CMC or USC?

<p>So I'm a Neuroscience major (Pre-Med) and I was just accepted to CMC as a transfer student, which totally took me by surprise. I applied thinking it was worth a shot but wasn't really sure of my chances. I know it's an excellent school and has an extremely high rate of success for pre-med students. With the small class sizes and awesome research opportunities, I think it would probably be the best bet for my future. </p>

<p>With that said, USC has been my dream school for a very long time, not necessarily because of the campus environment or anything like that, but because its Neuroscience program is pretty amazing. Amazing in the sense that it has incredibly interesting Neuroscience electives that I've wished I could take for years! But again, I didn't think I'd get into CMC so USC has been on the top of my list. </p>

<p>I'm totally indecisive and big decisions like this really stress me out :/ I need to make sure that I get all the information I can to ensure I'm making the right decision. I've really been trying to weigh the pros and cons of both schools and there are definitely a few things about CMC that I'd love more information on... </p>

<p>Personally, I've never thought of myself as a small campus type of person, not that I've ever experienced it though. It's pretty obvious that CMC is small so that's a bit conflicting in my mind. I know there would be a ton of benefits to a small school though. I guess maybe I'd love reassurance that it's not an awkward type of small (whatever that means..).</p>

<p>Another thing about CMC is that I know about 95% of students live on-campus which doesn't bother me at all, but I would choose to live off-campus. I'd still actively pursue campus opportunities and spend the majority of my time at school, I just want to be able to have a sort of independence away from the campus walls. Is this attitude going to be a big problem at CMC? </p>

<p>I've heard that CMC is pretty big on Econ and PoliSci majors, which obviously I'm not. Does the Science department seem at all neglected? In general, how are the Science classes? </p>

<p>And finally, what sorts of things do Claremont students do outside of campus in their free time? I'm used to a big city so I wonder if the small, suburban feel will be TOO different.</p>

<p>I'd really appreciate all the info I can get :) Even though I think the logical decision would be to go to CMC, I still can't give up on USC haha. So hopefully I get to read a lot of amazing things about CMC! :D</p>

<p>I, along with a good deal of CMC '16 students (at least according to prelim data) chose CMC over USC. They are two very different schools. The small, intimate atmosphere matched with the personal attention provided by professors made the choice obvious for me. The school doesn’t feel small at all because of the 5C’s… and LA is only a train ride away. I personally couldn’t imagine going to school in a city so that actually works out perfectly for me.</p>

<p>apparently you can take classes at the 5Cs, and the at least Mudd will have good sciences</p>