In Need of Some Perspective: UCLA vs. USC

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
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<p>I know one of these has been started before, but it deteriorated into a big cesspool of inane arguments.</p>

<p>I'm trying to decide between USC and UCLA right now, and I feel like most of what I've heard about the two is biased toward USC. As such I'm posting this among the UCLA threads to see if I can hear some good things about UCLA as well. Throughout my four years of high school, I'd always placed UCLA above USC, fully convinced that USC truly is the University of Spoiled Children, and that it would be full of bros. Having grown up a bit since then, and having attended USC's open house, I discovered this was not true. I'd really prefer not to have trolls in here or overzealous students from either school. Input from students who have attended both would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>As far as my financial situation goes, I would be paying almost the same for either school. USC gave me half-tuition, and UCLA gave me nothing. From what I've heard, on average the class sizes at USC are smaller, and it is easier to get to know your professors. I have yet to visit UCLA, but I've been to USC and I liked the "feel" of it. I'm majoring in mechanical engineering, and from what I can the two schools are pretty even. What's really drawing me to USC right now is the whole "Trojan Family" concept. I experienced this firsthand when a random USC alumnus offered me to buy me a cup of coffee upon seeing my USC welcome packet. I think at least within Socal, the USC network would be extremely helpful.</p>

<p>Right now I'm leaning toward USC, but I'm not bashing on UCLA or anything. I'd really like to hear more about UCLA as well.</p>

2

<p>You’ve done your homework.</p>

<p>However, within the SoCal, either the “USC network” or the UCLA network are helpful. USC alums are almost rabid in their idolation of anything USC – I’m not saying that in a bad way, because it really is helpful in networking. My dad went to USC as an undergrad (he used to say it was the happiest 6 years of his life!), then went to UCLA for law school. He remained a true Trojan his entire life. He taught me their fight song and every other school’s drinking song. Ironically, I can still remember the words to the USC fight song (and the Stanford drinking song), but still have difficulty remembering all of the words to the Sons of Westwood (music and some lyrics stolen from Cal’s Big C song), even with the teleprompter at football and basketball games!</p>

<p>Come visit UCLA, and then decide.</p>

<p>My guess is that because you felt the “fit” when visiting USC, it’s not going to change. See you in November when we try to beat you at the Rose Bowl!</p>

3

<p>Hey! I’m practically in the same boat as you, and I don’t have much to offer information-wise, but it sounds to me like you’re more drawn towards USC. If you’re paying about the same tuition, you might as well pay for the private college! The UCs have suffered from major cuts as you probably know, and if you don’t have priority registration, it’s going to be tougher to get your classes, on top of rising costs. (USC’s loans increase per year as well)</p>

<p>Just to let you the Trojan family applies more to certain majors and (maybe) not at all to others. For example, the business and cinema majors need the networking to meet people and get a job, whereas a biological science major probably won’t get those sort of connections.</p>

<p>For mechanical engineering you’d do well at both schools. If you’re paying about the same, choose the school you like best! :)</p>

<p>In my case, I will be paying about 8k less/year at USC, so I don’t really know what to choose ><</p>

4

<p>What is your major?<br>
If you want to do business, I would say go with USC. UCLA really only has one or two business programs (econ and accounting) for undergrads where as USC has an abundance of different programs (accounting, entrepreneurship, marketing, etc…).</p>

<p>Also, check you financial aid to make sure it is GUARANTEED for 4 years. I’ve heard of students at some schools not reading the fine print on scholarships like this and then “reverse transferring” to a community college because they couldn’t afford it. </p>

<p>Overall, if financials are roughly the same, go with USC. USC is a great school with great programs, however it is not worth 50k (just like UCLA isn’t worth 50k for out of state students).</p>

5

<p>A few points:</p>

<p>Nationally, the UCLA name is more renowned. Clearly this doesn’t matter if you plan on living in SoCal your whole life. However, if you desire a career on the East Coast, a degree from a top UC really does go far (and I’m saying this from recent experience applying for jobs with a top consulting firms). Fortunately or unfortunately, name still does matter nowadays.</p>

