<p>There are a lot of things I love about USC, but one thing I’m still unsure of is the academic nature/environment of it. I’d really like a college set in an “academic”, traditional, old-school collegiate environment; I know everyone who gets into USC is very intelligent, but is it the kind of school where you hear many people having intellectual conversations outside of class and have people who are truly engrossed in their learning just for the sake of learning? Usually I hear people praising certain programs (film, music, business), football, social scene, and school spirit as the best things about USC, but I rarely hear them comment on the actual academic environment. Any info would be great! :)</p>
<p>I have the same question…</p>
<p>Check out USC’s Thematic Option: [Thematic</a> Option > USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences](<a href=“http://college.usc.edu/thematic-option/]Thematic”>http://college.usc.edu/thematic-option/)
If you’re looking for stimulating, intellectual conversation you will find it at USC.</p>
<p>It’s not even necessary to be in Thematic Option. There are discussion groups for most classes and they often continue outside the structured class schedule. At a renown university such as USC, you will find what you seek.</p>
<p>Just from my POV- visiting with and taking S1 and S2 and their friends to dinner over the years-</p>
<p>These students have lived academically-focused lives, thus had the ambition, stats, and passion to get into USC. Intellectual discussions are an integral part of them. Posters here on CC often ask about the “type” of people at USC- I have seen USC students are every color, shape, personality, nationality, etc. But they all are intelligent and impressive! I LOVE to listen to them. I know that everyone has an interesting story- even the shy ones have invented something, written something, started something, and/or have strong passions they are following. Both sons have told me countless stories of their lively discussions with their interesting friends. Both sons were also inspired to do things beyond my expectations including starting businesses, taking on minors and hobbies completely different than their majors, and being involved in social AND academic clubs.</p>
<p>If I can rephrase your question- “At USC, can I find intelligent, engrossing, students who learn just for the sake of learning, converse with knowledge and passion, and contribute to a highly academic environment?” </p>
<p>The answer is:
Yes.</p>
<p>heres the best way to put it. if you get into USC you’re smart stuff. but you also don’t want to go to a school thats all about smart stuff. you wanna have fun too. best analogy: went to a frat party and met a cool frat guy who was definitely down for partying and seemed pretty fratty. the next day i see the same guy in one of the group study rooms in the library writing out some crazy engineering stuff on the white board. people here know how to balance everything. we go out and have fun, but still know that we’re first and foremost here to get an education</p>
<p>Undoubtedly there are smart, talented, driven students at USC. However, this is true about any college in the US, as is the opposite…every school has people who would rather party. I think that the OP’s question was about the middle of the distribution, not the extremes. The answer there is less clear. There have been some discussions on this topic in the past in this forum, search should help.</p>
<p>Having said this, for a motivated student the middle of the distribution is inconsequential. He/she will do well regardless. And students in the middle of the distribution, who are most susceptible to its influences, often don’t worry/care what it looks like. How is that for a paradox :-)</p>