For Baroque, I know someone from one of the schools you're planning (not USC, though.) She played Les Cyclopes by Rameau. Beginning is not as good as a Scarlatti Sonata, but once you delve further, I'm sure it will really be fun (unless you have smaller hands)
Also, Handel wrote good stuff, too:
Couperin:
Or Maybe some Bach (with some Vivaldi added/mixed in):
(Skip to 3rd Movement)
or his Fantasy BWV. 906, or Italian Concerto,....
Lots to consider. And I'm bad at deciding.