The University of Southern California

Date: May 31 2005
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
USC was not my first choice (I really didn't care where I went, and they gave me lots of money), so I've been very pleasantly surprised over the past two years with all of the great things I've discovered at USC. Yes, there are LOTS of annoying students, but I usually just ignore the Greek scene, so that cuts down on the amount of vapid and idiotic people I have to deal with.

It seems many people on this site complain about the Greek system, and to tell you the truth, I also hate it with a passion. It is the most ridiculously pointless thing I've ever encountered at USC, but unfortunately, the administration seems to support it. It's not too hard to ignore the idiots, though, and so it usually doesn't bother me too much.

I've had my bike stolen, so I know first hand that campus security isn't all that great, but most of the horror stories you hear about girls getting raped or people getting mugged happen when people decide to go roaming the streets of South Central at night, which you obviously shouldn't do.

I read all the comments on this page, and while all the Business majors seem to hate their department, I LOVE mine. All of the professors are amazing, and I've had amazing opportunities to work closely with them (which will definitely help when I apply to grad school). My classes have been great (except for one boring Sociology class), and for the most part, TAs are helpful (my chem TA barely spoke English, but she's been the only one). Choose your major wisely, since it can affect EVERYTHING.

The social life is great (and I hate the Greek system, so I'm not even talking about the Row), especially if you join clubs and do other activities at USC. People who complain that there's nothing to do obviously haven't gotten involved in things.

Oh, and lots of people complained about their shitty RAs, but why didn't they do anything about them? A few complaints to the system, and you bet that RA would have gotten hauled in for questioning. Oh, and nobody on my floor had an electric guitar, so it strikes me as a little odd that so many people complained about that.

Basically, USC isn't Ivy League, and students know that. It is, however, a great school and it can be a great experience if you put a little effort into it.