Welcome to
College is a time to explore, test, challenge and define who you are— and who you would like to become.
In college you will encounter different perspectives, experience new cultures and ultimately uncover a few things about yourself along the way.
Your choice of college is your own, but it’s not a decision you need to make on your own. We’ve asked current USC students to share their experiences with you. Many were in your position only a few short years ago, and here’s what they had to say…
What does it mean to be a Trojan?
We are students for now and Trojans for life.
We are dreamers and realists, scholars and researchers, artists and athletes, engineers and entrepreneurs, leaders and colleagues. We are a tightly connected family with members in every country, on every continent.
Academics Real World and World-Class.
YOU + USC
“The best thing about USC is the opportunity to pursue the many interests that I have. With over 250 minors to choose from and 22 academic schools, there is truly an opportunity for every student.”
Hayden
Major: Dance
Our top-ranked schools and programs attract some of the world’s most outstanding high school seniors.
Our students are drawn to the opportunity to design their own learning experience through the diversity of majors and minors found at USC. We also offer one of the country’s most highly recognized first-year honors programs: Thematic Option.
Americus Rivas ’24 | South Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
With six performing arts venues, including a full-size movie theater and four galleries, you can always find something to see or do on the USC campus.
“Only at USC would you find the opportunity to take classes in so many different schools. At USC, you are allowed— and even encouraged—to take classes in schools outside of the one your major is housed in.”
Cole Dubrow ’24 | Glenview, Illinois
Majors: Spanish; Political Science
Minor: Education and Society
Distinguished campus speakers and performers have included Yo-Yo Ma; Steven Spielberg; Itzhak Perlman; former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama; and the Dalai Lama. USC’s own Thornton School of Music offers as many performances as any professional orchestra in the nation.
USC offers more majors and minors than any other U.S. university.
“My
proudest accomplishment at USC was working as a film marketing intern for MGM Studios, while also taking classes as a Business of Cinematic Arts student.”
Nandhana Nixon ’24 | Portland, Oregon
Major: Business of Cinematic Arts
There’s a program for nearly every passion and interest you can think of—and some you may never have thought of before.
Ancient Religion and Classical Languages? We’ve got that.
Animation and Digital Arts? Yep, that’s here, too. Cultural Anthropology, Petroleum Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Archaeology? Yes, yes, yes—and you bet!
“Only at USC would you find a space where individuals from different nations and backgrounds can find their place in so many aspects of creative and constructive learning environments.”
Chinazaekpere Okafor ’24 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Major: Architecture
Minors: Animation and Digital Art; Choreography for Stage and Screen
Europe, Africa, South America, Asia...
All around the world, USC students can be found studying, conducting original research or helping those in need. Through study abroad, Alternative Spring Breaks and other service learning opportunities, you will have countless ways to explore the world beyond the classroom and engage with other languages and cultures. At USC, the world is at your doorstep.
When you graduate, you will have been given the tools to thrive in the 21st century.
“Only at USC am I able to participate in fullfledged research with faculty as early as the first semester of my freshman year! In fact, research faculty encourage students to join their labs as early as possible...”
Iliyan Hariyani ’25 | Pune, India Majors: Biological Sciences; Data Science
USC is the first university in the U.S. to integrate multimedia literacy into its core curriculum, and students have access to two state-of-the-art multimedia labs. The USC School of Cinematic Arts’ Interactive Media & Games Division has been named one of the top video game design programs in the nation by The Princeton Review.
“Only at USC would you find programs that are tailored to the students’ needs, which means that we as students have the ability to shape our own education into what we need to prepare us best for the futures we want. ”
Waverly Bagley ’27 | Scottsdale, Arizona
Major: Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation
Follow your passions at USC.
Pursue studies in disparate academic fields and conduct research with faculty, including world-renowned experts, award-winning authors and five Nobel laureates.
USC seeks—and attracts—talented students who combine vastly different academic disciplines to create new and innovative ways of thinking.
“I knew from the get-go that I wanted to double major in STEM and Classical Guitar. USC was one of only a few schools where that was even a possibility! The welcoming environment helped cement USC as my first choice. ”
Ashley Melendres ’25 | Albuquerque, New Mexico
Majors: Classical Guitar Performance; Neuroscience
We call them Renaissance Scholars. Want to be one?
Student Life The Perfect Mix. YOU + USC
“The best thing about USC is its diverse and inclusive environment, which ensures that you’ll not only find people who share your interests but also people who will embrace them with enthusiasm.”
Jada
Jackson ’26 | Chicago, Illinois Major: Pharmacology and Drug Development
Your
learning isn’t confined to the classroom.
