<p>Hi, I am hoping to transfer to USC my sophomore year. However, based on videos and posts I have seen, the school seems like a party and rich people dominated school. If it is it's fine by me, because I know it has great academic programs; but I also want to have a social life. So I was wondering if I would fit in. </p>
<p>A BIT ABOUT ME:
I'm an asian guy from norcal (bay area). I came from a really diverse school where the typical minorities in the US are majorities. I come from a middle class family. I am open-minded. I can be shy at first, but once I get comfortable I'll be at lot more outgoing. I'm not the stereotypical "asian." I'm not into the whole anime stuff, or k-pop stuff. I am however not a huge partier, but once in a while I can go for it. Academics is really important to me, and meeting new people is a goal of mine for college. I enjoy, exploration and outdoor stuff like swimming. I somewhat enjoy watching sports, but I suck at playing them haha (except track). I like to go to keep in shape. In a way I'm a bit "white-washed." I'm a bit nerdy, but I'm not a huge reader. However, I am addicted to news articles, news in general, and cool documentaries. Appearance isn't everything, but I do like to look presentable; I like clothes, but hate shopping. I guess I am a bit of everything, so I usually don't fall into one specific group of people. </p>
<p>COUPLE QUESTIONS:
Are the people at USC friendly and not snobby as most people portray them as?
Are the people there open-minded and don't only keep themselves in a group (like the stereotypical rich white kids- sorry if this offended anyone.)
Also if anyone is or was a transfer and have any tips or suggestions please let me know. Or anyone else with advise about USC.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help, sorry that the post is long. I really hope I get to become a trojan next year! Fight on!</p>
<p>People here are mostly extremely friendly. Unless you’re really unlucky and meet a snob on your first attempt, (which, there will be snobs, but thats like that on any campus), you’ll find that most of the people you meet will be happy to talk to you.</p>
<p>About the whole group thing…well it does feel like a lot of the “stereotypical white people” stick together, there are also groups of Asians that stick together…etc. Still, there are always people who are white and hang out with African Americans, or Asians…etc. Back to my previous point, everybody here is mostly very friendly. You honestly won’t have trouble finding friends if you take the time out to introduce yourself and be friendly.</p>
<p>I am just like you, no joke. Except I’m from Seattle. I transferred to 'SC for sophomore year from an east coast university. It’s been great for me here!</p>
<p>Hi Bycity- You sound so much like my son who is a sophomore at SC and LOVES life there! He comes from a very diverse public high school- not affluent area… working and middle class. He never attended a football game in high school and is now a loyal Trojan fan. He is not an athlete, but works out regularly. He is bright and interested in the world, but is not an “academic intellectual.” He has a group of friends he socializes with and belongs to a couple of campus clubs, but does not drink alcohol. The friends that I have met are nice kids… bright, full of energy, and are not pretentious. I think SC offers something for everyone.</p>
<p>BTW- he is biracial- AA & white. He has a racially diverse group of friends and would probably tell you to relax and just be who you are. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for all your inputs, and advice. I’m certain I want to attend USC. Now, I just need to see if I get in! haha. Thanks again for your help. Also may I ask some of the sophomore transfers:</p>
<p>what were some of your stats when you transfered (if you don’t mind sharing). What were your majors. How does housing work for transfers, and how much financial aid did you guys get. Thanks again for the help!</p>
<p>bycity,
If you look at the ethnicity statistics of the USC student body you will find caucasians are a minority on campus. It is one of the most diverse student bodies in the United States. Also, a recent study indicated the faculty is also one of the most diverse.</p>
<pre><code>The majority of students at SC are receiving financial aid. There are individuals who come from wealthy backgrounds and there are others who are on full scholarships and receive financial aid as well. SC students themselves support the Topping Scholars who are supported by the only student run, student financed and partially student administered scholarship program in the U.S.
</code></pre>
<p>I hope you will be able to visit the campus and see what SC has to offer. Take a tour, visit the game pipe lab, walk around the School of Cinematic Arts, visit the labs in the Viterbi School and sit in a class of gifted musicians at the Thornton School of Music. You will find a huge variety of students and interests.</p>
<p>I am a USC spring admit and although I have not visited the school, I have known some fellow spring admits for five months and we’ve formed our own group of friends. I have talked to about 50 (probably more) people and I can only think of one snobby person. </p>
<p>The vibe I have gotten from the USC students is that they are very welcoming and friendly. I met up with a bunch of spring admits and we were all saying hi and greeting everyone. I also wear my Trojan hat and people just randomly say “Fight on” to me sometimes. One time, I was driving (in NorCal, not in LA) and I saw behind me was a car with a big group of people and a USC flag. I was in the backseat so I put on my hat and waved fight on with my finger out the back window. I first thought they didn’t see me but then they sped up beside us, opened the window and waved their flag yelling, “Fight on!” It was a great feeling and I really felt like a member of the family, even though I never met them before.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tip @Georgia Girl. I hope I can go visit. </p>
<p>@Walnorte, I’m from norcal too, and I think thats cool. I like schools that have a spirited family atmosphere. May I ask you about your transfer stats (college gap, hs gap, ec activities, sat/act, major, and what you wrote on your personal statement?)</p>