USC Class of 2022

@planner03 , the Metro runs from the airport and is cheap. Takes about 45 minutes. Uber is usually $25-$30 and takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Sometimes Lyft is cheaper so check both.

@planner03 Sometimes there are free shuttles available…

https://dps.usc.edu/services/shuttles/

Most though arrange for a private shuttle. This link details the best options…

https://ois.usc.edu/new-students/arrivingintheus/transportation/

@planner03 From the airport, we used PrimeTime Shuttle for $15 per person. For me, that was a pretty good price. It’s a shared van so it took about 45 minutes (we were in afternoon traffic). I saw many many Super Shuttle vans leaving while we were waiting for ours —quite frustrating! So if time is a factor, I suggest Super Shuttle.i think the cost is comparable but I’m not sure. On Sunday, USC provides free shuttles to the airport at 2 and 3 pm, I think leaving from Tutor Campus Center. We’ve used the Metro and if you don’t have baggage, that is the cheapest (but not fastest) option.

Thanks. Wow, I didn’t realize how long it would take or that S would be navigating it on his own to Explore. It’s pretty overwhelming so I guess I will probably have to spring for an uber on the way there. So it is like a 45 minute drive curb to curb?

I would plan on an hour if during prime time to be safe 3-7pm, other times 35-45min is good. D always does uber/lyft which is best when time is tight. About 30 bucks on the budget rate.

okay thanks, his flight gets in at around 10am.

Perfect time, 45 would be plenty, prob more like 35 at that time.

@planner03 if you do lyft or uber, be aware they have set up specific pick-up spots at LAX to control traiffic that are not at the other ride service areas. Last time I got picked up they were upstairs (the departure level.) Make sure you check it out before hand as it’s a bit weird and has changed a couple of times.

I think Super Shuttle is $16 bucks to USC. And there may be a AAA or other discount, tho probably not much. I haven’t done that in a long time, but if he’s not in a hurry, it’s a fine option.

Hey guys! Just wanted to post something for everyone going to explore in the coming weeks.

I went these past two days, and it was amazing! I had a great host who was super close to everyone in her hall, so a lot of the time, we just hung out in McCarthy and talked. It was a lot of fun, and everyone was super open with their experiences at the school and applying there. I’d suggest talking to people on Facebook beforehand because you might get stuck with a bad host. One person had a bad host who didn’t really show her anything, so she met up with someone in our group that she met online and had a lot of fun! Even if your host isn’t the best, you can find someone who will take you under their wing.

Also, don’t be afraid to tell your host what you’re interested in! Mine wasn’t a sports person, but she knew someone that was. She called him over to talk to me about his involvement in sports media on campus, and he actually hung out with our group the whole night then. I really had a great time talking to everyone.

Relax for the interview! My interviewers literally took five minutes to tell me some of the best places to visit in LA because I’m from the east coast. They were all really nice, and it was pretty laidback.

I didn’t really see anyone else post about their experiences at Explore, so I’d thought I’d share a little! Feel free to message me with any questions.

for my financial aid application on the portal, I clicked 2018-2019 year and there’s the FA application, but there’s also a planning worksheet section on it that when I click is inaccessible. Can someone tell me what that is, and why it’s not working on my portal? Is it there for everyone?

I just logged on to the portal for the first time and saw the option to submit mid year grades. Do I have to do that myself or can my guidance counselor just send it in? She sent them to my other schools so I assume she sent them to USC already.

@prepro986 I don’t think it means anything. I didn’t apply for FA and it says the same for me

@lro375 They want both to occur… self-submit + GC submission.

^^they literally have no source; i’m not submitting mine because I know my counselor already did, so if it’s a problem they can contact me but it’s not worth the trouble trying to get my transcripts first

On the USC website it says either submit it through the Common App OR self report @oPhilippos @lro375

https://admission.usc.edu/firstyear/prospective/appchecklist.html

Didn’t you get a report card or have a way to go online to see grades? Not adding them would be seen as being a tad lazy or not that interested. Just sayin’

@CADREAMIN Don’t give applicants added anxiety by saying something that’s not true. Not adding them would be seen as following directions. I don’t think the AO’s care how they get them as long as they get them. In fact their admissions blog says “We encourage students to submit updated transcripts, but you can also self-report those grades here [on the USC portal]. Most high schools will automatically submit updated transcripts once those mid-year grades are available, so check with your counselor before you use this tool. If we get those mid year grades from your high school already, the you don’t need to self report”

https://admissionblog.usc.edu/youve-submitted-your-application-whats-next/

Uh, I didn’t say you had to, I said it was lazy not to.

If you have been following this site for any length of time you know I am not doing anything to give kids more anxiety. I have had four admitted so am pretty familiar with the game. You can read those instructions and interpret them the way you want to. Yes it says you don’t need to, but why wouldn’t you? I would be doing everything I could to show interest with about 60,000 applicants and a 16% admit rate. “You don’t need to” could also be interpreted as “but it would be nice if you did.” Use your own interpretation. I personally wouldn’t leave a hole in my online portal, that’s all.

Unless your an AO you can’t comment on what looks lazy and what doesn’t regardless of how many of your kids got accepted. Your kids got in based on their merit, not you.

I wouldn’t do it because it literally says in the directions
“Most high schools will automatically submit updated transcripts once those mid-year grades are available, so check with your counselor before you use this tool.”

AKA: don’t do it if your counselor has already submitted.

In my opinion, if you do both they’ll think you can’t follow directions.

And if they have 60,000 applications I highly doubt they’re going to even have the time think "John Smith didn’t submit both? Well he must not really want to go USC - rejected

Even if you log your mid year you have to send an official transcript by mail anyway. It’s a tool to use only if you can’t submit your official transcript through the Common App.

You’ve pretty much insulted every student who didn’t unnecessary do both.

@Kd6410 I’m new to the USC board, but have read up a lot on previous posts. I’ve learned that @CADREAMIN has shared a lot of important and nitty gritty information about USC admissions and is genuinely interested in paying it forward. Also re: midyear grades, there doesn’t seem to be any harm in doing both. It’s a safety measure; some high school counselors may not automatically submit, and/or may not be easily accessible to students. While you certainly are entitled to your opinion, I didn’t see an insult to students – just an honest assessment.