At USC, an incredible array of student clubs and organizations can help you find your voice, lend your voice or contribute to a larger voice. From sports to social activism to just plain socializing, you will find unlimited opportunities to get involved and tailor your college experience to what matters most to you.
Whether you think leaders are born or made, every leader can use a little guidance.
“The best thing about USC is the challenge to explore different interests. I love how excited students here are about their interests. They likely are founders of or hold a leadership position in student organizations dedicated to their passions.”
Vanessa Andrick ’26 | Culver City, California Major: Global Health
USC’s LEAD program offers workshops throughout the year designed to educate the world’s emerging leaders. From “Leadership 101” to “Creating Your Vision for the Future,” you will have the opportunity to connect with both professionals and students who can help you build your own leadership skills.
For many students, lifelong friendships are forged in the residence halls on the USC campus. USC remains a residential campus, with more than 6,000 students living in USC housing.
“Only at USC would you find such a variety of clubs, organizations, and classes that will match all sorts of your hobbies and passions, ranging from weight training to deep water cruising.”
Cristina Gotuzzo ’25 | Huntington Beach, California Major: Occupational Therapy
Nearly all first-year students are housed in residential colleges with Residential Faculty. Many buildings offer themed areas for students who share common interests such as business, cinema, music, science or engineering. USC housing also offers floors dedicated to Black, Latinx, Asian American and LGBTQ+ student culture. Additionally, many of our scholarship recipients can find a home in our honors housing at the McCarthy Honors College in the USC Village.
“My fondest USC memory was working on a 10-foot-tall mural with my classmates at the Iovine & Young Academy. We were able to turn our blank canvas into a vibrant artwork that represented the diversity and character of our class.”
James
Wang ’25 | Las Vegas, Nevada
Major: Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation
Minor: Cinematic Arts
The scholar-athlete tradition remains strong at USC, with 80 percent of undergraduates participating in club and/or intramural sports.
USC athletes also earned 21 medals (including 11 golds) in the 2020 Summer Olympics, and our Division I teams continue their exceptional records across a variety of sports.
In March 1991, USC students and staff established the Alternative Spring Break.
“USC has broadened my perspective by giving me the opportunity to connect with the surrounding community through JEP ReadersPLUS tutoring.”
Maximus Allen ’25 | Brandon, Mississippi Majors: Theatre (Acting); English (Creative Writing)
With a goal to change the lives of participating students as well as the greater community, Alternative Spring Break has evolved into an intensive community service experience that has helped unhoused persons in Central California, cared for the sick of the Navajo Nation and tutored students in Uganda.
I chose USC because I was very impressed by the university’s commitment to pluralism. This is where I got to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the various communities that make USC a melting pot.
ILIYAN HARIYANI
Only at USC am I able to do everything. I love sports. And the beach. And chess. I can do it all here! Between my two majors and eight clubs, I really appreciate the opportunities USC has to offer.
ASHLEY MELENDRES
What makes USC special to YOU?
Trojans are so incredibly proud of our university, and we want to support each other in any way we can. There is honestly nothing that compares to the strength of the Trojan Family.
NANDHANA NIXON
It’s such a surreal experience walking around campus and being part of the USC community. Whether a student, staff, faculty or community member, everyone is so proud to be a Trojan.
COLE DUBROW
With a USC degree, you can connect with many established individuals who will guide and propel you into the future you envision for yourself.
CHINAZAEKPERE OKAFOR
A USC degree is more than a piece of paper. It showcases a commitment to pursue your collegiate education in an institution that pushes [its] students to not only grow academically, but moreover, grow as individuals.
HAYDEN AMERICUS RIVAS
+
YOU
USC
I selected USC primarily for its exceptional opportunities, particularly its strong support for people of color. USC’s commitment to fostering inclusivity is evident through its [Living Learning] Communities and numerous dedicated centers for various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
JADA JACKSON
I
chose
USC because the academic and career development opportunities at USC are unmatched. USC’s emphasis on interdisciplinary study means that I am able to pursue my passions for both research and the arts.
VANESSA ANDRICK
Only at USC would you find hundreds of students zipping around on skateboards while others are studying outside on hammocks in front of the library. The sort of energy that the community around campus gives off is simply energizing and fulfilling.
IAN ELY
With a USC degree, you can expand the scope of your career path. The Trojan Family is massive, and those connections and relationships you make with people in college will continue to support you.
MAXIMUS ALLEN
With a USC degree, you can open a multitude of doors made possible only by being a Trojan.
TRELAS A. DYSON IV
Only at USC am I able to take classes that don’t fall under my major so I can explore a variety of my interests.
