I’ve been accepted to both Caltech and USC as a biology major. Though I like Caltech a lot more in terms of research and culture, I just found out I’ve been awarded a full tuition scholarship to USC (I received very little aid for Caltech). What should I do? I can afford Caltech, but it would hurt significantly. USC is more sound financially, but I know very little about research opportunities there. I’m also concerned about the safety of the campus, as the recent Chinese USC students that were murdered make me, a Chinese-American, feel that I could be targeted.
I would choose Caltech in a heartbeat. The best of the best is there. I spent a summer at Caltech on a research fellowship in biology, and thought everything was great. That is my personal choice, with Caltech having been one of my “dream” schools since I was in the 7th grade, and actually growing up 7 miles away. USC is all right, but you wouldn’t get the same “oohs” and “aahs” from people who know what they’re talking about with respect to science.
With regards to the finances, I would try talking to the Financial Aid Office at Caltech and see if they can “match” USC’s offer. Considering that Caltech and USC are very close to each other, you might be able to do research at Caltech as a USC student (whether as part of a formalized program, e.g. Caltech SURF, over the summer, or just asking a professor if you can join the lab with specific days where you go in and work).
I would give the edge to Caltech if you want to enter academia–especially if you want to become a professor. If your career goal is to enter industry I would say you’ll be fine attending either. If your goal is grad school, I think Caltech has the edge. For medical school, USC because it would be easier to get a higher GPA there. Also, I think any student who can get into Caltech knows he or she belongs at Caltech. It’s part of the culture and being a Techer.
If you want to do anything with your Biology degree, you’re going to have to go to grad school. Save your money and go to USC for your undergrad degree. Then focus on Caltech or wherever.
Which one did you eventually join? Please share for the sake of helping others in the same boat or about to be in the same boat. Also share your experience if you made the right choice for yourself? Thanks
Caltech is tops in science for sure and extremely hard to get into. Congrats on your acceptance.
However, I agree with simba that you’re most likely going to want to go to grad school. Since finances is a concern, I second his/her suggestion to save your money and apply to Caltech for grad school (it has more grads than undergrads).
However, first write CalTech and ask for more money. They probably will not match USC’s offer (schools usually have “peer schools” that they’ll match aid from, and I doubt USC is CalTech’s), but they might get close enough to where it’s worth the difference.
^^^Hello??
The OP was accepted at USC and Caltech a YEAR ago insanedreamer.
I hope for his sake that he DID choose USC for his UG degree, as he can do very well there and move on to Caltech for his PHD, like my DS did.
And NO, CalTech and colleges like it will NOT match USC’s offer. Been there with 2 Ivys and 4 other top 20 colleges/ U’s.
Nothing like saving $200,000 to make both parents and students happy and grateful to great U’s like USC!
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