<p>TO is an honors alternative to CLAS’s regularly scheduled Gen Ed courses. Because TO only serves about 200 freshmen (as compared with regular Gen Ed courses which must serve the other 2600 freshmen) there are fewer options each semester to fulfill each GenEd requirement. It is more likely that you’ll see TO students from previous TO classes in your next class, but not guaranteed unless you arrange with TO friends to do so. Most students choose to take these courses in the first two years at USC because they move on to concentrate on their major (s) and minor (s) as well as travel for semesters abroad in later ye ars, but you may spread Gen Ed classes out as you like. TO does allow you to complete your 2 required writing courses Freshman year, while those taking non-TO classes can’t take the second writing course until junior year. </p>
<p>To answer your first question, Orange Duck, we’ve heard many students say that TO classes are some of the very best and most inspiring they take in their four years at USC, turning core graduation required classes into something very special. With fabulous professors, some undeclared students discover a passion for a major field they hadn’t experienced before. But many in TO are already very happy with their major/school and find the TO classes a rewarding way to broaden their education. It’s also a great way to meet kids outside of your major.</p>