CRISTINA GOTUZZO
The best thing about USC is walking around every day and being able to take in what a beautiful campus we have and how we are so fortunate to be able to access it and enjoy it.
CHRIS TURINO
Only at USC would you find many activities and events where you can take a break and take care of yourself.
USC acknowledges you are equally as important as your academic success. You deserve to have fun and enjoy life.
AMY GODINEZ
The best thing about USC is joining The Trojan Network. Once you become a Trojan the connections seem endless.
DOMONIQUE DRAPER
At USC, I never feel restricted in my educational pursuits. I came into USC knowing some of my passions, but being able to take elective courses in other schools allowed me to find new passions along the way.
ALYSSA CAGAN
The best thing about USC is THE SPIRIT!! USC has incredible school spirit and the people here have shown me the most passionate “work hard, play hard” mentality.
WAVERLY BAGLEY
Los Angeles Your World. Reinvented.
USC
YOU +
Los Angeles boasts an average of 284 days of sunshine per year.
“I chose USC because this school has unparalleled benefits in terms of the quality of education you receive, the connections you form with members of the community, and the access you have to the cultural hub that is Los Angeles.”
Chris Turino ’24 | New York, New York
Major: Communications
Minor: Narrative Structure
Which means more daylight for you to visit the beach (just 12 miles from campus), Hollywood (seven miles), or the mountains (20 miles) or desert (60 miles). Or you can venture to Downtown Los Angeles (a mere three miles from campus).
USC students have a proud tradition of volunteering in the local and global community, with more than 60 percent of the student body involved in community projects.
Programs such as our Joint Educational Project—which places 2,000 student volunteers annually as mentors, tutors, translators and assistants—have helped USC make a difference in the lives of people in Los Angeles and around the world.
“The most unique place to visit in Southern California is definitely the El Salvador Corridor, where you will be exposed to many Salvadoran street vendors selling and sharing their cultural items to the people of Los Angeles.”
Amy Godinez ’26 | Los Angeles, California
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Nonprofits, Philanthropy and Volunteerism
As the nation’s second largest city, Los Angeles is a vibrant and
dynamic metropolis.
It is home to a diverse economy led by the entertainment, technology and financial industries, and serves as the headquarters for the Walt Disney Company, Mattel and other Fortune 500 companies. Many USC graduates launch their careers in the City of Angels. You can, too.
Location, location, location.
USC’s campus is located in the heart of Los Angeles.
Just across the street are the Natural History Museum, the California African American Museum, the California Science Center, and soon, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.
Travel a few miles north, and you will encounter the vibrant nightlife, restaurants and cultural venues of Downtown Los Angeles, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Broad Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and L.A. LIVE, an entertainment and sports district that hosts the Grammy and Emmy awards ceremonies.
Trojan Family Connections for Life.
YOU + USC
“What makes the Trojan Family unique is the complete willingness to support and provide assistance to future generations of Trojans like myself.”
Trelas A. Dyson IV ’25 | Las Vegas, Nevada
Major: Creative Writing
Minor: Cinematic Arts
At USC, you will discover a whole new meaning for the word family.
For students, faculty, staff and alumni, the Trojan Family is a very real connection between individuals who share common interests, experiences and passions.
“I feel comfortable reaching out to Trojan alumni, even ones who I do not know personally, because the Trojan Family is always eager and ready to help. No matter how far you may travel from USC, you always look out for a fellow Trojan.”
Alyssa Cagan ’24 | Miami, Florida Major: Public Relations Minor: Legal Studies
The Trojan Network is a one-of-a-kind resource comprising USC alumni who have volunteered to provide careerrelated information to current USC students and other alumni.
The USC Career Center is pleased to provide this valuable networking resource to both USC students and graduates worldwide.
As a member of the Trojan Family—now more than 450,000 strong—you will be part of a remarkable group influencing the world we live in today—and tomorrow.
“No matter when you attended, or which field you’re in, you will always find other Trojans who will go out of their way to support you.”
Ian Ely ’25 | Atlanta, Georgia Major: Film and Television Production
Notable alumni include architect Frank Gehry, astronaut Neil Armstrong, film director and producer George Lucas and actress and activist America Ferrera.
“What makes the Trojan Family so unique is all the unique individuals within it. Many students worry about finding their people in the college space. However, the Trojan Family provides many unique spaces for everyone, making it a home away from home.”
Domonique Draper ’24 | Houston, Texas Major: Film and Television Production
Who comes to USC?
More than 50 percent of the 2023 first-year class came from outside California, with approximately 14 percent coming from outside the United States. Twenty-five percent are first-generation college students, and 32 percent identify as members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education. More than 2,000 USC undergraduates are aspiring artists, architects, actors, dancers and musicians. More than 5,000 are preparing for careers in science, engineering or related fields.
