Because I Love USC

The number one question we get asked as student ambassadors is “Why did you choose USC? Why Viterbi in particular?” Each of our answers is as varied as we all are, just as your answer to your final choice of a school will have its reasons specific to you. For me, there’s a lot of things that come to mind when I am asked this question, the most immediate of which being a clear mental image of my friends here at SC. Definitely a strong resources, attentive professors, beautiful campus, engaging courses, and incredible organizations and activities also pop into my head, but it’s the people here that have made my college experience so singular, that have made this crazy, exciting, sun-soaked city home. 

The main way how I knew USC was the school for me was that I looked around at all the students on campus and said to myself, “I either want to be them or be their best friend.” They all looked happy to be where they were, excited to greet one another, passionate about what they were studying, and motivated to make a difference. I wanted to be a part of that energy.

Because even when I’m running on 3 hours sleep (due to my own procrastination) I can count on my classmates and course topics to perk me up

• Not every class is going to be the most exciting thing ever, but when you really enjoy learning what’s being taught it certainly motivates you more
• Knowing I get to sit with my engineering buddies or Dornsife friends in my General Education classes or the cinema pals I meet in my cinema electives makes it all the more worth it
• Getting to see the applications of what I’m learning makes excited to apply myself in jobs and I can tangibly see the progress I’m making from my course work
• Even if I leave a lecture wildly confused, I’m typically leaving with a smile on my face (except after some rough midterms that we won’t talk about) and a promise to meet up with one of my classmates to work or hang out later 

Because Los Angeles has been the greatest city for me to grow in my independence, go outside my comfort zone, and just expand my “life knowledge”

• Such a fun, vibrant city full of such a vast range of individuals from all over the country and world, doing a plethora of jobs, finding their impact in a unique way
• The culture and arts within just this county alone is enough to keep you engaged and appreciative for all four years and even after (I still feel like there’s so much left to be uncovered and explored here)
• Getting outdoors, hiking and beach going, is right at my fingertips and I can get my fill of beautiful California scenery within an easy drive during my weekends. The nature diversity in Southern California alone is just in incredible 

Because I get the resources and backing of a big school with the atmosphere, personal attention, and community/relationships of a smaller school 

• Everyone gets riled up for game days, especially during Conquest week (the football game against UCLA), and genuinely loves sporting the cardinal and gold to cheer on any USC team, club, or group whether that be a basketball game, a theater production, dance performances, or an engineering design showcase.
• USC provides scholarships, research, grants and fellowships, extensive options for mental and physical health maintenance, local community engagement, funded trips (how I went to Israel!), dorm living and meal plans to fit any requirements, and the list goes on
• Building genuine friendships with those around me grounded in compassion, dedication, shared passions, and a feeling of loyalty that lets me know these are relationships that will get me through the hard times and carry with me wherever my road leads after USC

Your reasons for choosing a school might look different than these. Whatever it is that draws you to your choice, I hope you find the place that allows you to make the best new home for yourself as you grow and learn in college. And if that choice is USC, I’m excited to see you in the fall! Fight On!