kurkz- sounds like you need an escape real bad with so many negative remarks about where you're from! USC is going to be a great place for you. having lived in LA my entire life, I just don't see the appeal. I could point out 50 negative things, but that won't change the place. It'll just make it worse in my mind. I've wanted to live in NY since I was 13, so I guess I'm jumping at the thought of crossing that off my bucket list. you never know, I may end up as one of those crazy people who love it there seems to be a bunch of those around. plus my best friend is going with me, so it's definitely going to be an adventure. different strokes for different folks, as they say. good luck to you