I’m debating between USC and Temple. Temple is a good option because I live in PA and it’s a good city for journalism, and not far from NYC and Washington D.C USC has the top programs in the country for the two things I want to double major in, journalism and pol sci. It’s also in California and I hate Northeastern winters, always have. I love warm/hot weather, being outdoors, and being active. I’m a huge beach girl and USC isn’t too far from it. It’s also in L.A, the second largest media market in the U.S Temple is a great school, in the state but it’s not as highly ranked nor does it have the reputation nationally that USC does. The problem is I want to be a journalist and a very successful one at that. I currently contribute articles for a local professional newspaper. The vast majority of national media companies are in New York, which is always where I planned on living and working. And I already have some connections in New York with other journalists and editors. (I looked at NYC schools but I didn’t find ones that met my needs.) Money isn’t a factor. I love that they’re both huge universities, with great programs for my fields, huge study abroad programs, in large cities,huge party schools, etc. But if I go to USC, while I wouldn’t be paying for education, the flights back and forth would add up to a couple thousand a year. Plus, all of the friends I make in college will be in California when I graduate . (for the most part) Wouldn’t it be much better to have friends that are just a train ride away vs friends 3000 miles away? What is the better choice?
*I’m also a senior so it’s kind of too late to suggest new schools as most deadlines have passed.
I’ve been admitted Temple. I’m waiting on USC, they normally dont’ give admissions decisions out until March or April but I can’t stop thinking about the two. I have a good feeling I’ll be accepted. And if/when I do, I’ll need to buy a plane ticket for admitted students day because I won’t feel right enrolling without visiting. So, this is something I need to think about now because I’ll have to save and budget money to pay for the visit’s expenses. And I also don’t want to fill out the CSS Profile if I know I"m not going to USC.
I see from another thread that your SAT is 1790 and your GPA is 3.3. Wait and see how USC turns out, before wracking your brain. USC is quite selective; the 25th percentile is around 1920.
What’s stopping you from saving the money for a visit while waiting for the admissions decision?
Hmmm…Temple is a good school but it also is very unsafe. I personally loved Temple and wanted to apply but the safety factor was too big for me to ignore. I assume you’re a girl so you should take that into consideration too. If that’s not a problem for you, then I would honestly do Temple. You’d be close to home, be at a good school. and probably have an easier attempt at finding a journalism job around Philly because you also could go around PA, NJ or NY.
Not saying you wouldn’t have that at USC, but see what they say first before thinking about it too hard. Good luck!
I am queen of thinking about things too hard to the point where I’m already looking at companies I want to work for when I graduate college and their requirements, and looking at grad school options. I’ve been planning what areas I wanted to study in, looking at college course options my freshman year of high school. To budget for the plane, hotel, etc. I’d have to sacrifice senior prom. ie borrowing a dress versing buying, not vacationing prom weekend like everyone else. It has to be booked months in advance. And the dress has to be approved far before prom and my town’s pickings get very slim the closer it gets. So, I don’t want to sacrifice and then feel like it was a waste.
I’m not worried about the safety despite being a girl because I’m familiar with it. I’m used to hearing about it. Campus security is as good there as anywhere else. I know not to walk by myself at night or even the daytime in some areas. I’ve taken self-defense. I also go to the gym everyday, run, and lift heavy weights. I have pepper spray. I’m not squeamish. I feel I can handle myself.
Then by seeing what you said, I stand by my opinion that you should lean towards Temple. You should definitely, if nothing else, visit USC and see what you think (if/when you get offered an invitation to Accepted Student Day). You might love it. Sure, it’s on the other end of the country, but if you love it and you’re in, it’s basically your decision anyways.
Is prom important to you? If it really is, because you would like to have one last prom with your friends and enjoy your senior year, then that’s something to consider as well in this whole process.
USC is also in an unsafe area. Just because it is California that does not mean that everything is by the beach or squeaky clean. If you step out of the USC area, you won’t be safe. You’re near Watts. Google it.
I also don’t believe you’ll get into USC, your SAT score is too low. You say that “Money isn’t a factor.”, but from the sounds of your continuing posts, it looks like it is. Can you afford $60K per year for tuition? Living the LA lifestyle is extremely expensive, beginning with rent. You need to consider your expenses before jet-setting out here.
Good Lord, USC is six or seven miles from Watts. The area around the school isn’t exactly upscale, but I somehow survived my time there.
I found it strange that $2000 (probably less) in plane tickets was mentioned a potential reason not to go to USC, but the $60K tuition supposedly wasn’t a problem. And I agree that the GPA and SAT are a bit low.
neither schools are in desirable areas, but usc is really really dangerous. that is not pie in the sky that is for real.
and anyway isn’t http://journalism.missouri.edu/ the gold standard? why not apply their?
I personally do not give much attention to rankings but if you do that should be your numero uno! http://admissions.missouri.edu/calendar/index.php (recommended app. date has passed but not sure if the deadline has)
I’m a great writer and I’ve applied to lots of external scholarships. I have enough money from external scholarships to I’ve already received to go to Temple and have all my expenses paid. And I’m still waiting to here back from a few. While USC was definitely my reach school, I aced the interview and corresponded several times with my region’s admissions counselors. Also, other aspects of my application were really strong. USC meets 100% of financial need and I’m Pell Grant eligible, so I’m anticipating if I went, I’d hardly be paying any tuition.
Since others have brought up the potential safety levels at both schools, If you check the campus security info collected by the dept of education there is no comparison in terms of crime levels. USC is much worse.
Since others have brought up the potential safety levels at both schools, If you check the campus security info collected by the dept of education there is no comparison in terms of crime levels. USC is much worse.
I would postpone any decision until you hear from USC. My son just transferred to Temple, and he is very happy there. They might not have the national reputation that USC has, but they are very strong in Media and Communications. If USC accepts you with a comprehensive financial package, it will be hard to resist, but going to Temple - as a PA resident - will probably be much more affordable, enabling you to consider unpaid internships, overseas study, and graduate school.
For journalism, the best bet is to major in a “traditional” discipline and supplement it with
This being said, I agree that if you get full tuition/full ride at USC for journalism, you’ll want to take it. And LA is as good for journalism as NYC (broadcast, online, photo…) for internships, although the East coast has the upper hand for print journalism. Since you have contacts in NYC, why don’t you apply to one of the CUNYs’ programs (ask your professional friends which program they consider the best) as a safety?