<p>Need warmth for our Poly Sci. major cold girl- Is the USD reputation equal to that of U of Miami? Money advantage in SD, CA, but size and options for change and internships go to FL. Both solid undergrad.I know size is quite different. Accepted also at LMU, Santa Clara, SMU and USC. Down to 2! Any help on unheralded strengths or unpublished weaknesses?</p>
<p>Much depends on how big those money advantages are, and what your family would need to do to make up the difference. If it is loans, run the repayment calculators at [College</a> Calculators - savings calculators - college costs, loans](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>Calculate Your Cost – BigFuture | College Board)</p>
<p>Is USD cheap enough so that there could be unpaid internships or a semester/year in Washington? </p>
<p>Why Poly Sci? Is she pre-law? Then cheap is better because law school is fiendishly expensive.</p>
<p>Any other possible majors if she changes her mind? How do those two universities look for those alternate majors?</p>
<p>If she is clear that she is only interested in Poly Sci. Then she should read the professor’s bios on each university’s website. What is their specialization? What have they published? Do they do consulting work? Do they teach undergrads, or only grad students?</p>
<p>If you are looking to reputation, then USC would be likely held in highest regard, followed by U of Miami, and then USD (assuming you are referring to Universiy of San Diego, and not University of South Dakota). Now whether that reputation translates into any sort of career advantages (in terms of earnings at least) is currently being questioned (at least if you believe latest research), so your best return on investment will likely be with the cheaper school.</p>
<p>Thanks for your insights. Hinsdale1, we may live in the same town! IL? Looks like Miami is winning the contest. D was concerned about USC and its safety ratings(two stories, one from my brother who is alum scared her), and worried that USD (yes, Diego) might be too small if she switched majors. Believe I’m gonna be a 'Cane!</p>