With the University of Southern California being strong in many diverse areas such as sports, academics and clubs, USC is perfect for students from many different backgrounds.

The wealth of scholarship opportunities available makes USC a top choice for many Saratoga students, said alumna Nandini Ruparel. With tuition climbing at universities nationwide, USC’s generous financial aid sealed the deal for Ruparel.

Aditi Jayaraman, a 2009 alumna, said the key to succeeding at USC is forming relationships with those who can help students.

“[USC professors] are such great resources and have a lot to offer with their vast knowledge and multitude of experiences,” Jayaraman said. “If you happen to hit it off with any professor, definitely try to learn more about their niche in their field and try to explore potential research opportunities.”

Jayaraman said her favorite part of USC is its diversity.

“Every student here is from a different part of the world and has an unique background,” Jayraman said.

Jayaraman’s favorite aspect of the learning environment is the moderate class sizes that allows students to interact more closely with classmates and professors.

“Even with a large amount of time spent on academics and extracurricular activities, there is definitely still time for a social life,” Jayaraman said.