<p>SimpleLife- I find this thread particularly interesting; when I came to USC, I felt like I was in a very similar position to your son. I enjoyed having fun, but much preferred “clean cut” fun as opposed to anything else. I- too- heard the rather cliche sayings of, “You can find plenty people at USC who enjoy doing the same things you do,” and, “You don’t have to party if you don’t want to,” etc. But does this really hold up to be true?</p>
<p>Your general question seems pretty simple: will a non-partier fit in at USC? I’m only a freshman this year, so I say this with one semester’s experience. And while not a Viterbi student, I’m not sure that your school has too much to do with it. The schools each seem to have incredible diversity; I don’t think stereotyping the schools is too useful. </p>
<p>I tend to agree with the school of thought that the vast majority of students party at USC. Specifically, I agree with what one poster pointed out: the dorms seem to be rather empty Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. And when people do come back to the dorms late on these nights, things can get pretty wild (at least on the New/North side of campus). </p>
<p>That’s not to say that everyone goes out on weekends; I stay in and usually find people to hang out with. But I would be lying if I said that the number of people staying in was equal to the number of people going out (or if that number was even close). You can find people who also enjoy more low-key weekends; but you have to work harder to do so. </p>
<p>I think most people agree that the party scene is big at USC; and I think it’s also accurate to say that a lot of people can be overwhelmed by just how much partying goes on. But this is college; you’d be hard pressed to find a college where no one parties. So is it really accurate to say that more partying goes on at USC than at other schools? Is this really a problem with USC, or is it more something that you have to accept about college? This is the question that’s much harder to answer. Given that most people attend one- maybe two- colleges, it’s hard to get an accurate partying comparison between colleges. </p>
<p>So all I can provide is my own perspective. But others may see things differently. I’d say that yes, a lot of people party at USC; yes, partiers form the vast majority; and yes, some people will be uncomfortable with how much of an influence the partying is. Are there other non-partiers? Of course. But I’d say it’s sort of like being a Republican in a very Democratic area of California…</p>
<p>is there too much partying? it’s really up to the individual. i was never into the party scene although i did enjoy smaller get-togethers with friends (< 15 people). was there alcohol present at those? sure, but it wasn’t anything like those crazy scenes depicted in movies.</p>
<p>also, there are a ton of house/apartment parties over on ellendale and menlo, but freshmen usually have no clue about those since they don’t know upperclassmen, which is why you see those huge groups of freshmen walking to the row.</p>
<p>personally, i think people tend to chill out over the course of 4 years. during freshmen year, they’re going to party because they have the “omg we’re in college now!” mindset. that mostly disappears by their junior or senior year.</p>
<p>Maybe the better question is: How, if at all, is the party scene different at USC versus your son’s other choices?</p>
<p>I remember taking a nephew on a college tour of a small science/engineering school in upstate New York. The party question came up; the tour guide said the school was very strict and didn’t tolerate on-campus drinking. She was doing fine right up until, walking backwards, she tripped in a case’s worth of empty beer cans right outside the freshman dorm.</p>
<p>I suspect the marginal partying differences between most schools are pretty minor.</p>
<p>My family is a Trojan one with brothers, cousins, nephews and this year a grand-niece. Just because students leaves the dorm on a Friday or Saturday night does not necessarily mean they are going out to drink. There is so much going on in the greater Los Angeles basin such as music events/concerts, theatre, dance events, art galleries, ethnic dining, shopping, visiting local friends, museums, film openings, Disneyland, Knotts, Universal Studios, athletic events, political events, lectures and exhibits it is fallacy to assume all these students are leaving for only one purpose.</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing all your perspectives! There’s some great insight here!</p>
<p>To clarify my concern:</p>
<p>We don’t have any particular concerns about alcohol itself. We’re aware that alcohol is on every campus. We’re not freaking out about it. I have older kids (my son has older siblings) who have been and are in college.</p>
<p>Our concern is solely one of “fit.” College’s have characteristics that make them who they are. We read lots of great things about USC that seem to make it a great fit for this son. Those things are along the lines of academics, music opportunities, and potential for scholarships.</p>
