<p>We are from the midwest, and my D has narrowed down the choices between the pre-nursing programs at Auburn or USC. Auburn's nursing program seems more competitive as the stats for entry are more rigorous.</p>
<p>I have just a superficial knowledge of both schools, and my concern is not the academics but the social life, particularly Greek life. She would like to rush but have heard that it is very competitive. She is social but does not drink. She is also more of a sweat pant and hair in a messy bun type of gal.</p>
<p>Any thoughts or comments would be most appreciated. Ultimately, it is her decision, of course, but I just think forewarned is forearmed.</p>
<p>Is your D leaning one way or another? My kid’s friends who went to USC loved it. Columbia is a much bigger town with more amenities than Auburn. I would imagine that flights home for school breaks would be easier from Columbia. If the Auburn’s nursing program is tougher to get into, I’d lean toward USC. I got my BSN from a directional state u. Once you pass the State Board exams after graduation, it doesn’t matter where the degree came from. Both schools are crazy about football. Lots of fun in the fall. </p>
<p>I’m from the Midwest also. I had friend who’s D went to USC. She pledged a sorority and it was a great experience. She loved her 4 years there. It sounds like there were many houses to rush there and lots of options for non-local girls. I hope this made sense lol!</p>
<p>I know nothing about the Greek scene at Auburn. </p>
<p>My d applied and admitted to both and chose Auburn. I think both schools are very nice, USC has a more urban vibe, Auburn a more family friendly small town vibe. Everything I hear about both schools - you MUST go through recruitment before freshman year classes begin, you must have letters of recommendation for every house - 2 or more are even better, and there is plenty to do if you choose to not go Greek. With sorority houses having 300 or more, I’d imagine there are all types in each sorority. My advice - be extremely prepared, but go in with an open mind and decide for herself if she could see herself in a sorority after she goes through recruitment. </p>
<p>My opinion is that all SEC schools (excepting Vanderbilt) are pretty similar in overall culture. On tours, and I have toured both USC and Auburn as well as most other SEC schools, I always feel like you could close your eyes and be at any of the schools. School spirit, tradition, etc are all important parts of these schools. </p>
<p>They are different campuses though and while Auburn is more of a college town, it doesn’t feel like a small one. It does feel fairly rural once you are off the campus area, at least for a bit, then you are where are the chain stores are etc. (And the farms in the area are mostly affiliated with AU for related majors.)</p>
<p>I think that if the nursing admit is more guaranteed, and your daughter doesn’t have strong preference, I might go with USC. </p>
<p>As to rushing, start now asking your friends and family if they were in sororities to start getting recommendations…</p>
<p>Can’t speak to Sororities, but I think the Airport in Atlanta will provide more flight options and may be less expensive than flying in/out of Columbia. Express 85 is an airport shuttle from Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport directly to Auburn (several stops in Auburn). We live in north Atlanta suburbs and it takes less time for the shuttle to get to Auburn from the Atlanta Airport than it does for me to get to the Airport park and go inside. It’s $39 each way which is less than the cost of gas for 1 way in his car. We will be brining son home after the A-Day game this Saturday for Easter service at home, brunch, and then drop him at the northern most MARTA station to ride back to the airport to catch the shuttle to Auburn - he gets off at the Auburn Hotel & Conf Center which is 1 building away from his dorm. It couldn’t be easier to get in and out of Auburn just plan the travel time to Atlanta (1 1/2 hrs). On another note, I believe Auburn University owns the Auburn Airport - they offer an Aviation Degree and train commercial pilots, airport administration, plus I believe they offer pilot licenses as a technical electives for some of the engineering degrees. I don’t even know if they offer commercial flights.</p>
<p>D at USC. Has several non-drinking friends in sororities. Two from OOS. There are all types in sororities. Just last year USC started having rushing freshmen come a week early so that rush doesn’t conflict so much with beginning of class. As to travel, there are shuttle buses that run to Charlotte for flights that don’t go out of Columbia.</p>
<p>Thanks to all that replied. I truly appreciate all of you for taking the time to express your thoughts and advice. At the 11th hour, she has chosen Auburn. </p>