<p>The people- and more importantly, the demographics of the people- are very different at the two schools. UCLA is a public school (duh lol) and therefore draws primarily from public high schools; as such, most of the students are from more modest backgrounds (though there are certainly some exceptions). At USC, many of the students come from private high schools, and therefore are from more wealthy backgrounds (though again, there are exceptions). You may not feel the difference at an admit weekend when everyone puts on a good face, but it may be more apparent down the line.</p>

<p>My UCLA experience has been great because of my interactions with my fellow students. I could have received a world-class academic experience at any of the schools on my ‘final list,’ which included two of the top private universities in America, but the people here are so down-to-earth, incredibly intelligent and friendly that it has reminded me, on a daily basis, of the greatness that is within us all. For that, I would trade nothing. </p>

<p>So my advice is, go where you feel the best fit with the people; they will, after all, be the ones you think of 30 years down the line when you’re reflecting on ‘the good ole’ days.’ Rankings and prestige aside, the best schools are the ones that understand that a university is only as strong as its students. As such, your decision should ultimately begin and end with wherever you think your interpersonal interactions will be most rewarding. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

6

<p>Hey I’m in the exact same situation as afcartman (half scholarship to usc and mech engineering, what a coincidence haha). Anyways my deal is that I want to apply to an MBA program on the east coast as soon after my undergrad as possible. </p>

<p>nose2Dgrind, could you give me some help? How much of a difference would it make in admissions?</p>

7

<p>^ I’m either attending Marshall or Haas next year (transferring from a JC). There are pros and cons to each school, aside from the tuition. If you wanna get an MBA from Stern, Wharton, or Harvard, then go to Haas and do well. But that will be hard to do since Haas has a devastating grading curve. You would be more impressive if you graduated from Marshall with a 4.0, even though it’s ranked lower than Haas.</p>

8

<p>People’s replies are leaning towards USC, because it has became a better option. It’s especially more apparent with UCLA’s budget cuts. No one wants to have added stress of fighting for class room space and paying more fees. </p>

<p>I go to Berkeley, graduating next year, and I doubt I would have entered as a freshmen in this economic climate. The UCs are in the mist of changing the university with radical polices, such as adding online courses and bringing down the 4 year degree (which is more of a 6 year degree) to a 3 year degree. My gut is telling me if these polices are implemented it will severely lessen the UCs reputation. Point being, the state of CA is broke, thus it’s not a good time to go to a UC. If USC is throwing money at you, take it and enjoy college as it’s suppose to be enjoyed.</p>

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<p>Good info thanks!</p>

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<p>

I find that amusing, considering that you attend neither school. </p>

<p>I personally know of ZERO people at UCLA who have taken 6 years to graduate. And I’m pretty involved, so I know a lot of people from many different disciplines. The only people I know who have taken 5 years are those who changed their major at the end of their junior year, or who did diddly squat for 2 years. And, quite frankly, thats their own fault. This seems to be more of a problem at Cal, at least according to my friends there. </p>

<p>I love UCLA, and wouldn’t trade my experience for a full-ride anywhere (and I’m paying for much of my education on my own, so that’s saying a lot). UC is not going down the tank, because the student body is still so strong. Simply put, we won’t allow it. So unless you want to transfer to UCLA and see how it really works here, I suggest you stop painting all UCs with such a broad brush. </p>

<p>Withbky: I think if you are applying to grad schools, both of the schools will serve you well. My point was more about going directly into the job field (when I applied for the consulting jobs, both firms mentioned immediately that they were impressed with the strength and rigor of my undergraduate degree from UCLA; I felt that this was definitely a plus on my resume. While USC has a fantastic regional reputation, I think it has a little ways to go before it is considered on-par with Cal/UCLA nationally). Big, East Coast firms tend to target their recruiting to Ivy League type schools in that part of the country, so if you want to have a shot from elsewhere, having the name of another top school on your resume is important. Grad schools will be more familiar with a variety of schools, though, so I don’t think going to USC would hurt you at all. Like any school, it’s what you do with your experience that matters more than a slight difference in prestige or ranking. </p>

