Admitted Students: It’s Time to… Explore USC!
Late March and April are so exciting. We get to meet admitted students and show them what a dynamic place USC is. The best way to learn about the university is to attend one of our Explore USC events, which are offered both on campus and off campus, during the week and on weekends.
Explore USC is particularly special to me, since it’s the reason I fell in love with USC. I went to a high school where everyone applied to USC, so I wasn’t even interested in applying at first. Luckily, I had a wonderful high school counselor who suggested that I do. I applied Early Decision to another school and was thankfully deferred. I didn’t even submit the recommended Letter of Continued Interest for that college after attending the Explore USC event. I was able to connect with students and administrators during the program and get a lot of logistical questions answered. But, I really came away with a feel for what daily life would be like as a USC student. I knew it was where I wanted to be.
So, what are the different Explore USC options? Let’s break them down…
Weekend Explore USC Open House (on campus)
Saturday, April 25 | 10am-4pm PST
This is our biggest event, which brings thousands of students and their families to campus for a jam-packed day. In addition to presentations about USC and financial aid, you’ll have an opportunity to visit with your academic department. There are campus tours and a neighborhood bus tours, as well as a student life fair. The fair is an opportunity ask questions about potential second majors or minors, especially to student representatives. Notably, this is the only event that includes a tour of select housing options (subject to availability). Even if you can’t tour the exact building you want to live in, you’ll be able to see the three styles of housing: residence halls, suites and apartments. There are also some special activities during the day, but you’ll have to come to the event see what I mean. : )
Plus: Overall spirit, academic and involvement fair, and housing tours.
Minus: Few current students around because it’s over the weekend.
Weekday Explore USC (on campus)
Monday, April 6 | Friday, April 10 | Tuesday, April 14 | Thursday, April 16 | Monday, April 20
The Weekday Explore USC on-campus event is what I attended. It’s a full-day program. The whole group will gather in the morning for opening remarks before breaking up by academic department. Students then have the chance to eat lunch in the dining halls with current students while parents attend a swanky faculty lunch. The afternoon is all about what you want to do. Options include various tours—including campus tours and neighborhood bus tours. At the end of the day, everyone gathers together for a casual “meet and greet”.
Plus: You’ll see the campus in action.
Minus: No housing tours.
Explore USC Receptions (off campus)
See portal for dates and locations.
While it’s always ideal to visit campus before making your final decision, we know that it’s not always possible for logistical, financial and other reasons. This is why we’ll be hosting Explore USC events in various cities across the United States and around the world. At these reception-style events, admission counselors will present information about the undergraduate experience and your next steps to enroll at USC. There are also breakout sessions with academic departments that could attend. At our domestic events, we always have financial aid colleagues there to answer any questions your family has about paying for your education. One advantage to our off-campus Explore USC programs is that they’re a great way to connect with other admitted students from your area. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll leave the event so excited about USC that you’ll book a flight to attend one of our on-campus events.
Plus: Meet students from your area.
Minus: Don’t get to visit campus.
Explore USC Online
Saturday, March 28 | 10am
Learn more about USC from the comfort of your own home. We know that many of us are over Zoom events, but this one actually rocks… literally! (You’ll have to attend to find out what I mean.) It’s great paired with any one of our in-person Explore USC programs.
Plus: Attending in your PJs.
Minus: We’d also love to see you in person!
How do you sign up for an Explore USC event?
Through your admission portal!
Not sure which event to attend?
Take our events quiz!
Can’t make it to an Explore USC event, but still coming out to Los Angeles?
You can sign up for a standalone admitted student tour or a self-guided tour in your admission portal.
We hope you’ll join us to explore all that USC has to offer!
Written by: Anne Aubert-Santelli, Associate Director – USC Office of Admission