Student Perspectives: Resources for Learning about USC

Oct 01, 2026

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Are you about to embark on a college tour? Have you been exploring options via Zoom sessions and social media? Researching colleges can indeed feel overwhelming—like handling a complex maze filled with cycles of negative thinking, information overload, and indecision. I know from personal experience; I was once stuck in a quagmire of uncertainty. However, as a rising sophomore majoring in Pharmacology and Drug Development at USC, I can attest that the effort is worthwhile. With the right resources, you can handle through the challenges. Today’s blog aims to highlight tools that can help you learn about USC and offer some general tips on college research.

TIP #1: Get Organized

There are numerous factors to consider when researching colleges, making it easy to get lost in the details. I recommend using a Google Spreadsheet to keep everything organized. This tool allows you to view all the characteristics of different universities in one place. Here’s a screenshot of the template I used during my senior year of high school. Feel free to customize it according to your needs by adding more columns as necessary.

TIP #2: Use the USC Course Catalogue

If you’re particularly interested in USC’s Real Estate Finance and Development major, but unsure about what to expect, the USC Course Catalogue can provide answers. This resource lists all the majors offered at USC and links to each class required for completion. For instance, if you’re curious about the Real Estate Finance and Development program, you can see the distribution of finance versus real estate classes. Comparing courses like those in Biochemistry (BS) and Pharmacology and Drug Development (BS) can help you make informed decisions. I highly recommend checking out the course catalogue to gain insight into the curriculum.

TIP #3: Attend Tours and Info Sessions

One of my roles as a Student Ambassador is leading 90-minute walking tours of USC. From a completely unbiased perspective, I believe that these tours are invaluable for learning about the university. Visiting the campus provides an opportunity to experience the vibrant energy of the Trojan Family, which can significantly influence your college decision. My own choice of USC was greatly influenced by my tour guide, who is now my coworker. The tour helped me visualize my future on campus and align it with my aspirations. Therefore, if possible, I strongly recommend visiting USC in person. You can sign up for student-led tours here. Additionally, we offer virtual tours and virtual info sessions, which are fantastic for learning more about the admission process or academic programs. Student Ambassadors share their experiences during these sessions as well.

Final Thoughts

This blog has aimed to equip you with valuable resources and insights for your college search. The key is to centralize your information and utilize reliable sources. Remember to take a deep breath and trust in your abilities. The process can feel daunting, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at visitUSC@usc.edu. Don’t forget to subscribe to this blog for more insider tips on the admissions process and to hear from students like me. Good luck!

FIGHT ON!

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