Looking at the lab coats in my organic chemistry lab reminds me of my status as a transfer student. You would think that all lab coats look the same: white, long and protective. In reality, they don’t. 

Unlike my peers’ lab coats, mine doesn’t have a belt around the waist or cloth buttons, because I purchased mine from my previous university’s bookstore. In a weird way, their lab coats serve as a reminder to me that I’m not like them. I didn’t dorm in Parkside Arts & Humanities Residential College or New North Residential College, and I didn’t take any of the introductory classes offered here at USC.

I don’t want to be different from the crowd. Since coming to USC, I have been overwhelmed with a feeling of insecurity whenever I notice any perceived differences between me and my non-transfer peers. I feel as if I don’t really belong here at USC; with a student population comprised of some of the most academically and athletically-gifted students in the nation, I often wonder what USC saw in me. 

After a long conversation with a friend, I realized that I was suffering from impostor syndrome. A 2023 study published by the National Library of Medicine defines impostor syndrome as a psychological condition that afflicts individuals with doubts about their academic or professional performance. 

Regardless of any recognition people with imposter syndrome have received for their work, many fear that they will eventually be exposed as frauds. According to a 2021 article published by the Journal of College Student Retention, factors such as stress and the pursuit of perfectionism exacerbate impostor syndrome. Since USC students are often stressed out, perfectionists or even both, it is no surprise that impostor syndrome is common here on campus.

Loneliness and impostor syndrome go hand-in-hand. A 2021 article published by the American Psychological Association indicated that individuals experiencing impostor syndrome often think they are the only ones experiencing these feelings.

According to a 2021 Music Reference Services Quarterly article, emphasizing an individual’s skills reduces the risk of developing impostor syndrome. Supportive friendships can reduce impostor syndrome by allowing each person in the relationship to point out positive characteristics in the other.

In my case, I wanted to isolate myself because of my impostor syndrome. I didn’t want to be seen as weak by people who I believed wouldn’t have experienced these feelings of inferiority. I just wanted to fit in, even if it was superficial. 

Writing this article taught me that I am, in fact, not alone. Trisha Macagba, a transfer student and a sophomore majoring in political science, experienced similar feelings of isolation at a political science event. 

“Will I ever be enough?” Macagba said. “All freshmen stick together, and all the transfer students are like ‘We have no idea where we’re going,’ and all sophomores, they all have their own friend groups.”

Addressing impostor syndrome ultimately comes down to two things: recognizing our strengths and finding a support system. For one, both transfer and non-transfer students experience impostor syndrome. 

“The fact that you get into such a prestigious institution [means] you’re with all these other people who also are as qualified as you,” said Lamiya Kadir, a sophomore majoring in pharmacology and drug development who was a traditional applicant.

The first time Kadir ever felt the effects of impostor syndrome was after her first general chemistry exam, where she feared that she would “get weeded out.” However, Kadir eventually adjusted to the academically rigorous environment at USC thanks to her friends. In fact, Kadir suggested that the best way to deal with impostor syndrome is “having a solid support network.”

Macagba said her knowledge of her positive traits allows her to continue in times of adversity, because recognizing one’s strengths also means developing one’s self-esteem.

“What I offer that’s equally as important [as academic achievement] is the passion and the desire and my work ethic,” Macagba said. 

Meeting other transfer students may also help new transfer students adjust to USC. Britney Zhou, a senior majoring in biological sciences who transferred to USC in 2022, noted her participation in the Transfer Student Assembly allowed her “to overcome [her impostor syndrome] positively.” 

“Joining TSA is like ‘Oh, I can help other people, other transfer students … and [make] them a part of USC,” Zhou said. “We do find common conversations and it’s just much easier for us to talk about the academic struggles that we face.”

In spite of the difficulties that come with being a transfer student, I know that I will eventually find my home here at USC — I just need to keep on trying.