Whether you're from the East Coast, the Midwest, the South, or Southern California itself, chances are you've heard people talk about the USC Trojans, and most of the time, it's not so positive...that is, unless it's about our monster of a football team. From my very first decision to even apply to USC, people have bombarded me with the same questions and criticisms, only adding more fuel to the fire of my Trojan pride (fight on!) and hatred for UCLA. That is why I have decided to compile a list of myths about USC worth debunking.

1. USC does not stand for University of Spoiled Children

This popular acronym is so pervasive that I even hear friends of my parents repeating it to me. The myth often leaves others thinking that USC students come from affluent families who pay USC's full tuition (which I agree is a tad ridiculous). I assure you that this is not true and that most of my friends are not sons and daughters of millionaires or the rich and famous. True, USC does have its fair share of that "kind," but the average student is definitely not spoiled (more than 60% receive some type of financial aid; that's not including all students with scholarships). UCLA students, on the other hand, are...according to an actual Bruin.

2. Not all USC students are models or athletes

While it is widely known that we have one of the more attractive campus populations, it is not true that all students are rich, hot, athletic, or from Orange County. And even if a USC student were to be drop dead gorgeous, he/she could have also been valedictorian of his/her high school class for all you know. (I've met some, and I'm definitely not lying. I don't know where USC finds them). Nevertheless, I would have to say that there is no "one student" that can represent the entire USC population. Students not only come from all over the nation, but the world as well, and we all excel in different areas of academia.
 

3. There is more to USC than just Football and Film

Yes, we have one of the best college football teams in the country and our film school consistently competes with NYU Tisch for the #1 spot, but there's so much more to USC...so much more. Besides having excellent Division I programs in sports such as golf, track and field, and soccer, USC boasts top ranked Viterbi School of Engineering, Keck School of Medicine, Annenberg School for Communication, and the #1 Occupational Therapy program.

4. I'm a USC Trojan, not a University of South Carolina Gamecock

...whatever the hell that is. Those of you from Cali, this probably doesn't apply to you as much, but being from the East Coast, I got a lot of stares when I would say USC. I often had to follow-up with "University of Southern California," which would then be followed in response by "Which one?" Um...the University of Southern California? No, it's not part of the UC system; there is only one, and it's private, not public. With the growing reputation of USC athletics and academics, one can only hope the name is becoming a bit more familiar.