<p>soo... thematic option has 6 classes. do these fill up GE requirements or is it in addition to all the GEs?</p>
<p>they fill up GE requirements. same amount of classes, more work per class.</p>
<p>Smaller classes, brighter classmates. One plus is that you can choose to get your two writing classes out of the way freshman year and watch your fellow Trojans suffer through WRIT 340.</p>
<p>Writing is probably the best part of TO. I took two great writing classes and my 112 was the best "real" class I've taken at USC. I've liked most of my TO classes, although I didn't like my 101. I would highly encourage you to take TO if you get accepted. I haven't looked back, even though the classes are more work. I took a regular GE this semester, and I really didn't enjoy it as much as the TO classes.</p>
<p>if i'm accepted there is no doubt that i would do TO</p>
<p>and im very glad that its in place of GEs</p>
<p>i've spoken to many usc students about TO and all of them recommend it...except for engineering students. they tend to avoid it.</p>
<p>I think scheduling conflicts with TO + engineering can be problematic. I know a few engineering + TO and they seem to like it. Though, it probably is a heavier freshman load (eng + TO) than most TO students.</p>
<p>I'm in TO, and despite the heavy workload, I'd recommend the program to anyone. The amount of reading is somewhat overwhelming at times-- hence the nickname "Traumatic Option"-- but in general TO professors are some of the best in the school, and TO classes enable you to thoroughly grasp material in an interesting way (no confusing, boring classes). Thanks to my TO class I know more about Homer, Dante, and Nietzsche than I've ever wanted to in my life. :)</p>