<p>Hi, I know this is probably the millionth time a similar topic has been brought up but I didn't see any that quite matched my case.</p>
<p>So, I got in for Critical Studies at SCA and Creative Producing at Chapman's Dodge College. I'm not quite sure what it is I want to do yet in the entertainment industry so deciding between the majors is not my problem. </p>
<p>It's the vibe I get from USC. My brain is telling me that I'd be crazy to pass up SC, as the fact that I got in with lower stats was absolutely mind blowing, however I've visited twice and have never felt quite like I've fit in. I'm a little bit more quirky, I'm liberal and laid back and just a very relaxed and somewhat shy person. That being said, I'm very worried I won't "fit in" or make friends or enjoy my college experience at USC despite the better academics and possible alumni connections. </p>
<p>At Chapman, I feel much more at ease, but again, the prestige of their program is not quite on par with the SCA and I know the entertainment business is almost entirely based on connections and who you know. If anyone has any insight or more information that I could process that would be great. I'm so scared of making the wrong choice and regretting it.</p>
<p>avesnichole, there are certain programs at USC that HAVE the more quirky students, and the film school tends to be one of them. My son is a music major and, like you, is much more of an indie/quirky/very liberal/creative kid who doesn’t care one bit about football games or frat parties. He has definitely found his kindred spirit at USC within Thornton, SCA, Roski, and even some other majors. </p>
<p>Have you visited SCA specifically? You’ll find there is a different vibe there than with USC in general.</p>
<p>I have something else I want to mention, but I think it’s best to PM.</p>
<p>So if we aren’t at all quirky in anyway really and are not liberal then would we now fit in? Well, in short, I’m not the kind of kid who hangs out with/associates with the band or theater kids, but I got in for screenwriting.</p>
<p>Hey Avesnicole, good to “see you” again, haha :)</p>
<p>Honestly, I totally get how you feel. I’m a pretty “quirky” type myself - for lack of a better way to put it, haha - and at first glance, on a surface level, USC can seem to be everything but accepting; on cursory glance, people here might seem to be superficial, fake, or just downright mean. And I’m not gonna lie, there are times to this day when the party crazed social scene makes me wonder if I made the right choice. Days when I don’t feel like I quite fit in here. </p>
<p>But then I remind myself of some of the wonderful people I’ve met - you just have to dig deeper past the “skin” of USC and find those people you’re comfortable with. Just because the really hot but !@#%$^y/@&#!%y people are the ones who are getting all the attention doesn’t mean everyone’s like them. I myself am not a big partier, I don’t go out every weekend like some party animal, I don’t get hammered every opportunity I get to hook up with random girls; and I’ve found people just like me. No matter who you are, you will find people that you fit in and feel comfortable with, friends that you just love to hang out with. One of my best friends I met at orientation, and I met several more the first week of classes. It’s up to you to find these best friends. </p>
<p>And besides, I don’t think USC can be a wrong choice. Sure, I’m not a big fan of the social scene, but the education and the networking opportunities more than make up for it.</p>
<p>USCadmit, I’m not sure how you can read my post and get the suggestion that you won’t fit in at USC if you’re not quirky/liberal/whatever. USC has all types of students. I was merely pointing out that my son has found kids that are outside the box, suggesting that perhaps there really isn’t a box.</p>
<p>I spent a weekend visiting my son who is in Thornton a couple of weeks ago and I was reminded of the fact that the people who get into USC are either very talented and at least sort of smart or very smart. Some of those party like is often the case with late teens and early 20 year olds but some don’t too. I am sure that is the case at most schools except very conservative religious institutions. Some of those you think you wouldn’t fit in with will become great friends as you get to know them. The students and faculty in SCA, Thornton, Roski et al are very into their “art” and you will find that to be very stimulating. Same likely to be true at other art schools and I think the biggest difference will be the quality of your peers and probably instructors which is what makes a school. My dad was a professor and he thinks the quality of fellow students is at least and maybe more important than the quality of the faculty. Son isn’t in SCA but I have seen enough to know that it is an impressive program. Good luck with your decison.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for the feedback so far. I signed up for an “Explore USC” session next week. Hopefully it will help me to see more of USC and allow me to find more of the type of people I feel I’ll be friends with.</p>
<p>I think you will definitely enjoy the trip the USC. You learn so much about the school and when I went, I met so many fantastic, like-minded people. It really is a great experience. Plus, I’m probably more like you and still felt right at home on USC’s campus. </p>
<p>If you decide to attend USC maybe we’d be friends haha. :)</p>