University of Southern California Inside Colleges
The Princeton Review
Hello, everyone!
Welcome to our College series, where we provide an insider’s look into some of the country’s
best higher-ed institutions.
Let’s jump right in with a thought experiment.
Close your eyes and imagine the archetypal college.
Do you see busy, dedicated undergrads darting across the quad to class?
A spirited student body cheering on an “unbelievable” football team?
An incredible arts and film scene?
If you answered yes to all three questions, you just might be picturing the University
of Southern California.
USC hits all those marks, and more.
And when you combine amazing weather and So-Cal vibes, it’s understandable why so many students
are clamoring to attend.
You’ll certainly face some fierce competition if you apply.
After all, USC has an acceptance rate that hovers around 16 percent — with nearly 57,000
students applying each year — so you’ll want to take challenging courses, and do well
in them, to make yourself a competitive candidate.
(You’ll probably want to do that regardless of where you’re applying!)
And USC is a superlative school indeed.
It ranks among our Best 385 Colleges and Colleges That Create Futures.
Despite the hefty sticker price, it’s one of our Best Value Colleges, both due to its
generous grant aid — that’s money you DON’T have to pay back — and stellar post-graduation
employment prospects.
Plus, it’s a Green College, and the #1 school on our Top 50 Game Design ranking list.
It’s no wonder so many students aspire to be Trojans.
Of course, if you do receive that coveted acceptance letter, you’ll have the opportunity
to become part of what students characterize as a “dynamic and culturally diverse campus,”
one that’s in the heart of Los Angeles — a “world-class city.”
And with roughly 150 different majors, you’re virtually guaranteed to be able to study whatever
you want.
Some of USC’s most notable programs include architecture, engineering, business, and journalism.
And, of course, there’s also the university’s storied School of Cinematic Arts, which features
illustrious alumni such as George Lucas and offers access to fantastic resources like
motion capture technology and an IMAX theater to screen large format projects.
And it’s not like USC stopped there.
It also boasts more than 850 student organizations.
Suffice it to say, you won’t be bored, folks.
Undergrads also report that their school does a great job “bringing speakers and other
events to campus.”
And did we mention that you can often catch “excellent” theatrical and musical productions?
Plus, USC has a robust Greek scene, and you’ll find parties along fraternity row every weekend.
That’s IF you opt to stay on campus.
Undergrads here love to take advantage of living in LA — where you can find art exhibits,
concerts, fabulous restaurants, and general nightlife awesomeness everywhere.
And yes, they definitely enjoy hitting up “Hollywood clubs and downtown bars,” as
well.
Be forewarned, however, that LA is notorious for its traffic jams (they are the stuff of
many a movie montage).
Students tell us that “you need a car” to get around, so you’ll probably want to
start writing your movie montage now — OR, download a few of your favorite podcasts.
Traffic notwithstanding, the very best part of attending USC, students tell us, is that
you become part of the Trojan family.
And no matter if you’re — in students’ words — a “trendy sorority girl from the
OC,” a “surfer bro,” a “film freak,” or just an “intensely ambitious” student,
you’ll join a “large and enthusiastic alumni network” that will always have your
back — especially because “USC graduates love to hire other USC graduates.”
Read more about what students have to say about their alma mater on USC’s profile
at PrincetonReview.com.
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