<p>The title says most of it. We (D and I) need a room for the night before the USC Explore starts. I'd rather drive the night before the program starts, than on the morning of, after we land at LAX.
I'm also not wanting to spend a huge amount, if that's possible. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>Last year I sent my daughter by herself to the scholarship weekedn, and she stayed at the Radisson. It is right on campus (in fact, I think they use part of it as a dorm). We got a really good rate. I don’t remember how much it was, but it was very affordable. You won’t have to worry about traffic in the morning. It wasn’t anything luxurious, but she said it was very clean and the location can’t be beat.</p>
<p>There is a small motel near by. I believe it is the Vagabond Inn. It is just blocks away and more affordable than the Radisson. The rooms are nothing to write home about, but it was fine.</p>
<p>you really dont NEED to come to USC for the scholarship interviewer if finances are a concern. If your DD does decide to matriculate at USC , you will probably want to help her move in, which given the choice, would be where I would spend the$$ , so there is that expense to consider as well.</p>
<p>If you want to find an inexpensive option, go to Priceline and make a bid on a downtown Los Angeles hotel. There are many in the area. The Radisson is good if you do not have a rental car but other places can work out fine too. We have stayed at the Omni and got a very reasonable rate.The downtown traffic is busy in the morning and it can take 15 minutes from Wilshire to USC.</p>
<p>While it is true that you (the parent) do not need to come with your student, I really felt like my time at Explore helped me decide that this was the right place for my son. I encourage you to go!</p>
<p>First of all…I agree with windbehindwings…we have booked rooms at downtown LA hotels for much less than Raddison which will be at highest rates for the explore weekend. I recommend the Westin( which is nicer and has been cheaper at expedia…etc) however…we are from NC as well. Our son went alone. He stayed extra day and the admissions representative matched him with another student…he stayed for free 2 nights with this student he didn’t know. I frankly think it gave him advantage is getting the scholarship…the interviewers commented on fact he came a long way alone which showed maturity. I have no idea if this helped but he was bumped up from presidential…to trustee …to Mork. However…every kid and family is different. My son is very happy he selected USC( and grateful for scholarship). Best of luck!!!</p>