Why I First Chose USC
USC has always been my dream school for many reasons, but the biggest was (and still is) the work hard, play hard spirit. I knew coming into college that I wanted an environment where students prioritize academics, extracurriculars, and fun. Thankfully, I have had no problem finding that at USC. I have been able to balance good grades with on-campus jobs, internships, research, and a social life!
Another thing that attracted me to USC was the diversity. I went to a quite undiverse high school, and felt ostracized at times by my peers. At USC, I am surrounded by people who have faced and overcome similar challenges, through clubs like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), where I am an ambassador! In SWE, I’ve found a support system that has helped me grow as a woman of color in engineering. In fact, I was able to attend the National Society of Women Engineers conference last semester with USC’s SWE chapter, and I was so inspired by the thousands of attendees who have broken down barriers in engineering!
And of course, USC’s strong academic reputation, combined with its location in LA, a city full of professional and career opportunities, was a major factor in my decision.
My freshman dorm in Parkside Arts & Humanities!
Why I Still Chose USC
But there was a time when I questioned my decision to go to USC. I was accepted… as a spring admit! Meaning I would start college in Spring 2025, one semester after my classmates, who began in Fall 2024. I spent that fall semester watching my friends live my dream – decorating their freshman dorm, going to football games, and living the college life. I found myself worrying if it would be worth it.
Thankfully, I can now say it was more than worth it! My closest friends at USC are spring admits. Many of them, in completely different majors and from entirely different countries, I wouldn’t have met if we hadn’t been at the same spring admission event or been added to the same spring admit Instagram group chat. The spring admit cohort is very tight-knit, and they feel like my second family.
Being a spring admit has come with other perks other than meeting a bunch of super cool people. I took classes at community college before I started, which gave me space to add a minor in GIS & Sustainability Science! I saved money on tuition and housing during the Fall, and got to take a breather after high school. I also still ended up in a dorm freshman year and an apartment in the Village this year (shoutout to McMorrow Residential)!
And, despite starting a semester late, I have easily integrated myself into life at USC. I am involved in undergraduate research and Viterbi organizations, plus some other fun stuff like YogaUSC. I even tried ice hockey for the first time this semester (I was terrible, but it’s so much fun).
If I could go back, I would choose USC, and being a spring admit, 10 times over. I can confidently say USC that it was well worth the wait — and it will be for you too. Fight on!
