<p>We went through a very similar experience with S1, well respected private college prep high school, GPA in the upper tier, strong test scores, etc. When he got to college, (not USC), he suddenly found himself surrounded by students whose profiles were exactly the same. He was suddenly academically “average”. S1 got an 18 on his first Physics mid-term; he was devastated until he found out that with the curve that was worth a “B+”, (The fact that I think an 18 = B+ is a signal of teaching incompetence is a discussion for another time). </p>
<p>As the statistics show, USC is a very selective college and technically a “C” is an average score. Your son may be finding that he is no longer a big academic fish in a small pond, but he is now an average fish in a fast moving river. My son learned that his old approach to academics would only result in average (C) grades. He learned very quickly he had to step up his game in order to get the type of success he was used to. </p>
<p>As for the fraternity, a lot of friends have had the same experiences with their sons. I wish that pledging didn’t happen until second semester. If he can’t juggle his house responsibilities with his academic workload, I’d suggest putting your foot down and forcing him to commit to stepping back from the fraternity until his GPA stabilizes and starts climbing. He’s there for an education, until he shows he can handle school, his full and rich social life needs to wait. The other suggestion about getting to know your professors is huge, and I’d encourage him to explore/exploit that avenue.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: It gets better. S1 is finishing up college (not USC) has a job offer and is contemplating a Phd. S2, still in high school, is strongly considering (hoping for) USC.</p>