<p>I have been reading the thread regarding attending USC vs. other schools. My S has been accepted to USC and plans to major in finance/international business. He will not be in Honors College or any other special programs. (Congrats to all of you great kids who have been rewarded for you hard work).
What would people recommend for him in order to get best possible experience from school (certain classes, particular learning community, clubs/activities others have enjoyed, etc). He has been reading about the Preston Learning Comm. that takes only a few freshman each year (by invitation only). Wondered if this would be something for him to apply to. How about as a sophmore-Do things open up for kids who have done well their freshman year (Honors College??, scholarship opportunities??). Would love any feedback from those in the know.</p>
<p>Some people love the idea of Preston.I'd reccomend touring the facility to see if its particular brand of "togetherness" works for your S.They have a seperate app and a deadline.
From what I know, you can apply for the Honors College after you matriculate.
Theres so many choices of activities,its hard to pick out something until you narrow down your interests.S has decided to get involved in the group that brings events,speakers,concerts,etc to campus as he's interested in event management.Hes also gotten involved in the club thats for his major.
If your S is coming for international business ,from what I know, he couldnt have picked a better place.
What I recommended to my S (a freshman now) as far as classes are concerned..is to balance them,and always throw a class in just for your interest.Yes there are reqs you must finish,and certain ones must be finished by certain times but taking something you are especially interested in will help.
I think theres a buiness living/learning community as well...has he looked into that?</p>
<p>Hi Cathy, Nice to hear from you again!
No, we did not know about "Business Housing", but will investigate further. Have found info. on many other housing arrangements (French, Psychology, Pre-Med, Engineering, etc), but had not seem anything regarding business. Wondered about Preston also, as they do require that you eat 4 of 5 evenings with housemates. He wants to become connected, but that might be a bit too connected. We aren't concerned about his making friends, etc. as he is a pretty outgoing kid.
Just think with the distance from home, he just wants to start off on a positive note. Already discovered that the October break he probably will stay at school and wondered if most dorms close for those couple of days. Do many kids head home for this mini-break?</p>
<p>My daughter was not really interested in Preston either - it's definitely not for everyone.
My daughter did come home for Fall Break which surprised me.She was feeling a little homesick by then and had her boyfriend to ride home with so it worked. I think( from what my daughter has said) that because most students are in-state many do go home for breaks. How far away are you?</p>
<p>We are from NH, so it is a haul! Think son will take sleeping bag and troop over to whichever dorms stay open.</p>
<p>I don't think most schools close any dorms over Fall, Thanksgiving, etc. In fact my D's school had everything open in December, as there are so many students fom far away or international locations.</p>
<p>From the USC housing website FAQ's:</p>
<ol>
<li>Are there any halls which stay open during University break periods (Thanksgiving, Winter Break and Spring Break) for freshmen?
Yes. Bates House remains open for its residents. If you need housing during these periods, please request Bates House on your original housing application. All upperclassmen, apartment-style halls also remain open during break periods. </li>
</ol>
<p>Looks like short breaks like Fall Break won't be a problem in any dorm. I've heard that some students go home with friends that live closer for Thanksgiving. Or have him make friends with someone in the apartment style dorms! LOL</p>
<p>Okay, just found this out. All residence halls are open during the October break (which is Thursday/Friday). Most close for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring.</p>
<p>From their Housing FAQs
[quote]
- Are there any halls which stay open during University break periods (Thanksgiving, Winter Break and Spring Break) for freshmen? Yes. Bates House remains open for its residents. If you need housing during these periods, please request Bates House on your original housing application. All upperclassmen, apartment-style halls also remain open during break periods.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>hahaha, PAmom, you beat me...</p>
<p>Except you know how to make yours look all cool ... LOL I gotta learn this stuff.</p>
<p>[ quote ] blah de blah [ / quote ]</p>
<p>except remove all the spaces. Try it. :)</p>
<p>(quote)thank you so much! (/quote)</p>
<p>Testing testing 123 LOL</p>
<p>Hey what happened!! Tell me what silly thing I did wrong ...
I think I took you too literally Haha</p>
<p>you should use the box brackets [ ] and not ( ) look for them on your keyboard next to the letter "P"</p>
<p>
[quote]
you should use the box brackets [ ] and not ( ) look for them on your keyboard next to the letter "P"
[/quote]
Thanks ! Hopefully it works this time or I will have to forever leave CC for my embarrassment LOL</p>
<p>i wrote that S went home with new local friend over the Fall 4 day break,but the dorm stayed open.Its only 2 days + the weekend,but my post vanished, as did access to the website for most of the night for me.</p>
<p>I was also shut out of site for yesterday afternoon. Thanks for all the updates on dorm availability during breaks.</p>