Basically, I’m choosing between the two universities. I live in Southern California and have a lot of social connections in the LA area. Money is not a factor. I got in for International Relations for both. Honestly, I’m torn even after visiting both universities in the past, and would just like some perspective on those of you people. I’m definitely a partier but I don’t know if I’ll rush or not, and am pretty into school sports but in terms of Emory I wouldn’t be crushed if I didn’t have sporting events to go to. So yeah! let me know what you guys think, if there are any personal anecdotes you have that can help me get more perspective for this decision. Thanks.
I went to Oxford of Emory from Orange County and once there, worked as the mascot. Emory has an extremely strong IR department as well as excellent offerings in political science, regional histories, and foreign languages. Yes the school lacks major sports, but most students have school pride. They go to a top school with an unbelievable wealth of opportunities. Besides, Emory is in Atlanta so students are not exactly at a loss when it comes to finding sports teams to support.
Personally I found it extremely beneficial to go to school across the country. Social connections are easy to form at any school where the majority of students not only do not know each other, but also live on campus for at least two years. I wouldn’t base your decision on preexisting friends since most students can easily make new ones.
That was my initial thought, too. I went from Ohio to Alaska for college, and it was one of the best things I ever did.
Even though I went to USC for grad school, I’d recommend getting out of LA and experiencing a new place.
Thank you guys for your perspectives. I appreciate it.
I’m actually in the exact same situation but money is a factor. I’m also majoring in international relations. Which political science/IR program is stronger. I live in Los Angeles so USC would be closer and the Trojan family is basically unparalleled in Southern California especially. At odds about what to decide.
did you get any money from either school? i think im starting to lean more towards USC because I plan on living in LA in the future but i’m still not sure.
Still waiting for financial aid packages from both schools. I’m still waiting for 5 more decisions but after that I’m going to visit both schools and see which one I feel more at home with.
I think USC is better and I really love this school,but it rej me 
If you want to live in LA in the future, USC is a good choice. But i think the fa is also very important because USC costs a lot.
Plenty of [Emory alums work](http://www.alumni.emory.edu/chapters-and-groups/chapters/west.html) in Southern California. I’m a legacy and from the greater LA metro area.
Being from Southern California you already know what USC is all about. If you want a change, Emory is a great bet. They are both top schools so you really can’t go wrong, I think it’s more a matter of where are you at in your personal life and what do you want for yourself over the next four years? To stay close to home or to go for a big change? This is what they call a crossroads! Best of luck deciding. 
so turns out I got into Cornell, which makes this decision all the more tough. A lot of my friends are starting to commit to USC, and as much as it pains me to say it, it may affect my decision. i plan on living in Los Angeles in later life so the trojan connection is incredible. any suggestions?
I would back you up on USC. If you do plan on living in Los Angeles, the USC alumni network/Trojan family are literally unparalleled. If you don’t think you’ll live in Los Angeles, and think the East Coast is for you then I’d pick Cornell no question. USCs weight carries all over the US, but is mostly concentrated in SOCAL. Also the weather here in LA can’t even compare to Cornell as you know so that’ll be a difficult adjustment. In terms of the college experience in general, Cornell is in the middle of nowhere and there is nothing to do here. It is so different than the life you’ve probably lived so far, and in your position I would definitely choose usc over Cornell. Cornell also practices rapid grade deflation and you would no longer be a big fish in a small pond.
I think I’m going to revisit all three schools and determine from there. How are you doing in terms of selections?
I’ve never seen Cornell and I applied to a college (CALS) that I don’t want to go to anymore but I’m sure it’s not hard to transfer to the normal college. The USC connection is definitely what’s pulling me there though.
Right now I’m between USC and Emory. I’m on the waitlist for POMONA, Stanford, georgetown, VANDERBILT which I’m going to try to get off of. Because of the whole connection thing USC is right now my top choice but I need to visit emory and see which campus I feel the most at home at. UCLA is also like a far third choice.
bump. i’m still having major issues deciding between the two schools.
Both are fine choices and whatever you decide will be good. Congratulations and Fight On!