<p>rrah
maybe you can use S’s experience as a base.We’re from a suburb of NYC and a way left of center family.He’s ethnically half Jewish/half Irish with no religious ties.He’s currently a soph with advanced standing due to AP’s,etc. He has USC on his list due to his major interest and originally I thought he’d never fit in.But he applied due to the major and due to the outstanding merit scholarship opportunities for OOS students,including the availability of an Honors College.This was a perk we discovered with older D’s search.
He applied for their highest level merit award and was called for the interview weekend .We all attended and were blown away by the atmosphere,hospitality,academic opportunities,etc. In short, he is attending.
He is not a frat kid.Southern Greek scene is a big deal and USC is no different but the atmosphere is contained since most of the Greek houses are in their own village and somewhat removed from the residential campus. Also, parties are “closed” so there isn’t the hordes wandering from frat party to frat party on a Friday night that you find on other campuses. The Greek population is probably about 15%, maybe 20% tops.
I would say a majority, but not all of the OOS students are somehow connected to the Honors College and to Capstone.We do know one boy (now 24) who was from Long Island, Jewish, no Honors/merit/scholarship connection who attended, pledged a frat, did well in his major, and now lives in Atlanta.
There are probably more out of towners than you would think, including tons of faculty.
What your D might have to do to be successful there is to have an open mind. The campus atmosphere will not be as liberal as many NE campuses.There’s more religious connected activities than one might be used to, and more conservative views reflected ,say, in the student newspaper. But S’s had no problems at all finding a like minded group, and it seems the campus is more liberal than you might think on first impression.But kids do actually get up on Sunday mornings and go to church. S has surprised himself by having a group of “best friends” that includes 3 local SC guys, one of whom prays before eating,worked for Huckabee,etc. But it just shows you how everyone can get along.
What your D might have to like is football, and a big sports oriented atmosphere. Football is king at USC.If she would enjoy autumn football Saturdays all the better.
If she enjoys swimming,running etc have her google the Strom Thurmond Fitness center on campus. The facility can make you drool!!
I would encourage a visit while schiool is in session to get the best feel for the campus. And take a close look at the merit aid opportunities…they are fabulous.
Please PM if you want more info!</p>