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The University of Southern California

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityC+ Faculty AccessibilityC-
Useful SchoolworkB+ Excess CompetitionC-
Academic SuccessD Creativity/ InnovationC+
Individual ValueF University Resource UseB+
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyB+ FriendlinessC-
Campus MaintenanceB+ Social LifeF
Surrounding CityC- Extra CurricularsC-
SafetyD
Describes the student body as:
Arrogant, Snooty, Closeminded

Describes the faculty as:
Arrogant, Unhelpful, Self Absorbed

Male
SAT2130
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Individual Value
F
Highest Rating
Useful Schoolwork
B+
He cares more about Social Life than the average student.
Date: Apr 05 2010
Major: Biology (This Major's Salary over time)
I am coming to the end of my freshman year at USC and am desperately looking to transfer away. I HATE it here!

In recent years the school has tried to boost its academic reputation by attracting bright students with large scholarships. My half-tuition scholarship was the primary factor in my choosing USC over UCLA where I would have had to pay full out-of-state tuition. The scholarships do bring in some good students but only serves to polarize the student population. On one end there are super smart (typically Asian, Middle Eastern, or just generally foreign) math/science/engineering majors who are here because this is the only "top-tier" school willing to hand out such large amounts of scholarship money. Then there are the stereotypical wealthy Southern California kids who range from not very intelligent to downright dumb and are stuck up and arrogant. There is little hope for the those who fall in between these two extremes as the professors tend to cater to one group or the other. For example, my biology and chemistry classes are incredibly difficult to do well in (ie B+ to A) because the class is tailored for the super smart kids. However, a sociology class I have looks like something out of a middle school, catering to football players who need an easy A and do nothing but disrupt class.

On top of all of that none of the professors are actually very good teachers although some are extremely brilliant. In addition, the TAs who teach labs and discussion sections are completely unhelpful, often as confused as the student and grade without any recognizable guidelines, seemingly playing favorites in a way which fits the curve. This is undoubtedly a research university.

In short, if you are looking for a positive undergraduate experience DO NOT COME HERE! Even if you are lucky enough to be considered for a scholarship, don't be tempted by the money. You could do much better at a school such as UCLA or UC Berkley (if not Stanford, etc). This school is certainly not worth the $40,000/year full tuition.

As for the "Trojan Family" I feel much more like a random member of a crowd of tens of thousands of rude and obnoxious strangers in one of the dirtiest cities I have ever seen.

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The University of Southern California
The University of Southern California
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