dazed

Mine was less, unfortunately. I'd be pretty happy with 11k!

Hi Chocolate, I, too, share the same concerns. I live a few miles from USC and work in Los Angeles-based local nonprofit. As such, some of my friends are current students, and I've had the opportunity to meet other grads of the Price school (including an adjunct professor). My background /interests are extremely social justice-oriented (especially around race, gender and sexuality, economics, and education). I can say that, from my very limited experience, I've been pretty unimpressed by two staff I've met there. Maybe because I'm too "lefty" or "radical," but I would assume that phrases such as the "nonprofit industrial complex" wouldn't be met with complete confusion from those who work at a school that trains students to work in the nonprofit field. As for my friends who are current students, they've said that while they have been able to find space and create a group of students passionate about social justice issues, they definitely had to make an effort to do so. That said, I'm extremely torn between a few programs as well, especially those with clearer social justice bents. However, I do agree with Ana's thinking -- maybe the USC admit day event on the 27th will give us all some clarity.

Success! I was reconsidered for financial aid and received some $$ through their Dean Scholarship. For those who cannot attend due to the lack of financial support, I definitely suggest to email them and request to be placed on the reconsideration list. Thanks for the advice everyone!!

Admitted as well. Only school even close to the East Coast that I applied to. Was hoping against all odds that I would be offered some funding. Oh well!

Is this for their MPA program? Seems like they're notifying applicants earlier this year, no?

I'll echo other Los Angelenos' assessment of LA. I live in Downtown LA, a few miles from USC. For me, LA is defined by its weather and urban scrawl. LA has unbeatable weather (it's high 70s in my area today). I think we've had maybe a week's worth of rain all season, but I will also say that we're going through a serious drought and a state of emergency has been called -- depending on how much rain we get in 2014, this may become an issue. The urban scrawl lends itself to a a few positive things: 1) Numerous developed/developing neighborhoods with their own unique cultures; 2) Possibly the best food in the US due to the diversity and size of ethnic/racial communities and neighborhoods; and 3) You can also find SO many things to do every single weekend if not day -- from music festivals in parks, outdoor movie screenings, art exhibits/art walks, film festivals, museums, camping, hiking, shopping, etc. On the other hand, urban scrawl also has made it difficult for LA to develop a sensible public transportation system and avoid heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic. I have never liked driving, so I tried to rely on our public transportation system my first year in LA and was exhausted by it. We have multiple expansive bus systems as well as an underground/above ground metro system. For the former, they're often off schedule due to the traffic and are consequently slow. The metro system is great, but services few neighborhoods. Like jhzu said, specific neighborhoods in LA are very walkable (downtown, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Koreatown, Culver City, to name a few). It just becomes nightmarish when you have to venture outside of your neighborhood, especially during traffic hour. If you do decide to come, I'd be happy to offer you some advice on which areas to check out! I like moving, so have researched/looked at housing all over LA and have lived in multiple neighborhoods.

I got mine as well along with solid financial support. I was expecting a response in March, so it was a nice surprise! Is USC the top choice for either for you?