Perception of USC's Prestige

Recently, I read somewhere that USC is often considered one of the elite colleges in the US. Just wanted to gather some more opinions on this. What makes a college 'elite'? Is it the selectivity, research opportunities, facilities, renowned faculty, or alumni network? Also, how does this elite status impact the post-graduation opportunities for students?

A university's prestige or "elite" status is often tied to a number of factors. One of the most common indicators is its selectivity, or admission rates. Lower admissions rates often signal higher competition, which can contribute to a school's reputation. However, this isn't the exclusive determinant of a school's prestige.

USC, for example, has significantly grown in prestige and selectivity over the past decade. As a private research university, USC has a strong focus on research opportunities, even for undergraduates. It's quite well-known for programs such as Film, Business, and Journalism. Further, its location in Los Angeles provides students with unique opportunities for internships and job placements in a variety of industries.

Renowned faculty members, successful alumni, and robust resources and facilities can definitely reinforce a university’s elite status. USC's location in a major city allows for impressive connections and networking opportunities, and its sizeable endowment ensures students are afforded impressive facilities and resources.

The "elite" status definitely has an impact on post-graduation opportunities. These colleges often have strong alumni networks, which can be crucial for job placement after graduation. In USC's case, for example, the Trojan Family network is renowned and can offer substantial benefits for students entering the job market. Most importantly, students should consider a college's fit with their personal and academic interests over its perceived prestige.