<p>But, there is this partying thing that keeps coming up as we read more. Yes, all colleges have alcohol. All colleges have partying. Some colleges are more known for it than others. And we’re trying to get an idea of how well my son might fit into USC’s version of “party school.” (Sorry – it sounds rampant to me!)</p>
<p>Regarding the engineering aspect of my question. I can see that caused a little bristling. I certainly don’t mean to imply that engineering students are the only kids who are clean-cut (alamemom ). We know that clean cut kids are in every discipline.</p>
<p>And I don’t mean to imply that engineers are of a certain anti-social, nerdy stereotype. (Both of son’s parents are engineers, though my employment has shifted to something else.) It was just a wonder – grasping at straws in an attempt to figure out potential “fit” at USC.</p>
<p>My son has tons of friends. He wants to continue to have tons of friends – it’s a big part of who he is. But he prefers friends who have fun in ways other than partying. USC seems awesome in many ways – but if it doesn’t “fit” because of a huge party culture, then it would be best to know that now. It occurred to me that, possibly, the Viterbi School might be a little different, in terms of “party culture” (IF the party culture at USC exists at the level I’m hearing about), simply because most high school kids we’ve known, who are interested in engineering, are more like my son and not the partying types. That was the basis for my question. My son would like to feel like he’s part of an academic powerhouse, as opposed to an animal house. (It’s a joke … please try not to take offense! )</p>
<p>There’s really no way to determine “fit” besides going to the school and being there for a significant amount of time. Oh, people will take tours and exclaim “This feels perfect!” or “I don’t like the feel of this school at all!” but honestly, your son won’t know if he likes the place until he actually goes there, spends time there, and meets people there. It’s a leap of faith, but not too big of a one I think, because there is such variety here that he is sure to find like-minded people.</p>
[/quote]
SimpleLife, again I encourage you to look at the source of your information. Please pay attention to the reliable posts from students on this thread posted by wisdomsomehow, greymatters, Hawkwings, and josebiwasabi - they give a realistic picture. EVERY college will have partying. EVERY college. If you feel your son is unprepared to deal with that, he should be encouraged to attend a school to which he can commute and live safely at home with you.</p>
<p>I will also draw your attention to the Dean’s list with thousands of names (including my daughter’s) <a href=“http://college.usc.edu/assets/sites/1/docs/deans_list_sp10.pdf[/url]”>http://college.usc.edu/assets/sites/1/docs/deans_list_sp10.pdf</a> of excellent students who have driven USC’s rise in the rankings. My daughter is not at all unusual in that she holds down a job 15 hours a week, an internship 15+ hours a week, two research projects, a full schedule of courses and still manages the Dean’s list. And YES, whenever she has a bit of spare time, she likes to “go out” and get together with friends - or run around the track, or go to a movie, or go to Disneyland to watch the fireworks, or…? She is an adult.</p>
<p>If you still feel that a university can rise to #23 in the nation by being nothing but a big party school, then I encourage you to have your son withdraw his application and attend a school you perceive as a “non” party school - but as vinceh points out - don’t trip over the beer cans…</p>
<p>I think part of the problem in answering your concerns is that terms like “fit” and “party school” are really about personal perception. What is a good “fit” for your son would be impossible for someone else; your idea of “party school” may be radically different than your neighbor’s. </p>
<p>Our oldest graduated from the University of Miami, America’s number 1 party school according to that unimpeachable source, Playboy Magazine (They have articles! Who knew?!). My wife and I were concerned about UM’s party reputation but the opportunity to double major and do research in Biochemistry and Marine Sciences made it a perfect academic fit for him. In talking to other parents it quickly became apparent that the level of partying at Miami was much less than that of many big state schools; it was just the perception of partying that was bigger. </p>
<p>Oddly enough, knowing the Miami party reputation actually made the transition easier. Being aware of what he thought he was getting into made him more observant of the people and places he wanted to be around. He certainly partied, but he also took advantage of a lot of the great things that Miami the city had to offer as well. By second semester freshman year the partying issue was a non-event, but the academic side became everything he’d hoped for. </p>
