Ask A Trojan: Why did you choose USC over other colleges?

Sophia – Private schools have so much more resources for individual students than public universities! I was surprised because I didn't think I could afford to go to USC, but because of its endowment they actually offered me a better financial aid package than any state school. I also loved how many different specialized schools USC had to offer because even if I'm not majoring in dance or cinema studies, the classes are available for everyone!

Jordan – As someone who wanted to study screenwriting, it's hard to do better than USC: location, staff, program, alumni..… all top tier. My mom did go to USC, so maybe I wanted to be a SCion too.

Lanie – I only applied to two schools when I transferred because I wanted to go into a highly specialized program not offered at many schools. When it comes to studying Music Industry, USC has one of the best and most developed programs as well as tons of helpful connections in the Los Angeles area, in the heart of the music industry, that made it the obvious choice for me.

Dara – The location was definitely a factor for me when choosing USC. I grew up in the tropics, so being in a warm climate was very important in my college-decision making. That being said, I was also looking for a school where I'd find community and the Trojan family truly is like no other (we don't boast of the "Trojan Family" in vain). We really are the best on the West (ha!). When I laid all my cards on the cards on the table, I realized that being a Trojan would help me get my foot through doors that I otherwise may never even know about, and I'm still grateful till this day.

Cherise – I'm studying to be an actor and USC is in the heart of Los Angeles. Their School of Cinematic Arts is also incredible and the faculty and the connections make it all worth it.

Ngai – USC has one of the best journalism programs in the world! Also, I've always wanted to go to college in the States despite the financial impossibility. USC was the only one who gave me a fat scholarship.

Angela — It honestly came down to the generous financial aid, but I had also once dreamed of coming out to California because of the art scene here. There's so many little galleries in the arts district and creatives selling their pieces around Little Tokyo. It's like a dream for someone really into anime and art.

Kelsey – 1. USC has a unique cognitive science major that lets me explore all kinds of disciplines, like linguistics, psychology, and computer science. 2. The environment is AMAZING. Great people and so many on and off campus events. I definitely loved going to tailgates, games, concerts, and LA restaurants. 3. USC prides itself on its student services and academic opportunities. Looking back after a year here, I can confirm this. I have had TED-talk level classes and multiple research opportunities!

Kristen – USC truly has a "work hard, play hard" culture that emphasizes collaboration and community, which was exactly what I was looking for in a college experience. Picking a college is so much more than a ranking, you are picking your lifestyle for the next few years of your life! When I was choosing between two schools in California, I visited both schools before May 1 and felt right at home at USC, I could see myself lying in the grass or studying at Doheny or eating lunch in TCC!

Nancy – I really wanted to go to New York, that was my dream in high school because I wanted to explore and travel while going to school, but unfortunately I didn't get into most East Coast schools that I applied to or didn't have aid for them. So, USC seemed like the best fit for me because of all it's unmatched resources and it's incredicle school spirit and alumni network. All of those made USC extremely hard to beat for me. I'm also a huge fan on Korean culture, so being next door to K-Town was another huge plus for me even though our location isn't known to be the safest. After my first year I knew I made the right choice though because the homesickness was reallllll. The universe seemed to know that being close to home was the best place for me.

Nathan – USC was logically the best fit for me in terms of location, strength of academics, and general vibe. Compared to other schools, it's quite balanced in a variety of aspects, so there's an infinite number of opportunities.

Sydney H – One of the main reasons I chose USC was because they gave me the best financial aid package out of all the schools I applied to, even though I still pay a decent amount to go here. Secondly, I chose USC because I knew I wanted to go to college out of state so I would be able to grow as a person, and sunny California seemed like the perfect place to do that.

Sydney F – I chose USC because of the location and because of the variety of opportunities and academics. USC had many ways for me to expand my interests, and I'm glad I chose USC because I found my interest in journalism and writing.

Esther – I fell in love with USC the moment I set foot on campus. I did two different summer academic programs at USC (one in Viterbi and one in Annenberg). These programs were all paid for by USC and provided low income, POC students like me with opportunities to get involved with the school that I've never had before. Both programs were so eye-opening to me because I got to get a taste of USC life and met some lifelong friends that I still keep in touch with. From the moment that I took part in these programs, I knew USC was the place for me.

Catherine – USC was, hands down, the best choice for me as a games major! In addition, I wanted to be able to study a wide variety of subjects, and USC's emphasis on "Renaissance scholars" — the idea of excelling in multiple disparate fields — really sealed the deal for me.

Badruddin – Being a middle-class student, much of my college choice was based on the balance between academic opportunity and cost. USC had the best balance of both, with financial aid that was quite generous for a private institution and had a great academic offering. Being from California, my parents were definetely biased since they wanted to me stay close to home as most ethnic parents often do. The most important factor that influenced my decision, however, was the Trojan family. After only being at USC for a semester I have already started so many new projects with other Trojans who are passionate about the same issues as I am, which has definetely been the highlight of my expereince at USC.

Amy – For me, USC had the most interesting courses and strongest academics compared to other colleges I applied to. They also have a variety of amazing opportunites and resources for their students.