We will be renting a car. I had thought briefly about just taking a shuttle but I do want to poke around after Explore then fly out Saturday, so I'm 95% likely to rent one. We just don't like checking in bags unless we absolutely have to.
Bring a thinnish blanket or flat sheet from home to sleep on.
Temp is mid 70s in the day and mid 50s at night.
Bring a sweatshirt and sweat pants to sleep in if you're worried about being cold at night.
We flew from NC last year for Explore. A thin pillow and sleeping bag fits into a roll on. Since it was just two nights, we put the rest of our clothes in the other roll on.
I do not know if it is mandatory, but I really think you should spend the night with your host for a couple of reasons. The host will have made arrangements and plans for a scholarship candidate, volunteered their time, and looked forward to this opportunity to show off their school. Though I understand that you don't mean it this way, it might be a bit rude and hurtful to your host to leave after dinner.
In addition, USC is interviewing you for a scholarship for four years of college. If you are not yet ready to spend a single night away from home, that might send up some red flags and affect the scholarship decision. Even if you are planning on living at home as a student, it is time to show that you are adult enough to manage the responsibilities of college away from your parents.
It is only one night, USC is excited about you coming, your host is excited about you coming, and everyone will make you feel welcome. I hope you decide to spend the night
Wow, this thread really took off! I have one more rather stupid question: from anybody who's flown in for Explore before, did you just bring a roll on bag? I just realized the airline I booked by flight through charges to check a bag, so I just want to bring a roll-on. Did other people find this feasible, considering that bringing a light sleeping bag and pillow is desirable, along with clothes, toiletries, whatever? Thanks!
Also-- thanks for the rest of the advice! I'll be staying at the Vagabond the night before the program starts
S will be bringing roll on (and has for both the other trips to SC) including the sleeping bag/pillow. You can also bring a tote to fit under the seat which can carry your bag and toiletries and any other small items.
Glad you got the room! They have a pool too - if the weather holds as it has this week that pool may be busy Wed night
Whoa, good thing I found this thread, it's been really helpful! I'm going to USC explore on March 8-9 and live in LA so it should be very convenient.
Does anyone happen to know about the multicultural coffee hour that goes on right before the program begins? I was invited to attend but I'm not really sure if it's worth waking up 2 hours earlier to attend it.
I understand that it might be rude and thats the problem. I cant really stay overnight for personal reasons but I also dont want that to effect how usc sees me or upset my host. Considering that it might not b in my advantage to go i might just not go to explore then
You really SHOULD go. If there are personal reasons, contact USC admissions NOW to discuss them and make your arrangements. Talk to your admissions counselor - I am absolutely certain they will keep your personal information in confidence, and if it something that you prefer not to reveal at all - tell them that, and ask to have this accommodation. USC saw something very special in your application, and it just might be that the personal reasons are a part of what made you an individual USC would like to have at their school.
If it has been arranged in advance, of course your host will not see it as rude. If you don't have time to make advance arrangements, when you check in ask to speak to an admissions counselor privately and arrange it then - again, tell them as much or as little as you are comfortable with and see how it turns out. Remember, USC is trying to impress YOU at Explore - they will work with you.
I really hope you decide to go and that you have a great time - good luck, and I would love to hear how it goes when you get back
^^ This!! Talk to your admissions counselor and let him/her know about your plans. Don't give up the opportunity to interview and experience Explore (as much as you can and want to). USC doesn't even require Freshman to live on campus, so they are flexible when it comes to living arrangements, and I don't think you will be perceived negatively if you explain in advance (or at the beginning of Explore).
The decisions are made from the interview. Period. The activities are meant for the enjoyment, enlightenment of the guest/invitees. They are not devising psychological tests by devious means. Simply tell USC you cannot stay overnight--you apologize--and you will attend all other activities. I'm not sure telling them personal info is relevant or advisable. Just another parent weighing in.
Of course you should attend ExploreUSC if you are serious about winning these large scholarships and attending USC!
i second callmesarahhh's question-- anybody know anything about the multicultural coffee hour? Is it at all worth attending, and sacrificing the sleep for?
