USC is very helpful when you call an no they are not in a mess, in fact they are better than ever. I would rely on information from those that have actual experience with USC. @menloparkmom has been on the USC forum for years and only has the best interest of the applicants as her motivation while representing the processes of USC correctly. The USC forum has several well informed and connected (and well meaning) posters that do their part on cc to give back to students/applicants and support the Trojan community and students in general, which is what cc is all about. They are easy to spot, so are the haters.
Those with actual personal experience with any school often provide the best and most helpful information.