A Spring Admit’s Guide to Fall Semester
By Anna Lipscomb ‘19
For all of the spring admits there - whether you’re currently one or you were one in the past - you know how difficult the wait can be. I’ve been in your shoes.
But trust me, it’s worth it. Before you know it, you be here and start leaving your mark on the university. Here are my top tips to make the wait fly by quickly:
1. Reach out
I highly recommend joining the Spring Admit facebook group. This can be a starting point for you to reach out and get to know other Trojans. Introduce yourself and look for common interests. When you get to campus, you’ll already have a group of people that you can explore with. Although your circle of friends will expand as you meet people in your clubs and classes, you’ll always have a special bond with your fellow spring admits. Also, if you know people who go to USC already, reach out to them too! It’s extremely helpful to talk to people who can give you advice.
2. Start your research
During fall semester, I familiarized myself with the kinds of clubs, organizations, and opportunities that were available on campus. This was helpful because when I arrived, I already had a list of things that I could start getting involved with. I noticed that as a spring admit, I pushed myself more to put myself out there and try new things - it’s college after all!
3. Spend time with family
Laugh. Take pictures. Have fun. Make memories. Cherish all of the fun moments you spend with them during the fall.
4. Participate
You can still go to football games! I hope to see you there!
5. Work
Many spring admits work in the fall. Not only are you building your resume and making money, but you are also developing valuable skills and connections that will benefit you in the future. For some families, arriving in the spring is actually a benefit because it allows more time to save up money to pay tuition.
6. Travel!
This is my favorite. You finally have the free time to take a break and go out on an adventure! This could mean exploring your own town, venturing to another state on a road trip, or even going abroad. Spending time in exciting, unfamiliar places can change your perspective on yourself and the world.
7. Take classes
Many spring admits take GE classes at local community colleges, which is extremely helpful because once you begin at USC, you have to take them at USC (you can’t take them elsewhere). For example, if science (or another subject) isn’t your strong suit, you could fulfill the requirement now so you don’t have to take here. Taking classes in the fall will also help you stay on track to graduate. That being said, if you don’t take classes you don’t need to panic - I didn’t come in with any credits other than AP credits but I will still able to double major, study abroad, and graduate on time. However, that may vary depending on your major, as some of them are less flexible than others.
8. Start looking at classes
When you go to orientation, you’ll work with an advisor to plan your courses. However, it’s still a good idea to start looking now at the different course offerings and professors you could take.
9. Learn life skills
Start learning skills such as doing laundry and cooking food (or at least the basics). It’s much easier to learn the things at home when you can get help than when you’re in college and you have to rely on Google to teach you.
10. Have fun!
See this time as a chance to do things you’ve always wanted to do. Take up a new hobby. Read a good book. Explore. This time is yours, and you get to decide how you want to spend it. Don’t get too caught up in the details and worries about the future - it will be here before you know it. Your college experience will be whatever you make out of it - and so will your fall semester.
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