<p>Well, I didn't used to be worried but I've joined the USC network on facebook and and looked around.... it seems like there are an awful lot of "Barbies." I consider myself pretty enough, in a dark, semi-exotic way. I'm not huge but I'm certainly not thin (size 12). Will I be an Amazon out in Southern California? I've been worried. I know there are plenty of guys here who disregard the "thinner the better" philosophy, and I get hit on a fair amount, but I'm just not sure about USC. I've made up a list of questions for the admissions office, but.... haha. Sorry guys, I know this is stupid.</p>
<p>srabiee:
First of all, it's not stupid to be concerned how you are going to fit in when you are making a major step into new and unfamiliar territory, and believe me you are far from being the only one who worries about this. My D does too, and feels self conscious about this or that aspect of her outward appearance. It's normal and I'm willing to bet that 85% to 90% of girls feel the same way (and guys too for that matter, they have their own insecurities too).</p>
<p>We live not far from USC and have been on campus many times. I did not at all get an impression of all thin "Barbies", not at all. On the contrary, we see students of all shapes, sizes, features, a lot of very natural looking girls dressed super casual in sweatpants, not made up, etc., and everyone friendly and open. The new freshmen we saw and met during Admit Day were also very diverse in appearance and many we met were all very nice.</p>
<p>Please keep in mind that the profiles that are put on facebook are usually pictures that are flattering and not always indicative of daily life appearance. A best photograph can be chosen amongst many that might not be as flattering, and so called "faults" can be well disguised and features well accentuated. With Prom and Yearb book season now, I'm sure a lot might be posting those pictures as well.</p>
<p>And you must know that what makes a girl liked and attractive is your personality and outlook, by far above anything skin deep. I've seen it at my D's school where the most popular kids are the smart full of personality ones regardless of how "attractive" they are in appearance, ..and it will be the case at USC and anywhere else in your future.</p>
<p>I second Sequoia. I think my daughter picked her facebook picture because it was the most flattering photo of her, so I guess everybody else did too. Oh Oh, I gave away her secret, but the good thing is she does not read this website. :D</p>
<p>My kids don't read this website either :D so I'll go ahead and say: my boys have dated a few girls at 'SC and they have been all shape and sizes. They both say they are first attracted by a girl's smile- then personality. </p>
<p>(Not a stupid thread, srabiee90. I think most any topic you are concerned about is fair game here with the benefits of anonymity.)</p>
<p>I like your answer also, Sequoia.</p>
<p>just like Sequoia said, my s has insecurities too. I think most freshmen are worried about fitting in. Just be yourself srabiee90.</p>
<p>Having lived in LA around 10 years, I do think there is a body/Hollywood looks influence in S. California which is more evident there. Even upon returning to visit, I can't believe how slim and good looking many people are. I also think the good looks culture is a positive peer influence to diet and exercise, look and feel your best. My son noted that at one of the cafeterias at USC, he saw calories listed for foods (who has seen that at other universities outside of California)? Since USC has many students outside of S. California, perhaps there are more kids of various appearance as the above threads talk about. It is a good thing to care about your appearance, and as long as you smile and are pleasant to your peers, I am sure you will find friends. Also, with the many clubs and activities at USC, I am sure you will find other students of similar interests to be friends with because the common interest will be more important than appearance.</p>
<p>srab--did you get to visit USC during your application process or after you were accepted? If so, I'm sure you got some sense of the place and the kids. One of the aspects of "fit" that helps become clear by campus visits is simply looking at the other students and imagining if they "seem" enough like you.</p>
<p>I know a student who didn't like one east coast college because the kids all dressed very formally and preppy; another who found the kids at a different college a little too "radical". One L.A. student went to a school in Ohio and was "relieved" to find her type of kid there. I hope you did have the chance to look around USC. When I have visited, I saw many types of kids who all seemed happy but only you will know for yourself if there are kids who look like you.</p>
