If you want to be a fan of USC over Michigan simply go through the admissions process of both schools. Michigan made USC look like cake and ice cream. I truly feel for kids who grew up with Michigan as their dream school who got beaten down by this process. During EA, they deferred most and denied none. Rumor is they did not even get to a large percentage of the EA applications. Then they roll out decisions every few weeks with no denials, There is no announcement that a batch of decisions is rolling out. They simply pop up randomly on Thursdays at Midnight which keeps kids up late weekly So it is like a metaphorical Bataan death march with the school holding out a slimmer and slimmer chance every few weeks. Some deferred applicants decisions are still pending. Then they waitlist THOUSANDS holding out that sliver of hope to keep people happy even though they only allow in a few dozen off the waitlist. Knowing how kids can get attached to a school growing up I hurt for some of the kids that applied there as holding out any hope is really more cruelty than anything. The kid whose heart is set on UM is turned into Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber who after being told by his crush that he had a one in a million chance responds, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance. YEAH!”.
This is NOT sour grapes, by the way, as my child got in and CHOSE USC.
They got in the neighborhood of the same number of applications as USC with far more spots available yet could not handle the volume as well as USC. I would choose the USC process over any I have dealt with in this journey. The single date for decisions (Except for award winners) makes more sense to me and lets the stress fall on one date instead of multiple. I like the mailing before posting as well. As for admissions staff I have talked to no nicer or more professional than USC. I do indeed feel fortunate.
@hafamama, congrats to your son. You have been gracious through this process, accepting some disappointments along the way. Yet, it all worked out in the end. ND is a top university steeped in tradition. Mark you calendar though, for November 24th. The Irish are coming to the Colosseum and the Trojans will want to even the score from last year’s one sided loss!
@hafamama Congrats to you all! Great school and the decision is now behind you - time to move forward and buy sweatshirts. Those Midwest winters build character and it is good for them to experience a different kind of living. The good thing about ND is they don’t end up staying there after they graduate. Very happy for you all - lots of tradition there for him to look forward to. Wishing you the best!
One simple suggestion when evaluating your college option finalists before reaching a firm decision (assuming that they are each affordable/workable for the applicant’s family)… look at it all with a broader scope than just the four year college experience itself.
For example, I always suggested to my daughters that they needed to really consider each college or university in terms of three layers or core elements:
the college or university itself – its campus, its activities, its educational options and opportunities, its academic reputation / value of education & the projected overall college experience / quality of student life there during just those 4 yrs.
the college location geographically - in terms of internship and/or employment opportunities during those 4 yrs or possibly beyond should you elect to stay there & also in terms of the diversity of culture & off-campus exploration, etc. I.E. all of the things you could choose to do close to or within an hour’s drive of any campus setting.
the overall strength, dexterity and utility of the college’s or university’s alumni network – help for employment opportunities and upward mobility beyond just the 4 yr college experience.
well, looks like my kid will likely be USC Class of 2023. he was accepted to a year long cultural exchange program in China, and will spend 2018-19 there instead of at USC. now gotta go figure out how all these deferments work… especially hoping all the scholarships will defer. 8-\
That sounds exciting @kevbostic! You should have no problem deferring all parts. If your student has an admission advisor they have ever worked with, you can start there, they may be a little more hand holding. Or just call admissions - it’s just a couple forms to sign and get approved/signed on the USC side as well. Neat they are taking time to do this, it’s not a race. Congrats!
My son was admitted for Spring 2019. He is looking into living near campus for the Fall and then transferring into a dorm for the Spring. Two questions: 1. Can he sign a short term lease for the Fall and 2. What are the best housing options? Gateway? Lorenzo? I really appreciate any feedback and Fight On! @WWWard ??
@Brianp9999 Gateway, right next to campus, different monthly options though will be pricier for shorter term. However, that is about the only non 12 month (or at least 9 month) option around campus. Lorenzo is too far, although since not in classes it may not matter as much, but still, it’s not like you can walk out of Lorenzo and get a sandwich, there isn’t anything around it, Gateway is in the middle of a bunch of services and eateries. The only other option is to find someone studying abroad that has a sublet, but as a freshman not in classes, you may want them more in the action than alone in an apartment or with upperclassmen. Gateway is pretty much a commercial dorm - all students all the time. My three at USC have lived in about every type of housing in and around campus, and for your situation, I think Gateway would be the easiest and most social outside of a dorm. Has a fitness center and this wading pool thing that is crazy pretty. Tough life.
@BrianP9999 Gateway, Element and Lorenzo are private apartment options that at least allow individual leases (vs joint and several). There is also a 4th option near the USC Radisson. You would have to see if short term leases are offered or not at each. I could also PM you the private landlord contact info whom my daughters are currently leasing from. It is a private apt building near Troy. But his leases are joint and several, so you would need to coordinate with others. I am also not sure if he offers shorter term leases or not. Had that scenario not have emerged, my older daughter would have likely gone with Gateway (as suggested by @cadreamin above). It seemed to offer the best deals and it is right next to campus.
I’m going to USC Spring Explore on the 16th and was wondering if anyone went the 9th or has ever done a Spring Explore and could tell me what to expect.
Sitting in Birkrant, it’s a beautiful day at USC! Except Figueroa under construction between Jefferson and Exposition so can’t enter campus that way this weekend. I guess people have to enter Radisson from garage behind hotel along Flower.
It was awesome. Fun. Lots of info and great to break out into smaller groups pertaining to majors. Super helpful staff and a few fun surprises. You will love it. Free parking too!
My D went up to LA yesterday to take one final look at the campus, and has now accepted her admission to USC.
We’ll be going to Explore next week, and my D is super excited to have made a decision. She’s been admitted to Viterbi (BME) and McCarthy is her first choice for housing (NMF Presidential)
Q: We need to sign up for orientation, and are wondering if it’s something both parents should attend? We live 2 hours away and have family close to campus we can stay with, but it is during the work week and there is a nominal charge for a second parent to attend.
@kcheves it is not at all necessary for a parent or second parent to attend orientation. But if your first student to USC it is certainly nice for one to attend. One parent is certainly plenty! You will be separated from your student for most of it and doing parent type info sessions which may be interesting or repetitive. Welcome to the Trojan Family!
Very happy for you all - lots of tradition there for him to look forward to. Wishing you the best!