<p>This may seem like a no brainer (people literally go "you're rejecting USC?!?!" at me) but I'm seriously having trouble deciding between the two. The major factors, I would think, are the differences in campus life, environment, cost and the programs themselves.</p>
<p>IIT is the smaller school where I got the feeling that everybody knew everybody (almost). They have a work-study (co-op) program that is even open to internationals so I could get a paid internship to help pay for school, etc. I got the chance to visit a couple weeks ago and I have to say I'm not a huge fan of the neighborhood the campus is in - my mom seems to think it's a little sketchy too - even though we were assured it's very safe and nothing has ever happened. Overall I liked the feeling that the community was pretty tight-knit but I didn't feel like I could live there for 5 yrs or so. IIT is also giving me a 6k scholarship which makes it almost 15k cheaper than USC per year. </p>
<p>USC is obviously the bigger school with the bigger international rep and extensive alumni network. I'm not sure how big the program is and how many students the average class has (anybody have any info on this?), but in case I get second thoughts about getting the full BArch, after 2 years I can go into a BSc in Arch and get a more well rounded education. I'm pretty sure USC has that 4+2 program too with the Bachelor's & Master's in 6 years (please correct me if I'm wrong). Also, being in LA I get the general feeling that the environment is a lot nicer with palm trees and sunlight, etc. In terms of the campus/social life at USC, is there a huge party scene? I'm not a party-type person and don't want to be distracted by all that. With USC I also think there'll be more opportunities in general for things like events, clubs, intramural sports, student organizations and even a wider range of classes I could choose from for my elective credits.</p>
<p>I missed the scholarship deadline for USC (couldn't finish portfolio in time) so for at least the first year I'm paying the full 50k. IIT comes down to about 36k. Money is not an issue but I've been wondering for the past 2 weeks whether or not spending 50k/year for undergrad is really worth it. </p>
<p>Also, there are a lot of scholarships at USC - does anyone know how hard it is to get these for sophomore year and onwards?</p>
<p>So, opinions please! What do you think?</p>
<p>yea, i got into USC also. I plan to attend there. I will be working on my BArch also. Did you apply for housing yet? and if so, did you go for the art and architecture floor on the arts and humanities building?</p>
<p>USC- party: I would think it is a big party school. because I mean, its usc. everyone knows who you are. haha. but you know, its in LA and everything. Big city and just the whole atmosphere. </p>
<p>I dont know much about IIT. But I’m definitely gonna give you this one piece of advice:
Be open to everything, where ever you go. You may not be a big party person ( I’m not one), but you’ll have to be willing to break free and just enjoy yourself in all aspects school, clubs, parties, etc. Personally I look foward to the parties and all that stuff. I will definitely be focused on my school work, but i really want to get a “new start” and i can’t wait to start.</p>
<p>have you received your financial aid packet? (anyone that knows how long this takes to get home, please let me/us know)</p>
<p>Thanks for reading - I was about to bump it from the lack of responses ><</p>
<p>Just outta curiosity, where else did you get offers from and why’d you decide USC over all those other places? No, I haven’t applied for anything yet - I’m still deciding, lol. If I do pick USC though I might go for the Arch floor…but I’m not sure. I mean if you’re going to be around architecture students all day/most of the time wouldn’t it be nice to make some friends outside of the program? That’s just what my first thought was. And since I will be under 18 (I skipped a grade) I think I’ll apply for Dean’s Hall, if they let me 'cause technically I wasn’t any of those “scholars” they listed in the brochure…</p>
<p>Yea, in terms of LA schools I’ve heard that UCLA has the bigger party reputation. I was just wondering if USC was the same, slightly different or whatever. </p>
<p>I’m not sure I’ll even be getting a financial aid packet…I’m an international and like I said I couldn’t finish my portfolio in time for the Dec 1st scholarship application deadline so I don’t think they’re gonna give me anything. I’m not sure what their loan policy is though, so I might get a loan?</p>
<p>well, I chose USC for a few reasons.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I applied to a bunch of big name schools, and i only got into USC and UC Davis.</p></li>
<li><p>at UCD I would be studying civil engineering, and i really really rather study architecture.</p></li>
<li><p>USC is better than UCD.</p></li>
<li><p>USC is a great accomplishment, and it was only second in my choices to MIT. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>and im gonna stop numbering (lol), but yea I know that USC has a great architecture program, and they’re investing in it, which makes it a WHOLE LOT better.</p>
<p>I currently live about 2 hrs driving south of USC. So its close to home, but far enough.</p>
<p>I’d advise you to apply for housing. Its only $30 (us) for the application. And you don’t have to commit to USC when you send the application. You won’t be able to refund your $30, but if you end up going to USC, you have greater chances of getting into the housing of your choice if you apply earlier.</p>
<p>As far as partying, I’m sure they both have their great deal, but my money is on biggest parties being off campus, so you’d probably be with people from both schools anyway. lol.</p>
<p>Yea I wasn’t a “scholar” either, so don’t sweat it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the heads up about the housing application. Maybe I’ll send that one in first, like you said, pshh $30. Are you applying for the Art/Arch floor?</p>
<p>That’s a good point you have there about partying…</p>
<p>I think I’m leaning more towards USC than IIT at the moment but I’d probably have to speak with the 'rents to see what they think.</p>
<p>Btw, do you happen to know any of the department’s stats in terms of average class size? I’d hate to be stuck in a whole bunch of classes where the prof doesn’t even know your name…but I’m sure that’s less of an issue with arch considering all the studio classes, right?</p>
<p>yea i applied for the art/arch floor. i really hope to get in. plus i read this thing, that there, they have sound proof walls, partying doesnt happen as much there as in the other dorms where its kinda forced on you. plus bigger rooms and we get 2 bathrooms per suite of 4 rooms/ 8 people. where the other buildings are older than that one, and most have 1 bathroom for everyone of one gender. </p>
<p>im not sure about the exact numbers but i read that there is a 9:1 student to faculty ratio (total, not per class). and that there are either no classes taught by TAs, or less than most colleges.</p>
<p>do you have aim? if so, whats your sn?</p>
<p>Really? Soundproof walls? That’s pretty cool…where’d you see this? </p>
<p>Is the 9:1 for the arch department? 'Cause I’m pretty sure it isn’t that low for the entire school…I saw around 13 or 14:1 for USC a whole. </p>
<p>No, sorry I don’t have AIM…how about Google’s Gchat thing (it’s bulit into Gmail) or MSN?</p>
<p>i read it either in the housing booklet or on the housing website ([Housing</a> Options](<a href=“http://housing.usc.edu%5DHousing”>http://housing.usc.edu))</p>
<p>umm idk, i just read 9:1 student to faculty i think but idk.</p>
<p>google chat sounds good. email: <a href="mailto:luis.cool@gmail.com">luis.cool@gmail.com</a></p>
<p>i might not be on, but you can send me an email if you’d like.</p>