<p>I am an international and have problem of plenty. So far I have shortlisted these 4 great universities out of 14 acceptances. Rejected from MIT and caltech. Please advise aboutpros and cons on selecting one out of these four. I most propably would do computer science/engineering.</p>
<p>USC will generate you “connections”–many grads from USC in very important positions (and I am not talking about Egypt…). USC has a number of alumni all over the place and it will help you get a future job. USC also well known overseas, esp China</p>
<p>USC is NOT in a good area of town. California is very expensive and the entire state is bankrupt. USC does offer a quality education, but I do not know how it compares to the schools you have listed, in regards to computer science/engineering. </p>
<p>You really need to look at the different curriculums and check out what the professors are researching and what opportunities (and when) for research for you.</p>
<p>Also, what about the differences in cost to attend?</p>
<p>What are the factors that are important to you in choosing the college? My d visited 3 of the 4 you mentioned. I think they are quite different…but all have strong engineering programs.</p>
<p>Duke has maintained strong ties with China for several years and is building a campus in Kunshan. </p>
<p>Gao Xiqing, one of the most powerful men in China (and arguably the world) attended Duke as did the children of several influential Chinese politicians including Huang Yanpei and Chen Yuan. </p>
<p>[Gao</a> Xiqing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gao_Xiqing]Gao”>Gao Xiqing - Wikipedia) </p>
<p>[Heirs</a> of Mao?s Comrades Rise as New Capitalist Nobility - Bloomberg](<a href=“Bloomberg - Are you a robot?”>Bloomberg - Are you a robot?)</p>
<p>[Chen</a> Yuan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chen_Yuan]Chen”>Chen Yuan - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>[Huang</a> Yanpei - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huang_Yanpei]Huang”>Huang Yanpei - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>[List</a> of Duke University people - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Duke_University_people]List”>List of Duke University people - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>I think for engineering USC is probably the best option for you. The other schools definitely have more overall prestige (with Duke winning the ‘overall prestige’ title), but USC is still one of the best schools in California, and in the context of engineering, is much much better than the rest.</p>
<p>I agree with @Gracefully. USC is the best choice among the four.</p>
<p>But Duke is more prestige and have the highest ranking overall. You will have more options if you want to change major. Also the campus is beautiful.</p>
<p>… and of course, a 17 yr old’s def’n of “prestige” has more say…</p>
<p>Sheesh</p>