<p>TO classes are worth it for students who would be a great fit for a small liberal arts college. The program (200 freshmen) is small and tends to attract kids who get into class discussion, love the intellectual nature of the other students, and like to read. It’s USC’s honors college for Gen Ed requirements, so while it is a lot of work, it’s not too hard for the kids invited in. And while some do complain about the time they spend on TO classwork, they don’t complain about grades. A’s are earned by many because the courses are not graded on curves. However, no one says it’s easy. There is a lot of writing involved and ideas are covered in depth by fascinating professors. My son particularly liked his TO classes in Neuroscience and Political Philosophy.</p>
<p>To be honest, I don’t think we hear of many (any?) USC students on cc who have done both FSH and TO. My S (in SCA) is having a time crunch trying to do one TO class this semester at the same time he’s taking his very demanding film production sequence. Don’t forget, you’ll want some time to also have a life, do ECs, and maybe eat a meal here and there.</p>
<p>We don’t know figures, but I believe almost all students who receive invitations to TO and apply within the timeframe deadline, do get accepted.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decisions. TO was one of the best decisions my S made, and I was the mom on the sidelines suggesting it might be too much work. ;)</p>