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We get it.  You have been admitted to a number of top schools, and this is becoming a very tough choice.  In speaking to a number of you and your parents over the last few days, I understand you all have some great options when it comes to where you will attend university…. and honestly, you cannot make a wrong choice.

Ultimately, my advice is to visit campus during one of our programs designed for admitted students.  You will get to know this place better than any blog or online video.  But, without a visit, I recommend heading over to our current students’ blog, Viterbi Voices.

Recently some of our students posted why they chose USC.  They wrote about what other schools they were considering, what thoughts were going through their heads, and ultimately how they decided upon USC.

Some favorite lines I pulled from their posts:

 USC became the school where I knew I could get a great education while having a wonderful undergraduate experience—a combination unparalleled and something I’ve come to love and value.  I’ve met amazing friends, peers and students through my classes, student organizations, research, sororityGreek Lifedorm, and many more through different ways I never could have imagined.
Claire “Why I Chose USC”, BME, Class of 2012

…upon being accepted to USC, I started to look into joining the band and I was extremely excited about what I found out about the band.  Being able to go on trips all around the country to different football games and getting to be on gigs where I would perform around L.A. sounded amazing to me.
Greg: “Why I Chose USC,” CHE, Class of 2014

I applied to 11 schools all over the country, and researched and visited a LOT more. I was looking to go relatively far from home, just for the adventure of it!
Steve: “Why I Chose USC,” BME, Class of 2013

Read all of the “Why I Chose USC” posts here.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these posts.  In reading them, I notice that a few points stand out: they are all different, they all chose USC for their own unique set of reasons, and ultimately they picked USC because they felt it was the right choice for them! I believe that is the key.

The secret to this process is that there is no best university.  There is no best engineering school.  Rather, there is the best university and engineering school for you.

Best of luck as you make this decision for yourself.  If you need anything, or have questions, please give me a call.

Paul Ledesma

As Executive Director, Paul oversees Undergraduate Admission for all programs at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. He was born and raised in southern California and is a lifetime Dodgers fan. He enjoys traveling (Italy may be a second home), discovering new restaurants in LA (tacos anyone?), and while he may not qualify as a bonafide movie-buff, he loves movies (especially comic book movies). He studied Psychology for his bachelor's degree, minored in Public Management, and was active in leadership for community service groups Troy Camp and Dance Marathon while attending USC. When he's not working he enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and rescued pup and kitty in Redondo Beach, CA. (well, maybe not the cat so much) Preferred Pronouns: he/him/his