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. They 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 nearly every continent.
Academics Real World and World-Class.
YOU + USC
“With a USC degree you can truly take on the world. With [a] USC degree and the Trojan network, I believe you are holding the key to unlock every door of opportunity.”
Ishaani
Pradeep ’26 | New Milford, Connecticut
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Minors: Cinematic Arts; Science and Management of Biopharmaceutical Therapeutics
Our top-ranked schools and programs attract some of the world’s most outstanding students.
Our students are drawn to the opportunity to design their own learning experience through a flexible General Education program and 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.
With six performing arts venues, as well as a full-size movie theater and four galleries, you can always find something to see or do on the USC campus.
“The best thing about USC is that you can tap into a myriad of subject matters without having to choose them all as your area of study.”
Malcolm Ferrouillet ’27 | New Orleans, Louisiana
Major: Public Relations and Advertising
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 150+ majors and 250+ minors, allowing students to pursue a broad range of interests and career goals.
“I chose USC because it provided me with all the opportunities I wanted: I get to explore my passions in neuroscience, art [and] politics; I can do research while working a totally different job; I can volunteer in all the ways I wish...”
Hagar Eldeeb ’25 | Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Major: Neuroscience
Progressive Degree: Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
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!
“USC is a stellar school for every pathway you can think of! Business, Engineering, Cinematic Arts, and Science, just to name a few. USC’s degrees open doors that you couldn’t imagine possible.”
Kaitlyn Smith ’28 | Fort Mill, South Carolina
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Minor: Thematic Approaches to Humanity and Society
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, and 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.
“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
When you graduate, you will have been given the tools to
thrive in the 21st century.
USC is the first university in the U.S. to integrate multimedia literacy into its core curriculum, and students have access to state-of-the-art multimedia labs. The Interactive Media & Games Division in the USC School of Cinematic Arts has been named one of the top video game design programs in the nation by The Princeton Review.
“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
Learn from the best to become the best.
At USC, you will receive personalized attention in classes where the average size is 26. You will also be able to conduct research with faculty, including world-renowned experts, award-winning authors and five Nobel laureates.
“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
We call them Renaissance Scholars. Want to be one? USC seeks—and attracts—talented students who combine vastly different academic disciplines to create new and innovative ways of thinking.
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 community service to just plain socializing, you will find unlimited opportunities to get involved and tailor your college experience to what matters most to you.
At USC, you will find mentors to guide you and peers who will challenge you to develop your leadership potential.
“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.
“The best thing about USC is the dense concentration of resources: residential buildings, libraries, classrooms, stages, maker spaces, green quads and other outdoor spaces—all within a 15-20 minute walk from the center of campus.”
Xavier Ladik ’27 |
Moorestown, New Jersey Major: Civil Engineering (Building
Science)
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.
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 communications, sustainable living or engineering. USC housing also offers floors dedicated to Black, Latinx/e, 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 is home to more Olympic athletes and more overall medalists than any other U.S. university, and our Division I teams continue their exceptional records across a variety of sports. Trojans will tell you: There’s nothing quite like the spirit of Game Day, cheering on the Cardinal ’n’ Gold.
“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)
In March 1991, USC students and staff established the Alternative Spring Break.
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.
YOU + USC
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.
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
What makes USC special to YOU?
I love USC and feel that it is the best school in the world. We strive in all aspects: academic, social and athletic.
JAKE VELASQUEZ
I feel most inspired while strolling Trousdale Parkway at 11:00 AM on a Tuesday. Being surrounded by the best and brightest students, all with diverse perspectives, and hearing bits and pieces of conversations, gets me pumped.
ISHAANI PRADEEP
With a USC degree, you can be a top leader in any community and the industry of your choice.
MALCOLM FERROUILLET
Only at USC am I able to complete a joint progressive degree program and complete both a master’s and bachelor’s simultaneously!
HAGAR ELDEEB
ASHLEY MELENDRES
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
Only at USC am I able to play with a massive D&D community one day and literally WALK to a football game on the heels of a marching band the next.
XAVIER LADIK
The best thing about USC is the people! USC is unique because of its vast inclusion of ethnic groups and international students from all over the world!
