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Frequently Asked Questions – Undergraduate Students
- When is Orientation?
- Do students stay overnight?
- What hotels are nearby for Orientation?
- How much does a session cost?
- What placement tests do I need to take?
- What is the Pre-Orientation Homework?
- How can I register for classes if I do not attend Orientation?
- Do I attend Orientation if I have already registered for classes?
- How do I get a fee waiver for Orientation?
- Can I change my major at Orientation?
- Are student and parent sessions the same at Orientation?
- If I attend a later orientation session (for example, F7 or T3), will it affect my course registration?
- I am having trouble logging into the orientation reservation system. What can I do?
- What gate do I enter for on-campus orientation?
- How do I change my orientation session?
- What do I need to bring to Orientation?
- What happens at Orientation?
- Is it mandatory to attend Orientation?
- How long is on-campus orientation?
- Can I stay an extra day after the orientation session?
- Do I have to wait for USC to receive my final transcripts and/or test scores (AP) before attending Orientation?
1. When is Orientation?
On-campus orientation sessions for undergraduate students admitted for the fall semester take place during the summer, May through July, and in December and January for students admitted for the spring semester.
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2. Do students stay overnight?
Students attending the on-campus freshman sessions are housed overnight in one of our on-campus residence halls. Students (even local) are expected to stay on campus during the orientation session. Students attending the on-campus transfer sessions are not provided overnight housing.
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3. What hotels are nearby for Orientation?
For a list of nearby hotels, click here.
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4. How much does a session cost?
Click here to view session fees.
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5. What placement tests do I need to take?
Required placement tests are based on the student’s major and, in some cases, the student’s SAT/ACT scores. Click here to review required placement tests.
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6. What is the Pre-Orientation Homework?
Prior to coming to campus for Orientation, all undergraduate students must complete their first USC homework assignment. This Pre-Orientation Homework allows you to complete many transactional functions prior to your arrival. Click here to learn more about the required Pre-Orientation Homework.
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7. How can I register for classes if I do not attend Orientation?
We strongly encourage all new students to attend an orientation session. However, we understand that not all students will be able to attend. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from attending an orientation session, you may order a materials packet. To order materials, log into the Student Reservation System and complete a Materials Request submission. Orientation Programs begins mailing materials in early July for fall students and early December for spring students. There is no fee for ordering materials with the exception of mailing packets overseas.
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8. Do I come to Orientation if I have already registered for classes?
We strongly recommend attending Orientation even if you have already registered for classes. During Orientation, you learn more about USC, meet faculty, staff and students, and jump-start your year with an introduction to important campus resources.
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9. How do I get a fee waiver for Orientation?
Click here for information about fee waivers.
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10. Can I change my major at Orientation?
An important part of Orientation includes academic advisement and registering for your first semester of courses at USC. If you have decided to change your major, you should do so before attending Orientation. This will allow us to place you in the appropriate academic advisement session. You can do this by contacting the USC Admission Office at 213.740.1111, or by contacting the academic unit of your intended major. Should you wish to change your major at Orientation, we will help you to do so.
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11. Are student and parent sessions the same at Orientation?
Students and parents attend the same introductory sessions. However, there are activities where students and parents are separated.
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12. If I attend a later orientation session (for example, F7 or T3), will it affect my course registration?
At each session, a certain number of seats within popular classes are allotted so each student has an opportunity to register for his/her core classes. There are more than enough General Education courses available to satisfy each student’s graduation requirements. However, there are still limited seats overall in each session to maintain the integrity of the class instruction. While we do everything to assist students in enrolling in the classes in which they are most interested, students must be flexible and work with their academic advisors in the event a class is closed.
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13. I am having trouble logging into the orientation reservation system. What can I do?
Students who are unable to register online should first make sure that the USC Admission Office has processed their Enrollment Commitment Deposit and 5-7 business days have transpired following that processing. Once this has happened, you will receive an e-mail from Orientation Programs with login and reservation instructions. If you have received your welcome e-mail, click here for other troubleshooting suggestions.
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14. What gate do I enter for on-campus orientation?
Gate 3 at the intersection of Figueroa and McCarthy Way across from the USC Galen Center. Click here for a campus map.
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15. How do I change my orientation session?
Orientation Programs is not able to process change requests by phone. To change a session, you must log in to the reservation system to make a change. You must make all changes by the indicated registration deadline for the session.
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16. What do I need to bring to Orientation?
Click here for a list of things to bring to the orientation session.
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17. What happens at Orientation?
Orientation is different from Explore USC in that Orientation prepares you to begin your university experience. Orientation introduces you to the vibrant academic, social and cultural life of the university. At Orientation, you have the opportunity to meet faculty, staff and current students and learn important details about life on campus. In addition, you register for classes, find out about various campus services and participate in your first USC spirit rally.
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18. Is it mandatory to attend Orientation?
Students are expected to attend Orientation. We hope that each student’s transition to USC will be eased by the information and assistance they receive at orientation.
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19. How long is on-campus orientation?
On-campus orientation sessions last until 5 p.m. Do not make travel arrangements that require you to leave the campus before 5 p.m. Students who need to leave early will not be able to complete class registration.
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20. Can I stay an extra day after the orientation session?
Students and guests who require overnight accommodations after an on-campus summer orientation session can make on-campus arrangements directly with USC Conference Housing by calling 213.760.1492 or clicking here to e-mail USC Conference Housing. Housing is not included for students and guests attending the mid-year/spring sessions.
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21. Do I have to wait for USC to receive my final transcripts and/or test scores (AP) before attending Orientation?
No. Advisors can work with you during your orientation session to help you register for classes based on preliminary information we have on file. You are encouraged to speak with your advisor during your registration time about AP classes you are taking in order to assist with proper advisement.
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