<p>Schools get reputations that are sometimes very hard to shake. Miami’s was one of party central, I suspect that USC will always have a bit of the “University of Spoiled Children” stigma no matter how much reality has actually changed. In the end you’re going to a school for the academic opportunities; you’re going because you think it’s the place where you’ll have the highest chance of success. I’d focus on those things whether it’s at USC or someplace else; I’m confident your son is capable of navigating the social side.</p>
<p>Honestly, your son sounds like someone me and my friends in my “group” would get along with. We don’t party, but we like to go see movies, randomly to go Hollywood, play video games, get milkshakes from Ground Zero, play pool, etc, and we’re perfectly socially capable. USC is indeed very awesome in many ways (SCA! SCA! SCA!), and people like him are out there, it’s just a matter of taking the time to look for them.</p>
<p>I guess the bottom line is that it is what you make of it. </p>
<p>PS:
</p>
<p>Well, my apologies for being an apparently unreliable student (who is apparently only unreliable due to his DIFFERING opinion) who has just finished the “stage” that OP’s son will be entering.</p>
<p>Oh, dear me! Dear lencias, I am ever so sorry it has hurt you so that you were not included on that list!</p>
<p>Of course differing opinions are always welcome on College Confidential, but since you were so offended by my differing opinion you felt the need to report my post to the moderators (and of course I am so very sorry for you that they did not share your concern and left the post as it was), I cannot imagine that you would wish to be included on any list of mine.</p>
<p>And of course it is a relief to know that you are aware that differing opinions are welcomed on College Confidential. After you sent me that PM questioning my right to contradict anything you post, I was concerned you were quite unaware.</p>
<p>I hope this suffices as the apology you demanded from me in your follow-up PM. It is so very pleasant to have a young pen pal!</p>
<p>alamemom,
based on your responses on this thread alone (I’m not referring to any others – I wouldn’t know about them), you sound a bit angry, defensive, and/or hostile. I don’t really understand where that’s coming from.</p>
<p>Just one example – you said:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>A little hostile, no?</p>
<p>I could name other responses as well … but it’s too exhausting and will likely be counterproductive. </p>
<p>I specifically said we’re not worried about the alcohol itself. Maybe I didn’t make it clear: we’re also not worried about my son’s reaction to the fact that people drink in college. And, we’re not worried about his choices in college. He has older sibs in and out of college. We get it. My concern is merely one of fit for this son. It’s a legitimate concern that other people clearly share.</p>
<p>I’ve come to this forum to learn more about what it is I’m interested in. I see no reason for hostility or defensiveness. Nothing I’m asking about here is a reflection on you or your children. I’m posing what are supposed to be harmless questions as we try to learn more about USC.</p>
<p>Thanks to all who have helped us get the big picture of the USC culture!</p>
<p>SimpleLife, I am sorry you find my posts “hostile.” You have expressed, over and over (despite several posts from USC students saying you are mistaken) that you feel USC is “not and academic powerhouse” and that you are concerned that your son will not fit in - and you specify each time that it is because of the perceived “partying” - I stand by my advice that if that is your concern, it should be your concern for every college or university and that if it troubles you so then perhaps your child should stay closer to home.</p>
<p>But you have made it clear you find my comments unhelpful, so I will be very careful to allow others to answer any questions you may have in the coming weeks and months and not offer my thoughts to you in the future.</p>
<p>^actually, I have never stated that I think USC is not an academic powerhouse. In fact, it was USC’s academic reputation that first drew my son to apply – I think I DID state that. But maybe I didn’t.</p>
<p>It’s interesting, alamemom, that you and I would interpret the responses here so differently. SOME of the students (and parents) here have said that my son should have no reason for concern. Other students here (and some parents) have said they understand my concern, that they have shared the concern, and that there might be reason for it. At least that’s the way I’ve interpreted the responses. Responses have not been unified – nor did I expect them to be.</p>
<p>I’m just trying to gather information. Really. I’m not intending to make any sweeping generalizations about USC myself. How could I? I don’t have a kid there and I know very little about it. My sole purpose is to try to satisfy a curiosity about one oft-repeated aspect of USC … and I would prefer not to offend while doing so.</p>
