USC 2010: what to expect

[aStoryTold]

I've decided to attend the USC (Southern California) Masters of Planning program, and I'm starting in the Spring Semester, 2010. Anyways, I'm just wondering what to expect from the program and what my life will be like there. Really any information is useful.

As a side note, if anyone has any information on housing options for grad students near campus, that would be extremely helpful. Obviously, I'm asking the University and other contacts about this as well, but it never hurts to get a fuller picture.

[skeeter]

I've decided to attend the USC (Southern California) Masters of Planning program, and I'm starting in the Spring Semester, 2010. Anyways, I'm just wondering what to expect from the program and what my life will be like there. Really any information is useful.

As a side note, if anyone has any information on housing options for grad students near campus, that would be extremely helpful. Obviously, I'm asking the University and other contacts about this as well, but it never hurts to get a fuller picture.

Did you go to the Open House in April?

[aStoryTold]

No, I've been working in Korea since October '09

[jchanrnr]

aStorytold, what are your stats when you were applying to graduate school? USC is one of my dream schools to get into and I want to see how competitive I am.

And how is the program thus far? I am more interested in the policy side of planning and am curious to hear your thoughts with USC.

[dissent]

From what I've heard from current students, the courses are demanding.

jchanrnr, it might help to apply for a dual program with the MPA. If your academics are weak but have strong work experience you could admit into the MPA and switch to MPL. If you're into policy then this program will suite you. There are quite a few MPL\MPP students in the program.

[jchanrnr]

MPA? I heard that program is even harder to get into and most of the time, they would prefer students with professional background.

I just graduated last June, so my work experience is not up to par with the applicant pool.

My stats:
560 V, 650Q, 4 in writing.
3.5 GPA, last 2 years
close to a year's worth of planning-related work.

Do I even stand a chance? lol
Where should I beef up my stats?

[Christina2005]

I was accepted last fall with a 3.6 from Wayne State University in Detroit
1200 GRE 4 writing.

I had worked for several years for a national nonprofit, performed research at the Center for Urban Studies in Detroit, and interned with the Detroit Planning Commission.

I chose McGill University instead. The 55,000 price tag scared me from USC.
So far I am happy at McGilll.

I also wanted to try to head back East. USC's network alumni network did not appear to be as strong on the East Coast.

[alicia12]

I've decided to attend the USC (Southern California) Masters of Planning program, and I'm starting in the Spring Semester, 2010. Anyways, I'm just wondering what to expect from the program and what my life will be like there. Really any information is useful.

As a side note, if anyone has any information on housing options for grad students near campus, that would be extremely helpful. Obviously, I'm asking the University and other contacts about this as well, but it never hurts to get a fuller picture.

Hi aStoryTold,
I hope you could help me figure out what is going on with me. I was admitted to USC for Fall 2010. After accepting the admission result, I asked Ms. Diana to defer my enrollment to Spring 2011 and got a reply that she would update my application for Spring 2011. I sent in an updated resume to her email as well. However, until now, I've not received an email reply from the SPPD admission office not to mention an admission letter. Does it mean I'm rejected? Spring semester is coming and it makes me uneasy. I want to have some information of deferral process from your expreience. Your advice will be helpful

[theblindsage]

aStoryTold---try to find some graduate student blogs

alicia12---re-read the fine print. Many acceptance letters include the clause "acceptance is for the semester indicated and that semester only". Better get in contact with USC admissions directly.