<p>I got admitted to both of these schools and can't decide which to go to. I know that USC is better known with a huge alumni network and all that jazz so I would have better chances of getting jobs in the future, but the campus feels plain to me and the surrounding neighborhood is sketchy. I feel much safer at UCI and I love its location, campus, and laid-back vibe, but I have the feeling it isn't as impressive a school as USC, so I don't know whether to go with where I feel more at home but may not get the best jobs, or to go where I don't love but where I would get better perks. My major is journalism, which has good programs at both schools, and money isn't a problem (I got scholarships that make the cost about the same for both schools). Any insight?</p>
<p>Also, I applied to and got denied by UCLA which was my number one school, and am still entertaining the possibility of transferring there from which ever school I end up attending so I don't know if it would be easier to transfer from UCI or USC?</p>
<p>As you can tell I'm really confused, and any help is greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>They are both great schools. USC is famous for alot of things. UCI is less known. When my daughter applied at USC, I was very leery. The area is so bad and all I kept thinking was what about when she left campus to drive home. This isnt in relation to the recent shootings, this has been going on forever. I know quite a few people that turned down USC for that reason. UCI is completely different and for all kinds of reasons. We ended up SIR’ing at UCI. You need to go where you will be comfortable and most importantly…HAPPY. You will love college wherever you go. Good Luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice, my mom is the same way about USC especially because I’ve never lived in a big (or dangerous) city before! Someone suggested that I think about UCI for my BA and then USC for a masters once I’ve done a bit of growing up and can handle the area better, and since my gut is telling me to go for Irvine that sounds like a solid plan</p>
<p>Yea I would choose UCI if I were you. I personally don’t feel threatened by usc’s surroundings but its a good enough reason to turn it down. Housing us guaranteed for the first two years at USC. This worried me until I toured USC and every tour guide I spoke to chose to live off campus there sophomore year and on. Safety is important and some of us feel safe and others don’t. I know USC has a great journalism school so that idea of doing masters there sounds great! Good luck on your decision, you’ll be happy either way.</p>
<p>Also if anyone has any input on the subject, I am curious about how nightlife is at Irvine because I’ve heard it can be kind of dead on the weekends and whatnot? Obviously I wouldn’t be running around off-campus at USC at night but there are still things to do in different parts of the city I believe</p>