<p>Major: Political Science and Pre Law</p>
<p>I am from Orange County, California and my two top picks are Duke and USC. I was wondering what everyone's opinions were on the subject. Granted, I do know Duke is ranked 5th and USC is ranked 30th and they are both about the same cost. Comments please.</p>
<p>SoCalBum</p>
<p>I'd pick Duke over USC, but that's just me.</p>
<p>I'd pick Duke over USC, but that's just me.</p>
<p>Is there an echo in here? hehe</p>
<p>Duke has a top 10 political science department, USC does not. Does it matter? Maybe, maybe not. USC might offer the better environment than Duke, and that might matter more.</p>
<p>However, for "pre-law," it doesn't matter. If you want a good political science experience, go Duke. Otherwise, just think about the whole package.</p>
<p>No contest, Duke is vastly better. Very different admissions standards yielding a much stronger peer group at Duke.</p>
<p>Duke's in a prettier place. LA's well, LA. And don't you want to spread your wings a little? I do! Connecticut, here I come.</p>
<p>well... do you like football or basketball better?</p>
<p>just kidding</p>
<p>Duke has the better department. Plus it's smaller, and 99% of applicants to law scools from Duke are accepted.</p>
<p>Thanks for the comments. I think I have always been leaning towards Duke. I have my own pros and cons, but not only when u add everything up is it right, it also feels better.</p>
<p>SoCalBum</p>
<p>Bum, get great grades and your undergraduate alma mater WILL NOT be the most significant factor in being admitted to law school. Yes, Duke is quite strong but you'll likely not be hurt by choosing U of Southern California.</p>
<p>You will be if you aren't at the top of your class. Places like Duke get a significant amount of applicants into top grad schools, at a much higher rate than a place like USC. These two are too far apart academically to compare.</p>
<p>Socalbum,
What are your stats? Duke and USC are both great schools, but Duke is clearly harder to get into.</p>