<p>While I agree that USC is a top school (why else would i submit my deposit to come here), i think that it’s pathetic that so many of us complain about the fact that it isn’t labeled as a top school. If everyone knows that it’s a top school, does it matter if they label it as one on a forum? It’s not like CC changes the “top schools” listing based on US News. UNC was ahead of USC in every year until the most recent rankings. That’s because it’s always been known as one of the best in America. As a result, that warrants a “top schools” listing on CC.</p>
<p>My reaction to the increase in ranking is purely that it is a reflection of how USC started to care about its academics. No longer is this school just a football school and no longer is it just a school that produces Olympians, it is now a potential school for many valedictorians and salutatorians. There is no doubt in my mind that USC has, at one point, tried to increase it’s ranking with some sort of monetary compensation, but I know for a fact that every school has tried it. When you think about it, so many high schoolers/transfer students base their opinions on stupid rankings on a website/magazine. Universities aren’t stupid. They know that top students who care about their academics look at these rankings. Rankings are the best way to attract the best students so that they can say that they’re going to a top school. I agree that it is very unfair to specifically target USC for “rigging” rankings, but it is seriously only because so many people wish to go to USC but can’t. In my opinion, USC is a very sexy choice when it comes to choosing a college. The school has everything a person can want except a small student body. It’s got the academics, the sports, the beautiful men/women, the beach, the weather, and it’s in a city. Not to mention, it’s in the city with the most celebrities. I think one reason why USC has become such a popular school (which causes USC’s forum on CC to become very popular) is because of the media. When you hear about the school in shows such as “The O.C.” and see all the people wearing designer jeans, driving bmw’s, and carrying coach purses, it appears that USC students are living the good life. And it makes complete sense why USC is a “dream” school. This school is extremely intriguing. Don’t get me wrong. It may appear that I’m trying to badmouth USC, but this is not the case. I just don’t think USC students should be worrying about these silly things on a forum and we should all start letting our work in the outside world do the talking…that’s the best way to make the school attract the best of the best.</p>