<p>Hope that helps! Feel free to message me with any additional Qs, and congrats on getting admitted to 2 great schools!</p>

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<p>I have several friends and family that attend or attended UCLA and my sister currently goes to USC. Further, Berkeley and UCLA are in the same system and experiencing the same problems. I believe my opinion has plenty merit to it.</p>

<p>Here is some reading material that backs my prior post. It applies to all UCs.
<a href=“http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/article/23070[/url]”>http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/article/23070&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>oh, god. Bayboi10 is a known ■■■■■ and takes every opportunity to scream that THE SKY IS FALLING!</p>

<p>Take his opinions and falsehoods with a grain of salt.</p>

13

<p>I’m not familiar enough with CC to know about the ■■■■■■, but Bayboi’s link is quite distressing.</p>

14

<p>It’s the nature of budget situations. Everything is up for discussion. If you honestly believe that UCLA/UCB will turn into University of Pheonix and start throwing out 3 year degrees, don’t attend.</p>

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<p>In California, it’s a wash. There are tons of grads from both UCLA and USC currently working in major companies at very high level positions.</p>

<p>A case in point. When I was working for a top specialty consulting firm right out of college, we had two UCB grads, two UCLA grads (one with U of Chicago MBA), one USC analyst, one USC MBA VP, one executive VP with UCLA MBA, and one Vice Executive VP with Loyola Marymount Law degree.</p>

<p>On a side note, when I was applying and interviewing for a single position as a financial analyst job, more than 120 people applied from nationwide, and only 12 people were selected for interviews. In the end, only two people made it to the final rounds of interview - both UCLA seniors. While I had much stronger work experience with lower GPA (3.4), the other candidate was a very smooth and polite young man double-majoring in econ and english lit with much higher GPA.</p>

<p>But those superficial elements are basically thrown out the window when the final interview bell rings. It is all about fits, and I became the fortunate one to snag the job.</p>

<p>The pay was very competitive, in line with some of the major consulting firm (McKinsey, Bain, etc). Actually, my base was same (45K back then), more signing bonus (8K), and a little less the-end-of-year-bonus (12K).</p>

<p>Anyway, going back to the originial topic, it makes sense to go to UCLA if you are planning to explore some international work experience.</p>

<p>Here in Asia, it is all about UCB and UCLA.</p>

<p>When I interviewed at Boston Consulting Korea back in 2001, I had a senior director exclaiming “Another Bruin in our office!”. I later realized that many, many people at BCG Korea had either UCLA undergraduate degrees or UCLA MBA degree.</p>

<p>It is interesting to note that the senior director who exclaimed at me when he was going through my resume did not go to UCLA actually said the word “BRUIN”, not UCLA. So I assume that he knew pretty much about UCLA and its culture.</p>

<p>As a private education consultant now for about five years (No, my life has not regressed at all compared to the days of “financial analyst” and “associate consultant”, since I am making about five times more than what I would have made working for those consulting firms), I have faced many, many fathers and mothers who specifically instructed me so that their sons and daughters would not apply to USC and NYU in particular. Many mid-aged people do have some prejudiced perception that it is still very easy to get into USC and NYU.</p>

<p>Given the progress made by both USC and NYU in recent years, their perceptions are indeed highly distorted and lacking some rational validity, but the harsh truth is that such mentality is not uncommon here.</p>

<p>Back when I applied to USC, the acceptance rate was whopping 70% range, whereas NYU it was like 60% range. I know these figures pretty well, since it is… it is MY JOB to collect such data on a daily basis. LOL</p>

<p>Once you are out of California and perhaps move to other countries, then you will see just how fortunate you are as a UCLA student.</p>

<p>It is just about the same in Japan and China, I assume. After all, I applied to a few places in Japan before I headed to Seoul, Korea, and I was offered a slew of interview offers within weeks. Unfortunately, they told me that the ability to fluently speak, read, and write Japanese was a must, thereby forcing me to abandon the interview offers.</p>

<p>As good as USC Marshall is advertised, the school has not been the most active feeder to investment banking industry or management consulting industry.</p>

