About

See what students say:

Academics

The University of Southern California boasts “a dynamic and culturally diverse campus located in a world-class city which is equally dynamic and culturally diverse.” Everything related to cinema is “top notch.” Among the other 150 or so majors here, programs in journalism, business, engineering, and architecture are particularly notable. The honors programs are “very good” too. One of the best perks about USC is its “large and enthusiastic alumni network.” Becoming “part of the Trojan Family” is a great way to jumpstart your career because USC graduates love to hire other USC graduates. “Almost everyone talks about getting job offers based solely on going to USC.” “The school seems to run very smoothly, with few administrative issues ever being problematic enough to reach the awareness of the USC student community,” says an international relations major. The top brass “is a bit mysterious and heavy handed,” though. Also, “they milk every dime they can get from you.” Academically, some students call the general education courses “a complete waste of time.” There are a few “real narcissists” on the faculty as well as some professors “who seem to just be there because they want to do research.” Overall, though, students report professors “make the subject matter come alive” and make themselves “very available” outside the classroom. “My academic experience at USC is fabulous,” gushes an aerospace engineering major. “I would not choose any other school.”

Student Body

The one thing that unites everyone here is “tons of Trojan pride.” USC students are also “intensely ambitious” and, while there are some “complete slackers,” many students hit the books “harder than they let on.” Otherwise, students insist that, “contrary to popular belief, USC has immense diversity.” “The stereotypical USC student is a surfer fraternity bro or a tan, trendy sorority girl from the O.C.” You’ll find plenty of those. Many students are also “extremely good looking.” “No one cares what your orientation is,” says a first-year student. There are “prissy Los Angeles types” and “spoiled” kids. In some circles, “family income and the brands of clothes you wear definitely matter.” However, “though there are quite a few who come from mega wealth, there are also many who are here on a great deal of financial aid.” There are “lots of nerds,” too, and a smattering of “band geeks and film freaks.”

Campus Life

On campus, life is “vibrant.” There are more than 850 student organizations. Theatrical and musical productions are “excellent.” School spirit is “extreme” and “infectious.” “Football games are huge.” “There is absolutely nothing that can top watching our unbelievable football team throttle the competition,” says a merciless sophomore. “Drinking is a big part of the social scene” as well. “We definitely have some of the sickest parties ever,” claims an impressed freshman. “Greek life is very big” and, on the weekends, a strong contingent of students “religiously” visits “The Row, the street lined with all the fraternity and sorority houses.” Students also have “the sprawling city of Los Angeles as their playground.” It’s an “eclectic place with both high and low culture and some of the best shopping in the world.” “Hollywood clubs and downtown bars” are popular destinations. Art exhibits, concerts, and “hip restaurants” are everywhere. However, “you need a car.” Los Angeles traffic may be “a buzz kill,” but students report that it’s considerably preferable to the “absolutely terrible” public transportation system.

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Joy Oaks
Director, USC Admission Center

Address
Admission Center
Tutor Campus Center
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911

Phone
(213) 740-1111

Email
visitusc@usc.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Tutor Campus Center
Galen Center (event & training pavilion)
Leavey Library (open 24 hours)
Heritage Hall (athletic awards)
Fisher Museum of Art
Throughout USC’s 229-acre University Park campus, courtyards, grassy areas and other lushly planted public spaces offer popular spots for quiet reflection as well as social interaction.

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Exposition Park/ L.A. Memorial Coliseum
L.A. area museums
Staples Center/L.A. Live
Local beaches and mountains
Walt Disney Concert Hall
USC students enjoy proximity to Los Angeles’ Arts and Education Corridor, extending from downtown Los Angeles to USC’s University Park campus, which offers the finest in arts, culture and entertainment.

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
8:30am-5pm
(213) 740-1111

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Most days Mon-Fri; 10am - 3pm
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Weekdays

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Advance Notice
3 weeks

Contact Email Address for Visit
visitusc@usc.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Varies

Arrangements
Contact the admission office of your intended department

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Los Angeles International Airport is 15 miles from campus. Taxis and the Super Shuttle are available for the ride between airport and campus. For Super Shuttle, call 310-782-6600 a day or two in advance or when you arrive. Local transportation includes local buses, commuter rail, and USC tram service.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From 10 Fwy (east-bound): Exit the freeway at Hoover Street. At the bottom of the off-ramp, turn right on Hoover Street. Take Hoover to where it ends at Jefferson Boulevard. Turn left onto Jefferson and take it to Figueroa Street. Turn right onto Figueroa. Turn right into campus at USC McCarthy Way (USC Gate #3) From 10 Fwy (west-bound): Exit the freeway at Hoover Street. At the bottom of the off-ramp, turn right at the signal and proceed to Hoover Street. Turn right onto Hoover. Take Hoover to where it ends at Jefferson Boulevard. Turn left onto Jefferson and take it to Figueroa Street. Turn right onto Figueroa. Turn right into campus at USC McCarthy Way (USC Gate #3) From 110 Fwy (north-bound): Exit the freeway at Exposition Boulevard. At the bottom of the off-ramp, go straight through the signal and keep to the left. Follow the road under the freeway. Cross Flower Street and turn right onto Figueroa Street. Turn left into campus at USC McCarthy Way (USC Gate # 3). From 110 Fwy (south-bound): Exit the freeway at Exposition Boulevard. At the bottom of the off-ramp, cross Flower Street and turn right onto Figueroa Street. Turn left into campus at USC McCarthy Way (USC Gate #3). From L.A. Airport (LAX). (USC is 13 miles from LAX). Exit the Airport going south on Sepulveda Boulevard. Get on the 105 (Century) Freeway East. Take the 105 to the 110 (Harbor) Freeway North Exit the 110 at Exposition Boulevard. At the bottom of the off-ramp, go straight through the signal and keep to the left. Follow the road under the freeway. Cross Flower Street and turn right onto Figueroa Street. Turn left into campus at USC McCarthy Way (USC Gate #3). From 405 (San Diego Freeway) South or North: Transition to the 10 (Santa Monica Freeway) east heading toward Los Angeles. Take the Hoover Street exit. Turn right at the light. Continue until Hoover Street ends at Jefferson Boulevard. Turn left on Jefferson Boulevard, then turn right on Figueroa Street. Turn right into campus at USC McCarthy Way (USC Gate #3) 101 (Hollywood/Ventura Freeway) North or South: Transition to the 110 (Harbor) Freeway South Exit the freeway at Exposition Boulevard. At the bottom of the off-ramp, cross Flower Street and turn right onto Figueroa Street. Turn left into campus at USC McCarthy Way (USC Gate #3). 5 (Golden State/Santa Ana Freeway) North or South: Transition to the 10 west (Santa Monica Freeway) and then to the 110 south (Harbor Freeway). Note: An alternate route if you are north of downtown and driving south on the 5: Exit directly to the 110 south and take it through the downtown area to Exposition Boulevard which is just south of downtown. Exit the freeway at Exposition Boulevard. At the bottom of the off-ramp, cross Flower Street and turn right onto Figueroa Street. Turn left into campus at USC McCarthy Way (USC Gate #3).

Admissions

Applicants: 71,031
Acceptance Rate: 13%
Average HS GPA: 3.83







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