How do you find the YOU in USC?
I
chose
USC
because
the opportunities here are unlike any other college or university. I am offered exceptional opportunities to showcase my ideas to actual companies that can help me make them come to life.
WAVERLY BAGLEY
The best thing about USC is that the Thornton School of Music is a small liberal arts school nested within a larger university. I have small classes and know my teachers but can still take advantage of what a larger school has to offer.
ASHLEY MELENDRES
I chose USC because I wanted to put myself in the best possible environment to succeed.
TRELAS A. DYSON IV
I chose USC because they have the best Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science program that allows me to start my dreams of becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist as a freshman!
CRISTINA GOTUZZO
Only at USC am I able to truly embrace my authentic self without hesitation. The remarkable diversity at USC ensures a judgmentfree environment where everyone’s uniqueness is celebrated.
JADA JACKSON
The best place to be inspired at USC is the School of Cinematic Arts. It’s an inexplicable feeling knowing that you’re walking the same grounds as some of the finest auteurs—both past and present.
JAMES WANG
The opportunities at USC extend further than just academics. I feel as though I have learned some of the most important life lessons during my time here while also feeling supported and uplifted.
HAYDEN AMERICUS RIVAS
YOU + USC
I’ve had some of my best memories eating, singing and even dancing at the USC Village with my best friends. The village is the perfect hangout spot for students!
ILIYAN HARIYANI
USC has broadened my perspective by allowing me to engage with community members from a host of different countries and cultures and encouraging civic engagement and free-flowing discourse in all spaces.
CHRIS TURINO
The Hoose Library of Philosophy always makes me feel inspired. I don’t know if it’s something about the vibes or the aesthetics of that library, but I’m ready to get some creative work done when I’m there.
VANESSA ANDRICK
My fondest memory at USC is from my first month on campus. I didn’t know very many people, so when a friend invited me and some other USC students to her place for ramen, I said yes. We were strangers of all different ages and majors but by 2:00 a.m. we were still talking, laughing and crying together. Since that day, all eight of us have truly become a family on campus.
NANDHANA NIXON
USC has given me the opportunity to discover my own Blackness through my Afro-American Poetry and Drama class. This English class validated my feelings and experiences while also allowing me to start a dialogue about racial identity with my fellow peers.
MAXIMUS ALLEN
USC has broadened my perspective by giving me the opportunity to take classes outside of my major for General Education requirements. Taking classes outside of your major will change your perspective in ways you can’t even imagine!
COLE DUBROW
My proudest accomplishment at USC this far has been receiving the role of Annenberg Ambassador. Being able to speak with prospective students and give tours to interested families is something I have always dreamed of doing. From taking tours throughout high school, to being the one giving them, is quite the full circle. The Annenberg faculty places their trust in the Ambassadors, and I am honored to be one.
ALYSSA CAGAN
My fondest USC memory is getting accepted to be an Orientation Leader during the summer of 2023. I was able to expand on my social and professional skills knowing that I was representing USC with pride.
AMY GODINEZ
There are so many points of connection as a Trojan. As a black, first-generation female Trojan, there are places to be involved that allow for me to connect with issues and progressive supports given my different identities.
CHINAZAEKPERE OKAFOR
USC has broadened my perspective of humanity by allowing me to be a part of a community of eager-togrow students from all walks of life, collectively striving for greatness.
DOMONIQUE DRAPER
My proudest accomplishment at USC has been getting out of my comfort zone and trying things that I’ve always wanted to do and learn more about.
IAN ELY
For the past four years, you’ve been preparing for a new adventure—college.
As with any adventure, you have to make choices. Some will be minor, but others could impact where you live, what lifelong friendships you make and what career path you ultimately follow.
If only you could peer into the future and see what lies ahead.
Perhaps you can.
Scan to hear more from the students in this book.
The University of Southern California prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, employment status, income status, shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics, partnership status, medical condition (including pregnancy and related medical conditions), disability, political belief or affiliation, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities.
For questions about compliance with the notice of non-discrimination, the University has designated a Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX Coordinator, Catherine Spear, who can be reached at eeotix@usc. edu , (213) 740-5086, USC Credit Union Building, 3720 South Flower Street, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, 90089-0704. For disability-related questions, the University has also designated an ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, Christine Street, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs–Institutional Accessibility and ADA Compliance, who can be reached at streetc@usc.edu , (213) 821-4658, 3601 Trousdale Parkway, Bldg. #89, Los Angeles, California 90089.
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