Have wonderful problem of choosing between these schools. Child is from a large high-performing California public high school, thinking about something along the lines of econ, statistics, data science, cognitive science… but ultimately truly undecided. Will be attending admitted student days at both schools and talking to people although I’d love for the child to not make a decision that is not too heavily based on one day of “marketing” from the school
1/2 tuition scholarship from USC means the total cost is close enough to UC Berkeley for us to pay. Would appreciate any thoughts from those with experience comparing the two.
Both great schools and I do think admitted days will give him an idea where he feels most at home, even if they are days that inform and wooo admits.
I’m an obvious biased toward USC poster and I do like private universities, but one thing in your post that gives practical sense to pointing that direction is that he is truly undecided. The ease and ability to change majors at USC is an important feature, and moreso for those undecided. I had 2 engineers accepted to Cal, but chose USC, one cause they liked it better overall, but also at USC, the double major/minor options were strong. My biggest fear was kids stuck in a major they didn’t want or feel like they were limited in exploring options as they found new passions. One of my non-engineering students changed majors 5 times (yes 5 times and at one point was a cog sci major) but did end up in her dream major in the end.
Be sure he fully understands the conditions (if any) to keep the USC scholarship and that they seem reasonable. You also might want to ask on the USC forum about experiences with scholarships.
UCB economics and statistics do require GPA of 3.0 and 3.2 respectively in prerequisite courses to declare the majors.
UCB economics does offer more math-heavy versions (multivariable and linear algebra used) of intermediate microeconomics and econometrics and some more math-intensive economics electives that may be of interest to pre-PhD students and others looking for more math-intensive economics.
The half-tuition Presidential scholarship is a well known scholarship. It was awarded to 384 students last year and 461 students the year before. Some received it based on merit/interviews and others received it because they are National Merit Finalists. It requires that a student maintain a 3.0 GPA and:
You must maintain your USC academic standing.
The university expects you to maintain a high level of academic success during your university career. If you are academically disqualified by the USC Office of Academic Records and Registrar and the Committee on Academic Policies and Procedures (CAPP), you will automatically lose your scholarship. Readmission to USC will not restore your eligibility for your scholarship.
You must make satisfactory academic progress toward your undergraduate degree during the academic year (not including summer).
If you complete fewer than 30 units in one academic year, your academic record will be reviewed to determine if you are making progress toward your degree. (You should be able to graduate within eight semesters, or 10 semesters in the five-year Bachelor of Architecture program.) Your course of study, and work at other colleges will be taken into consideration. If progress is not made, you will be placed on scholarship probation for a maximum of two semesters, during which you must complete 16 units per semester or your scholarship may be revoked. You are allowed only one probationary period for unit requirements. If you have received other need-based financial aid, you will need to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to continue to receive those awards.
You must uphold USC’s conduct and academic integrity standards.
If the Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards Office finds you are responsible for a serious academic or non-academic conduct violation, resulting in your suspension or expulsion from the university, your merit scholarship award will be revoked.
