One year ago, after spending months on self-examination, GRE studying, and writing writing writing, I anxiously submitted my applications for graduate school. Fast forward one year: I am completing my first semester in the Master of Urban Planning Program at USC’s Price School. The aspect of the application process that challenged me the most one year ago was identifying the specific skills and opportunities that any school could offer me. I conducted arduous research on clubs and organizations, the course catalog, faculty research, and I spoke with current students, but I was never sure if what I was being told as an admissions candidate matched the realities “on the ground”. I chose to reflect on a few of the expectations that I had of the Price School (some that I think many prospective MUPs share) to determine if they are my academic reality.