KAITLYN SMITH
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 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 THE SPIRIT!! USC has incredible school spirit and the people here have shown me the most passionate “work hard, play hard” mentality.
WAVERLY BAGLEY
Only at USC am I able to reside on a beautiful campus in the heart of Los Angeles, complete with its own vibrant shopping and dining community, known [as the] USC Village.
RAVENN SANDERS
The
best thing about USC is that you can find community wherever and however you seek it. You will discover new groups, activities and communities that can shape your distinct USC experience.
CHRISTOPHER CLAUSEN
Los Angeles Your World. Reinvented.
YOU + USC
Los Angeles boasts an average of 284 days of sunshine per year.
“USC’s location is prime and [makes it] a global institution for students all over the world. ”
Ravenn Sanders ’28 | Memphis, Tennessee Major: Music Industry
Which means more daylight for you to visit Downtown Los Angeles (a mere three miles from campus). Or you can venture to the beach (just 12 miles from campus), to Hollywood (seven miles), or to the mountains (20 miles) or desert (60 miles).
USC students have a proud tradition of volunteering in the local and global community, with a majority of the student body involved in community projects.
Programs such as Troy Camp and 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 often 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 a common set of values and a desire to transform the world.
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 spirit of the Trojan Family [is what] makes it so unique. No matter who you ask, everyone is so proud to be a part of the Trojan Family all around the world.”
Jake
Velasquez ’25 | Tampa, Florida
Major: International Relations (Global Business) Minor: Business Law
Bringing 750 companies to campus each year, and offering a variety of workshops and mentorship opportunities, the USC Career Center provides a valuable networking resource to both USC students and graduates worldwide.
As a member of the Trojan Family—now more than 485,000 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, rapper Saweetie, actor and producer Will Ferrell and actress and activist America Ferrera.
“The Trojan Family transcends backgrounds and identities and provides a common understanding and community for all Trojans. It is a tangible connection that goes beyond even language barriers.”
Christopher Clausen ’26 | Los Angeles, California Major: Urban Studies and Planning Minor: Italian
Who comes to USC?
By choosing USC, you will join a community that reflects the world. Students hail from all 50 states and 130 countries. You will hear a wide variety of perspectives by meeting other students with various cultural backgrounds, religious traditions and political points of view. USC is at the forefront of new ideas in disciplines ranging from the humanities to the natural and social sciences, the visual and performing arts, and professions such as law, policy, medicine, journalism, engineering, and business and accounting — the list seems endless. You will participate in the discovery of new knowledge and emerge prepared to tackle the challenges of today — and tomorrow.
YOU + USC
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
The best place to be inspired at USC is the Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab, [where] you see unique African American heroes on the wall. These great leaders helped me get to where I am today and taught me that the sky is the limit.
MALCOLM FERROUILLET
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
My proudest moment was when I received my internship offer to serve as a clinical imaging intern at the Keck School of Medicine. Receiving my dream role to bring help to others was an incredible moment for me at USC.
ISHAANI PRADEEP
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 given me the opportunity to discover more about my own culture and religion. I’ve learned so much about my communities, and I have USC to thank for that.
HAGAR ELDEEB
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 is the awe of the first few football games. The spirit and pageantry were wonderfully overwhelming, and the band made the experience magical.
XAVIER LADIK
My proudest accomplishment was landing a work-study job in the Thornton Admissions and Student Affairs Office. Being part of a team dedicated to enhancing the student experience has not only deepened my connection to the Trojan Family but [has] also heightened my USC spirit.
RAVENN SANDERS
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
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
I always feel inspired when I walk in Alumni Park. I feel like the boundaries are limitless, knowing how many influential people walked the same steps as I do.
JAKE VELASQUEZ
USC has broadened my perspective by giving me the opportunity to study abroad in Rome, Italy. I hope one day to revisit the sites where I formed lasting memories with peers who I now call my closest friends.
CHRISTOPHER CLAUSEN
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
There is no better view than standing beneath Tommy Trojan and admiring the beauty of Trousdale Parkway.
KAITLYN SMITH
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, please contact the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX at https://eeotix.usc.edu or email eeotix@usc.edu. 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. @uscadmission
