<p>Hi, I'm a newbie here, registered to ask a question about my college decision so hear me out.</p>
<p>As the title says, I got Cal (accepted) and Harvard(waitlisted).
However, I originially intended to study engineering.
and my goal is to get to MIT for grad school.</p>
<p>Say, IF I get in to Harvard, is it worth going to Harvard for engineering?
Would it be a good idea to switch majors if I want to go to Harvard?
Would I have a better chance at MIT grad school if I go to Cal for undergrad?</p>
<p>and...
What should I do to increase my chances at getting to Harvard?
My SAT Verbal/Writing scores are not impressive (600/650)
but I got 800 on math2, physics, and sat1math.
Im a valedictorian at my school, took 7 APs junior yr and taking 5 now.
Also, I do not hold green card, so I'm considered an international.</p>
<p>Please help me out. My counselor at school thinks USC is the best school for all the students to attend.</p>
<p>In choosing USC and Cal, i'd go with cal simply because i haven't heard anything of USC's engineering. As to Harvard, I really doubt that you'll get in. There's probably hundreds of waitlistees for such a few number of spots. I personally view all my waitlists as rejections.
So when you get into harvard, then you should think - you'll still definitely have time. As of now, I'd go with Cal</p>
<p>USC's engineering is very good. Harvard might be the best place to go. So there engineering program is only ranked around number 25 or so, but guess what? It's got a huge name, you will have amazing peers and opportunities that almost no other place can provide, and you can take any class at MIT with full cross-registration privelages. But if you wouldn't be happy there, and would be at USC, or would be at Cal, then Harvard might not be the best place for you. I say go where you will be happiest.</p>