<p>Hello everyone, I was wondering if I could get some feedback from you guys, it would be very helpful. </p>
<p>I have been accepted to both Columbia's and USC's City Planning programs (GSAPP & SPPD) for 2011-2013, and need to make a decision by april 15th. Both schools are giving me a scholarship (Columbia - 14k, USC a little more - 20k), and both are ranked highly (USC is in Planetizen's top 10, why isn't Columbia?). Is Columbia considered an inferior program by people in the industry?</p>
<p>It's a very tough decision for me - I have always wanted to live in New York, but I'm afraid of taking on too many loans and not finding work after finishing my education. Lots of people in LA (where I live) seem to have a very high opinon of Columbia, solely based on general reputation and name recognition. </p>
<p>I want to concentrate on Urban Design/International and Sustainable planning, and I was wondering if any one of you knows about the strengths of these programs. Some of the factors that I would appreciate hearing about are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Alumni Networks</li>
<li>Job Placement & Career Services</li>
<li>National Reputation (which graduate is likely to get an interview)</li>
<li>Strength of Design/International program</li>
<li>Variety of research opportunities</li>
<li>Attitudes and attention towards students from faculty and advisors</li>
<li>Toughness of the coursework (USC has an exam, Columbia has a Thesis)</li>
<li>Possibilities or Research Assistantships, TA-ing, Paid internships, work opportunities that would strengthen the resume.</li>
</ul>
<p>My financial situation isn't amazing, so I'm looking at taking on loans either way. Has anyone ever been able to get additional scholarships (except the school's own merit-based scholarships?) How about negotiating additional scholarship awards?</p>
<p>Finally, if any of you have worked in HR in a firm/non-profit/public sector, which of these programs is more likely to impress and get me an interview? </p>
<p>Thanks for any responses</p>
<ul>
<li>Greg </li>
</ul>
<p>P.S. - Columbia-specific question - I would do the 2 year Urban Planning program, not the Arch/Urban Design 3 year program. Does this mean that I will have no opportunities to work on Urban Design as an UP student?</p>