<p>I think the Thematic Option program is one of the best examples of how important academics are for USC. It is considered to be one of the best honors programs out there, and it is definitely held in esteem by the university. TO students get the best professors in the school, and the classes concentrate on integrating several fields while looking at a specific topic. Students participate in a research conference in their freshman year, so they get the opportunity to present papers early on in their college experience. The community is small enough that you really get to know the students in your classes, and open discussion of controversial subjects is encouraged. Lots of funding goes to this program, and I’ve been able to do everything from visiting a heart specialist’s office to watch an ultrasound of a heart, to going on a retreat to Big Bear, for free. </p>
<p>Another awesome program is Visions and Voices, which encourages learning outside of the classroom as well as inside the classroom. This year, I went to Avenue Q, saw John Williams conducting his own music, and went to the LA County Museum of Art’s Islamic Art exhibit, where the curator of the exhibit presented it all to us. There are tons of awesome programs, and all of them are free for students.</p>