Columbia Vs. Penn Vs. USC

<p>I need some info and help deciding between Columbia, Penn and USC. </p>

<p>I got accepted to all three and I really don't know which will be the best choice.
I'm got into the IR program at Penn and SC, and the PoliSci program at CU. I'm transferring from a cc in Seattle, so I'm coming in as a Junior.
I know all three schools have great education, but there are so many other factors to take into consideration.</p>

<p>here's what I think so far- the ivy leagues have the label going for them, but even between the two i guess CU has a better reputation?
I love the campus at Penn and i haven't been to CU before but ive been to NYC many times.
SC has a very tight alumni network that would be excellent post graduation (if i decide to stay in LA?... or generally nation wide?)
I also got a full ride at SC, haven't heard from CU but I hear it's not very generous, and Penn seems to generally meet financial need- but I will find out soon.</p>

<p>So... I could really use opinions and advice regarding all three schools. I want to continue to law school so I know being in a competitive environment would be beneficial, but only to a certain extent.</p>

<p>any info/ideas/opinions/stories would help!...</p>

<p>You sound like a beautiful young lady. What a wonderful opportunity you have in front of you. All three schools are great choices and you are lucky to be in this position. Congratulations on your widespread excellence and your unending intelligence.</p>

<p>thanks- any thoughts about the pros/cons?</p>

<p>Here is my breakdown on things:</p>

<p>Columbia is an Ivy League school and the Ivy League label seems to be impress people. The “Ivy League” was a terminology invented to describe a sports conference. Much like the “Pac 10” or “SEC” the “Ivy League” is merely a term used to describe a conference. It just so happens that the Ivy League schools are some of the oldest in America and have great academic reputations. Overall Ivy League schools are not what they once were and there are many other schools out there that can offer a graduate the same opportunities. While it is true that the Ivy League stigma is strong, it is ironic to think back to the origin of the term and realize that the label doesn’t represent anything of real value.</p>

<p>So, Ivy League is impressive- but I don’t think it is worth it to go there simply for The Ivy label. If you had the ability to get into all of these schools, I’m sure you will be able to achieve anything you want in life regardless of your choice. I think that fit is the most important criteria to consider. Do you want to live on the east coast or west coast? Do you want to have a relaxed environment, or a stressful environment? </p>

<p>Whatever you choose. God Speed!</p>

<p>Alright let me be really honest with my opinion…</p>

<p>…USC is better than all of the other schoools combined. Imagine Superman trying to defeat Shaq. While it is true that Shaq is regarded as “Superman” he would pale in comparison to the real super hero. The same holds true in the comparison between USC and Columbia and Penn. USC is majestic and magical. USC is timeless and remarkable. The other schools are inferior in every way. I can’t imagine going to such garbage universities. Garbage is meant for the dumpster, I prefer to graduate fresh and clean. A dumpster is a terrible way to get ahead in life. So why go to the equivalent of a trash can school? Screw the Ivy League mumbo jumbo and go to Los Angeles to get down with your bad self. A BOW CHICA BOW WOW.</p>

<p>Waddduppps</p>

<p>Hello, I am sorry that I did some background checking but you are currently a student at USC or a graduate. Either way, what makes you think USC is better than Columbia and UPenn combined? You think USC is better because</p>

<p>rank24th (or whatever) > rank 4 + rank 5 ?</p>

<p>24 > 9?</p>

<p>Admit the fact. Please.</p>

<p>and garbage universities?
Are you insane? you call ivy league schools garbage universities?
I can probably list millions of facts that any of Ivy League schools are better than USC.
Ranking, acceptance rate, average SAT, Nobel Laureates, and the list goes on.</p>

<p>You can’t go wrong with Penn or Columbia. Columbia is more challenging and gives you easy access to the virtually unlimited selection of restaurants, shopping, art/music/cultural scene in Manhattan, but Penn has a superior on-campus social scene. Don’t pick USC though unless you want to spend 4 years partying and don’t really care as much about going to a good grad/professional school.</p>