Skip to main content
First Year Applicants

Class of 2011 – Your decision process is just about over. (Some final thoughts as you decide where to go to school)

By April 29, 2011No Comments

For all of you high school seniors who haven’t made the decision yet – this is it.  It all comes down to this weekend with decisions due on Monday.

As you wrestle with this very challenging decision, I would like to take a few moments to give you some thoughts as you may consider the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.  Click the link below to read more about some things you may want to consider before committing:

  • Your entire freshman class here will be about 400 students distributed among 10 engineering disciplines.  This is a very small place.
  • Currently, our student body in engineering is made up of 29% women.  We estimate that your incoming class will be around 35%.  Once you join, we will be above 30% women in our undergraduate engineering program.
  • You are not locked in to your engineering program.  Start as a Civil Engineer, discover Electrical Engineering, and still graduate on time.
  • All of your classes will be taught by faculty.
  • You will not be defined solely by the term “engineer” by taking numerous courses outside of engineering and being part of a university with more than just a technical setting.  Anthropology minor – absolutely.  Dance classes – definitely.  Continue your music studies or play in the band – you better!
  • Your classes here will be the most challenging thing you have ever done.  But this is not a competitive environment.  You will be partners with your classmates in making sure you all succeed together in a collaborative workspace.
  • We will be with you every step of the way with individualized, personal academic advisement to make sure you are on the right track and set to graduate on time.
  • You will get every class you need in order to graduate on time.
  • You will have a large number of international opportunities through study abroad programs, international internships, exchange programs and research opportunities.
  • There is more research being conducted here per faculty member than any other institution.  As a result, our undergraduates have more opportunities to get research experience in their undergraduate years.

These are only a few thoughts.  Make sure to hit up the other posts from earlier in the month regarding housing, “why choose USC?”, and your next steps in order to commit to USC.

In addition – dont forget about the amazing content the Viterbi Student Ambassadors have put up for you: Videos, Blogs, Tweets, and recorded sessions from their live chats held a few weeks back.

If you are ready to join us – submit your commitment deposit now – sign up for orientation – and fight on!

 

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