirements…no other courses to do. TO includes 4 core courses, 2 writing courses, and 2 additional “theme” courses (one science based, the other social science/history based). One can be exempt from the last 2 if you had a 4 or 5 in an AP science, and in AP Euro or Art History. (I believe a 4 is still ok, but may now be a 5 only)</p>
<p>TO will show on your transcripts, having a record of the honours TO will be an advantage in grad school applications.</p>
<p>See this thread…includes a list of TO advantages:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/866805-thematic-option.html?highlight=thematic+option[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/866805-thematic-option.html?highlight=thematic+option</a></p>
<p>Is there a minimum SAT to apply/get an invitation or is more based on the Verbal scores?</p>
<p>Actually, I’m fairly positive that T.O. doesn’t show up on your diploma. Someone may want to double check that; but I remember them emphasizing to us that you shouldn’t take it just to have a more impressive diploma (because it doesn’t even show up).</p>
<p>I got Dean’s Honor but T.O… do you think it’s possible I can be bumped up to Presidential?</p>
<p>Theman,
The Dean’s Scholarship does not require an interview. It cannot be “bumped up” to a Presidential Scholarship. </p>
<pre><code>If you wish the academic challenge of the Thematic Option apply. Information about TO can be found on the USC website. You may be selected, if there is room.
</code></pre>
<p>My S1 is in TO and has found the professors of these classes to be the superstars of USC. An intellectually stimulating way to satisfy one’s GenEd requirements. The topics of the courses can be fascinating (they work off of a “theme”) He found the other TO kids were more likely to participate in discussions and the small classes make it more like an LAC within the big U.</p>
<p>In 2008, they invited all Pres/Trustee nominees to apply. They generally look for a combined Writing and CR score (not math!) of 1450 and up–although this may be more of a guideline. </p>
<p>If you have not received an invitation, you can still apply. We know a student who applied, got into TO, LOVES it, and found many friends within this group.</p>
<p>I’m a scholar and didn’t get invited 
But i’m going to apply anyway!</p>
<p>Haha, same here, Jasonvdm. I figure what do I have to lose? =D</p>
<p>^Interesting, Jasonvdm and restlessabandon. You’d think that all Presidential and Trustee finalists would be invited to apply to T.O. That’s pretty crazy. Well, I think you should definitely apply.</p>
<p>I do know, from reading my son’s “experience USC 2011 Presidential Scholar Finalist” brochure, that if you are named a Scholar, you will definitely be eligible to apply for T.O. (As one would think, right?)</p>
<p>Good luck to you! :)</p>
<p>Still hoping some current Engineering/T.O. students will fill us in on what it’s like maintaining the engineering track while taking the great T.O. courses …</p>
<p>Pros and cons? Would you do it again?</p>
<p>By the way, you will be given a TO presentation at Explore. Be sure not to miss it. Parents can also attend. You can also ask lots of questions there.</p>
<p>Jason, I know you are further east like us. Perhaps it hasn’t come in the mail yet? My son did not get an invite either. Although, his scores are stronger in math than the verbal/English ones.</p>