<p>SimpleLife: let me just say that alamemom is likely the most helpful single person on the USC forums here (Though Georgia Girl deserves a lot of praise as well), and you would be wise to listen to her advice. Was she a bit snappy in preceding posts? Sure. Fine, whatever. Does it mean that the content of her posts is not informative though? Definitely not. All would be well advised to avoid discarding a person’s input just because you don’t like what they’re saying or how they say it.</p>
<p>Now, back to the topic at hand,</p>
<p>It seems that the root of the issue here is that you believe your son may have trouble finding friends and fitting in at USC, is this correct? Does your son share this concern? If he does, my advice to both of you would be to relax and not worry about it so much. Learn to live the laid-back socal life and chill out, dude. People who try too hard stick out like sore thumbs. Assuming your son is not completely socially inept (that’s a joke, by the way) then he will be fine. Kids are flexible and adaptable. Oh, and whatever you do, do not go trying to make friends for him. That sets up failure and humiliation.</p>
<p>Course, I believe that the best way to make a lot of friends (and meet a new family) quickly is by joining the marching band. We’re pretty damn awesome ;)</p>
<p>Oh, Hawkwings. You have no reason to believe that I would try to make friends for my son. You don’t know me, or him. He is not socially inept. He doesn’t need any help making friends. He doesn’t try too hard. I’m not worried about whether people will like him. Neither is he. He’s very well liked. In fact, his likability kind of defines him. He’s known for it. The concern, again, is about how the university “fits” him. Don’t we ALL look for “fit” in a school? </p>
<p>I meant to ask only what I asked. You’re giving advice based on other factors that you are merely presuming. </p>
<p>(I appreciate your desire to stick up for alamemom. It’s always nice, and often admirable, when people stick up for each other. However, I’m perfectly capable of, and worthy of, forming my own opinions about the way people respond to each other on CC. We all are. The WAY people respond to each other does matter – to me. I think that’s kind of a widely-shared phenomenon. I don’t really go for cliques – particularly when the clique rallies around a bad idea.)</p>
<p>It’s too bad this nice-enough thread morphed into something so petty.</p>
<p>Honestly, during my college selection process I never considered whether a school “fit” my personality or not, because I didn’t believe that one could evaluate such a thing without spending a significant amount of time there. I just figured that I would change by being there, and hopefully grow to like it.</p>
<p>I’m sure we’d all be happy to answer whatever further questions you have.</p>
<p>BTW Lencias: we usually do a dance routine for a couple of the shows each year. This year was surprisingly light on the dance routines. Next year you get to see the countermarch though, which I guess everyone in the crowd loves.</p>
<p>I hope you found some of the information you came looking for when you started this thread. As the parent of a prospective student, I completely understand your desire to do your “due diligence” regarding the possible “fit” for your son at USC.</p>
<p>However, from your very first post, it appeared that you were predisposed to believe that USC is nothing more than a party school that your engineer son would not enjoy. Your first sentence read: </p>
<p>“I’ve read several threads on the USC forum that refer to all the partying that goes on there.”</p>
<p>As a fellow parent conducting due diligence for my son’s first choice school, I’ve made it a point to read all of the USC threads. I honestly do not know which “several threads” you are referring to with respect discussions about “all the partying that goes on there.” I am aware of Lencias’ multiple postings about all of the drinking (especially all the USC girls). Perhaps I missed a number of other threads that support the notion that students who choose not to party would not be able to find like-minded students. I personally find that notion unrealistic given the size of the USC student body. As a parent with older children, SimpleLife, I would think you would tend to agree.</p>
<p>Also, it does tend to put people on the defensive when you refer to your child as “clean-cut” and then ask whether there are any other clean-cut students in Engineering, thereby implying that the remainder of the USC student body is not clean-cut and a bunch of drunks (based on the other statements made in your first post).</p>
<p>Finally, while you were perusing the "several other threads, " I find it hard to believe that you had not read any of alamemom’s other posts. Her posts are ubiquitous on this forum and they are extremely informative and generally encouraging. I submit that her ire was up based on broad-brushed statements that painted her daughter as a drunk, even though she’s on the Dean’s List and in TO, etc.</p>
<p>Although it’s impossible to “unring the bell,” it may be helpful in the future if you began your question in a more open-ended, non-judgmental manner. </p>
<p>Best of luck on helping your son find the perfect “fit” for college!</p>
). We know that clean cut kids are in every discipline.</p>