<p>The knock on USC is that it is still considered a up-and-coming school, without any strong, firm establishment in the main stage of finance and business world. It was only recent that USC has received a double-digit growth of applicants from the East Coast. I believe that the breakthrough year was last year when USC received 50% more applicants from New Jersey than what the school received in the previous year. So while the trend is rosy, USC has not firmly established that it is a major national or international player, yet. </p>

<p>Granted, you will see many USC grads at Deloitte Consulting and KMPG, but these are not the cream of the crop consulting firms.</p>

<p>So to summarize this long-winded reply:</p>

<p>Go to USC if you value the PERCEIVED (the key word here is perceived, since you have to step up to take advantage of such academic opportunities on your own term) academic education typical of private school AND if you plan to settle down in Southern California.</p>

<p>Go to UCLA if you are sure that you will not be fazed or bothered at all by the number of students, yellow lines, pre-med mentality, or any other general weaknesses associated with public school system. As for me, I relished in the environment, seizing and taking advantage of all those big school opportunities. Moreover, I thrived on the social campus and academic areas, fully navigating a way to find my place in this big school.</p>

<p>With such challenges of managing your day-to-day schedule and the social skills learned from trying to establish your own territory in this big school, you will find the experience of studying at UCLA that much sweeter and worthwhile.</p>

<p>The phrase I often heard when I was a student at UCLA was that </p>

<p>“IF I CAN SURVICE HERE AT UCLA FOR FOUR YEARS, THEN I KNOW THAT I WILL THRIVE IN THE REAL WORLD FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.”</p>

<p>This should be the mentality for those daring enough to choose UCLA, the supposedly “big, huge, impersonal, cost-cutting, bureacratic, and decaying” public school system. :)</p>

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<p>Bruinlifer - I just finished reading your reply…and I have a question for you if you don’t mind! :slight_smile: About UCLA being much more recognized than USC, does this pertain to pre-health students as well, or mostly business, finance, etc. students that might go cross-country to find a job? I heard for a pre-med or health student, the graduate school ultimately matters more, so do I need to be as considerate of worldwide recognition for my undergraduate school? (I am choosing between UCLA and UC Davis, and don’t know how much to consider the prestige factor)</p>

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<p>Bruinlifer,</p>

<p>As an education consultant, you should be progressive and open-minded to help students with their future, and should not be enforcing stereotypes, especially should not pretend to be that way by the request of parents. If parents know all about the schools, why do they need you?</p>

<p>I am from China, so let’s talk about the prestiges of UCLA there. UCLA was perceived as a much better school than USC 10-15 years ago, but that is before Chinese people come to US in flocks. They all got their opinions from some Chinese living in US, who is highly likely graduating from a UC. </p>

<p>NOW, it is all about Ivies, top notched LACs, and Stanford, Berkeley, and MIT, etc. No one thinks UCLA is that prestigious any more besides being a good public school. Actually Berkeley is about a mile above UCLA when being measured for prestiges. Asian people is not that gullible to take a second tier US university to be an elite school, and they also learned to differentiate between undergrad and grad programs. </p>

<p>Now for the business world in Asia, I want to point to you a link <a href=“http://www.gmac.com/NR/rdonlyres/CB3A83E9-521F-4503-A4ED-ED61F848208E/0/AsianGeoTrendReport_20052009.pdf[/url]”>http://www.gmac.com/NR/rdonlyres/CB3A83E9-521F-4503-A4ED-ED61F848208E/0/AsianGeoTrendReport_20052009.pdf&lt;/a&gt;. I summarize some of the results below. Granted this is more like a popularity test, but USC won out, if not fared equally to, UCLA, and is having great peers in the rank of top 10s. UCLA Anderson is still recognized as a better school for MBAs than Marshall, but it is not like what Bruinlifer boasted to be. And if you talk about undergrad business majors, UCLA doesn’t have one, and no one (maybe one or two a year?) can get into top i-banking and consultant firms with a UCLA degree. So what is there to make you think UCLA grads have better business prospects than a Marshall grad, even if you ignore the fact that Marshall prepares you better for a business job.</p>

