HELP: USC spring semester or Villanova

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello, </p>

<p>I'm new to the forum. I used CC during the college application process a few times and now I have a dilemma! I committed to Villanova even though I didn't want to go there because my parents said it was the only school they'd help pay for. I really wanted to go to USC, so I decided to defer to spring and last night I received notice that I was permitted to enroll for spring semester! I'm kind of frazzled now because I have until August 1 to decide if I want to transfer to USC in spring of 2015. This is bad timing because my dad was just in a motorcycle accident and he has a concussion and stuff so there's kind of a lot going on in my house... </p>

<p>Now, my parents are telling me that I can go to USC if they give me enough financial aid. USC offered me $14k/year (4k grant, 10k merit) and Villanova gave me $20k/yr in grants (so not guarenteed every year). I have a sister graduating from college this year so I have a feeling that next year, Villanova will only give me like half of what they gave this year. I tried explaining that to my parents back in May but they just said they'd be able to pay for it. (Which makes no sense since they acted like USC was way too expensive). I understand that travel expenses can add up but we have many, many frequent flyer miles so at least flights wouldn't be too much of an issue. I'm ok with not being home often; I'm pretty independent. My family is very dysfunctional and going to a great school that's almost 3000 miles away sounds like it could work. No, I am not doing this just to escape them. It's just the icing on the cake. </p>

<p>I live in NJ, so moving across the country is quite daunting but I'm excited. I know if I do it, it will be tough. My dad works in Canada on weekdays and flies home on weekends, so about every month he would be able to fly out to visit if we wanted. </p>

<p>A few reasons why I want to go to USC
-I want to major in Computer Science/engineering
-Better weather (I hate winter)
-after catholic grade school/HS, I've had enough catholic school for one lifetime
-Villanova was what my mom wanted, not what I wanted. Heck, my dad (aka the parent who has a job) was ok with USC until my mom bullied him in to being on her side
-Bigger school + LA + California = change. I've been stuck in nj/pa for 18 years and I would like to get out. I know California is far from perfect but it's something new
-i just feel that USC is a better school academically than Villanova, and that I'd be stupid to pass this up (not that Villanova is bad)</p>

<p>So what should I do?? sorry if I sound crazy/bratty/indecisive. I just don't know what to do! I would appreciate any constructive input. At this point, I don't even want to get my hopes up because I feel it is futile.
I appreciate all the help my parents are giving me but I just think they are being unreasonable, with the majority of the nonsense originating from my mother. She called USC a "dumb, stupid school" with no justification. Her real problem with it is that's it's not catholic, it's in California ("where all those liberals live!"), and it's in an "unsafe" area. She wanted my sister to go to Villanova but she didn't get in so she's sort of living vicariously through me. Weird. I was unable to visit so I had to resort to asking people I knew who have been to the campus about safety and most said it wasn't too bad. </p>

2

<p>Wow that was really long… </p>

3

<p>What is the net price at each school after grants and scholarships?</p>

<p>What is the net price from the net price calculator at each school for the hypothetical of your sister no longer in college?</p>

<p>Based on that, you can estimate your total cost for eight semesters of each school. Also, check with USC about doing a semester of community college this fall; if allowed, and you choose courses carefully, you can then transfer the credits and have to pay for only seven semesters of USC.</p>

<p>If the price is similar, why does your mother want you to go to Villanova? However, it seems like price is not the real reason, because (as a NJ resident) you could otherwise attend Rutgers (with its very respectable computer science and engineering) for a lot less than Villanova.</p>

<p>So your question is not really about the merits of the school options, but about family drama between you and your mother.</p>

4

<p>If the money difference is 5 or 6K, and your parents will foot it or if you can still take out a loan, go for USC. Don’t look back. It’s a much better school.</p>

5

<p>Show your parents USC’s US News rankings (#23 in the US) and the ARWU rankings for computer science (#10 in the world.) Most of us here don’t really put much faith in rankings, but maybe your parents won’t know any better and will be impressed.</p>

<p>It is an expensive school. Don’t take that lightly. Travel expenses are going to be only a small amount when compared with tuition, room and board.</p>

6

<p>You say “if I want to transfer to USC in the Spring” You’re not thinking of going to Villanova for one semester and then going to USC right? If you choose USC you should work or take some transferable courses or both…check with USC first to make sure what they will allow…that way you won’t be too far behind and can easily catch up and graduate on time. Good luck!</p>

7

<p>USC is a far superior school than Villanova. Its undergraduate resources, student diversity, and social life trump Villanova. It’s worth it to defer a semester to go there. </p>

8

<p>You need to nail down the cost. The 10k merit stays each year. The need based will change/go away when sister graduates. Have you use the NPC? Use it to cost out each year. Report back.</p>

<p>Also USC will be a great career move for CS. You can get research work possibly when you are too inexperienced to do an internship and it will help you build a resume. You very likely will be able to get a well paid summer job at some point and you can pledge some of that to the cost. The alum network will be great. I would ask your parents to let you have the superior opportunity for your future and let you grow and experience new things. Also mention skyping and such. Stay calm., Make your presentation.</p>

<p>My friend works there and campus public safety is very communicative. She tells me there are instant alerts if there are any incidents so everyone knows what’s up. She is pretty suprised how little alerts there are. Occasional smart phone snatching. Let me know if I can ask her anything, she happens to be right here now.</p>