<p>sraibee90- I don't know where you're living now but it's L.A. Diversity= <3. Seriously. Anothe thing I love about USC is that there a range of different people and styles, if you will. </p>
<p>p.s. Disregard what people look like on facebook, they all wear jeans or sweats and college gear on campus, anyway. :)</p>
<p>I hate to be the shallow douche that's going to say a girl's appearance is quite important especially for a girl that goes to USC. But to a certain degree that is the reality. I'm not saying that it's right. Just saying its true.</p>
<p>Now what's not true is that you have to fit into the barbie stereotype. There are many attractive girls that don't look like barbies that do quite well with the guys, if you know what I mean. You'll be fine, don't worry.</p>
<p>God, I know someone is going to flame about this post...</p>
<p>i can see the argument from two sides-yeah, the appearance aspect MAY (and i emphasize MAY) come up at some point [it is los angeles, after all], but honestly, USC is ALL walks of life. people pick flattering photos of themselves for facebook (let's just put it out there-i totally am guilty of it) but really, you'll be seeing them with their hair in messy ponytails, glasses, and sweats. i am definitely NOT a barbie [in fact, if you see a girl with burgundy hair on campus in a sweatshirt, ripped jeans and thick frames, that would be me!], and i am transferring this fall, but my friends that go to USC or are going are for the most part not "barbies," but rather real, chill sweethearts. even my "barbie" friends are chill and would rather hang out and have a good time. all in all, it'll be what you make it, and i hope you have a great four years being a trojan! :)</p>
<p>What about the wealth thing? </p>
<p>While I love fashion and dressing up and makeup etc., I just don't have the budget to buy Tory Burch flats/ Louis Vuitton bags or go on monthly shopping trips to the Grove. I HATE to stereotype girls at SC, because I have to put up with the "Oh, so you're going to the University of Spoiled Children?" thing all the time. However, some of the incoming freshman I've met this fall DEFINITELY seem to have this kind of money, and they made sure I knew about it. Is this a common thing?</p>
<p>i think this was talked about many times: no</p>
<p>talked and talked about...</p>
<p>Interesting fact: The average family income for students at UCLA is higher than the families' at USC. </p>
<p>Are there wealthy kids at USC? Yes. Are there beautiful people at USC? Yes.
But beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. No matter what school that you go to there will be kids who have more money than you do...and less. As the mother of three, including two girls, I understand the concern about fitting in. You will do fine. It sounds trite, but it is true...be yourself and you'll be fine.</p>
<p>Look, there are kids with lots of $$ at every single private college, including the Ivies, which were the traditional bastions of the superwealthy. Does economic privilege make students spoiled? Perhaps, but all privates share that legacy. However, USC is currently at the top of list of schools who make finaid and merit aid available, a generous policy which allows qualified students to attend from all economic groups. Check out the percent of students receiving financial aid and you can get a sense of how many are not wearing designer shoes on a daily basis. </p>
<p>Here's a thought for all who are concerned about whether they will fit in and be happy at school: It is important to embrace diversity--and that means to be friendly and welcoming to those who are from different backgrounds--including those who are from wealthy homes too. In life it's a great skill to feel comfortable with whomever you encounter no matter whose name is on the inside of their shoes, or yours.</p>
<p>I am not surprised by ellebud's family income information: My "wealthier" friends - those who did not qualify for any financial aid - all chose to go to one of the UCs because they were 1/2 the cost of the private schools like USC. My family is NOT wealthy and for me, USC's generous financial aid made it less expensive than a UC.</p>
<p>By the way, though their families are "wealthy," they are all excellent students and good people who would be a great addition to any university. I like madbean's advice above - pre-judging people based on how much money they do or do not have doesn't make any sense.</p>
<p>I would just like to say how thoughtful and poignant I think you all are, and I applaud you all for proverbially hitting the nail on the head.</p>
<p>honestly LA is like every other place on the planet. There are ugly people and pretty people and they all get along fine. =_= I came from OK and I didn't have too hard time fitting in. o.O</p>
<p>If you are really self concious about your weight or appearence all you need to do is hit the gym on campus since its free anyhow and get a job to buy clothes/make up. The end.</p>