As an international student, choosing the right college thousands of miles away from home put some pressure on me to find the perfect fit — the right combination of academics, extra-curriculars, and a lifestyle that would keep me curious and motivated.
USC was on my mind during my college search for a few reasons. USC was a university on the rise, put a strong emphasis on keeping ties with the Trojan family, offered a field of study I wanted to pursue (Industrial and Systems Engineering), and offered a wide variety of student-run organizations that (a) I had a strong interest in, (b) involved activities I had never tried before, and (c) promoted ideas and innovations that I wanted to be a part of. It became clear that I could find my place at USC and the Viterbi School of Engineering, which I think is the most important part of making the big college decision.
Taking on Universal Studios
I had discovered the Industrial and Systems Engineering major at Viterbi, which I further explored by reading up on the curriculum and the classes that constituted the major. The classes sounded interesting to me and I wanted to put myself up to the challenge.
Among other things, the big city lifestyle, nearby beaches, outdoor activities, and exposure to culture and arts were strong incentives for me to choose USC. USC isn’t just located in the heart of LA; the university brings the best of the city and the world to its campus. Visions and Voices is a great example of this. World-renowned artists, authors, and innovators have come to USC to host discussions and showcases about their work.
Wendy Whelan, New York City Ballet principal dancer, performing at USC's Bovard Auditorium
The Viterbi Student Organizations also offer a ton of opportunities to get some hands on experience. From Rocket Lab to the Society of Women Engineers, engineering comes to life at USC because of what students create beyond the classroom.
With the Society of Women Engineers in Orlando, Florida
At the Stanford Weekender