<p>For year 2009, the Asian Geographic Trend Report for GMAT® Examinees
(I omitted some stats with no UCLA and USC in)</p>

<p>Top 10 Schools to Which Chinese Citizens Sent Score Reports

  1. Columbia University
  2. Harvard University
  3. New York University
  4. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  5. University of Pennsylvania
  6. Chinese University of Hong Kong
  7. University of Southern California
  8. University of Illinois–Urbana Champaign
  9. Stanford University
  10. Boston College</p>

<p>USC 7 : NO UCLA</p>

<p>Top 10 Programs to Which Chinese Citizens Sent Score Reports in TY 2009
Harvard University, MBA
2. Columbia University, MBA
3. University of Pennsylvania, MBA
4. Stanford University, MBA
5. New York University, MBA
6. Yale University, MBA
7. University of Chicago, MBA
8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MBA
9. CEIBS (China Europe International Business School), MBA
10. University of Southern California, Master in Accounting</p>

<p>USC Leventhal 10 : UCLA none</p>

<p>Top 10 Schools to Which South Korean Citizens Sent Score Reports

  1. University of Pennsylvania
  2. Columbia University
  3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  4. Harvard University
  5. Stanford University
  6. New York University
  7. University of California–Berkeley
  8. Northwestern University
  9. Cornell University
  10. University of Southern California</p>

<p>USC 10 : No UCLA</p>

<p>Top 10 Schools to Which Taiwanese Citizens Sent Score Reports

  1. University of Illinois–Urbana Champaign
  2. New York University
  3. University of California–Los Angeles
  4. University of Southern California
  5. University of California–Berkeley
  6. Columbia University
  7. Boston University
  8. Purdue University
  9. University of Texas–Austin
  10. University of California–Irvine</p>

<p>USC 4 : UCLA 3
Too small a region to be statistically reliable</p>

<p>Table 17: Top 10* Programs to Which Taiwanese Citizens Sent Score Reports

  1. New York University, MBA
  2. University of California–Los Angeles, MBA
  3. University of California–Berkeley, MBA
  4. Columbia University, MBA
  5. University of Southern California, MBA
  6. University of Illinois–Urbana Champaign, MBA
  7. University of California–Irvine, MBA
  8. University of California–Riverside, MBA
  9. Stanford University, MBA
  10. Boston University, MBA</p>

<p>USC 5 : UCLA 2
Again too small a region to be …</p>

<p>Top 10 Schools to Which Japanese Citizens Sent Score Reports

  1. Stanford University
  2. University of California–Berkeley
  3. Northwestern University
  4. University of Pennsylvania
  5. Columbia University
  6. London Business School
  7. Harvard University
  8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  9. University of Southern California
  10. University of California–Los Angeles</p>

<p>USC 9 : UCLA 10</p>

<p>Top 10* Programs to Which Japanese Citizens Sent Score Reports

  1. University of California–Berkeley, MBA
  2. University of Pennsylvania, MBA
  3. Columbia University, MBA
  4. Northwestern University, MBA Two Year
  5. Stanford University, MBA
  6. University of California–Los Angeles, MBA
  7. Harvard University, MBA
  8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MBA
  9. London Business School, MBA
  10. New York University, MBA</p>

<p>USC none : UCLA 6</p>

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<p>QW533, “As an education consultant, you should be progressive and open-minded to help students with their future, and should not be enforcing stereotypes.”</p>

<p>Go read my post one more time and tell me precisely where I am ENFORCING stereotypes?</p>

<p>And slowly read your post throughly once again and please enlighten me why you are infesting this board with POPULARITY CONTEST statistical data when such data were not the focus of the OP’s highly subjective question?</p>

19

<p>Er, how did this thread become some sort of weird barometer on what the Asian community currently trends?</p>

<p>Some poor guy is looking for concrete answers to a tough question and you serve this self-centered garbage? Please re-read the original post. </p>

<p>Selfish much?</p>

20

<p>haha it’s fine this has all been very helpful.</p>