<p>hey, so im in a bit of a pickle, and i want to know what other people think:</p>
<p>gonna be a senior in high school next year, and just planning out my order of preference for schools. I want to major in engineering (computer) and business. I always knew that harvey mudd was amazing at engineering, but i feel as if the name is not very well known. the same applies for CMC in the business sense - that it is very good yet not well known.</p>
<p>At USC, you get a very good school, for both business and engineering. plus, USC has a combined major to fit both (titled Computer Science/Business Administration) which can be completed in 4 years. Harvey Mudd and CMC offer a similar degree (the 3+2 program) which can be completed in 5 years. </p>
<p>So (putting cost of tuition/living aside, that doesn't play a factor for my college education/experience), which would other people consider to be a better choice? from what i hear, HMC and CMC are AMAAAAAAAAAZING at engineering and business, but is that true (or is it at least better than USC)? and how is the quality of life at such a small LAC? Also, whenever i think that HMC and CMC are not as well known as USC, i think, "the people who matter know that HMC and CMC are better than USC". is that true? don't you NEED a well reputable school for business (especially a school like USC considering i live in SO CAL and plan on living/doing business here my whole life)? which school would u guys choose and why? (take quality of the education received, as well as social life/quality of life at each school. For example, i like a school who KNOWS what their students want/how to take care of them and pamper them).</p>
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lol ok, but why is it that you say CMC + HMC "hands down".
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<p>Because they are "better" schools than USC. The students are on another level at CMC/HMC. Name isn't really that much of an issue because USC is not an amazing name, even if it is well known. It's not like we are talking Cornell or UPenn vs. CMC/HMC.</p>
<p>There are of course huge differences between USC and the consortium, but I think it is always true that the student quality at CMC and Mudd is better than USC. The class sizes will be smaller, professors will be better teachers, material will be harder, etc. That's invariant of what style of school you prefer.</p>
<p>I'm a major Claremont advocate, so this isn't meant to sway or deter the OP, but it should be put on the table: USC is known for its loyal alum network (far more sizable than those of any of the Claremont schools), which, for a student interested in business, should be taken into consideration.</p>
<p>Also, there are considerations beyond just $$$ when it comes to a 5-year program. That's a long time to be in undergrad, especially if you plan to pursue any kind of grad school. Consider burn-out. Consider your friends graduating without you. Consider, at Claremont, the fact that you would be a student at both CMC and HMC, which are vastly different schools. Could you be happy at both? You might not be bothered by any of these things, but just bear in mind that money isn't the only reason that some are turned off by 3-2 programs.</p>
<p>Really, I think that others are right in saying that CMC and HMC are on higher levels in their respective programs. But USC is also a very well-respected (and well-connected) school, so I do think that the argument should go deeper.</p>