<p>I think you need to weigh the costs/ benefits of attending both schools. If the additional cost of attending USC is not a factor in your decision, then go to USC for a number of reasons:
1] You will probably have a much easier time getting the classes you need/ want at USC than at UC. With the current economic crisis in Calif, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are cutbacks throughout the UC system, which could mean it could take you a lot longer to graduate from Berkeley than you anticipate.
2] If $$ is an issue, have you checked to see how many required “general education” classes you will have to take at USC, and factored that into how much it will cost you to graduate?
3]Housing around Berkeley is not the greatest and you will probably have to live off campus as a transfer, plus housing costs are more expensive in Nor cal than SCal.
4]The alumni support network at USC is huge in Calif. and could be a very helpful to you in landing a business related job once you graduate. If you are aiming eventually for an MBA, you will be expected to work full time for a couple of years before applying to business school programs.
5] transferring into a new school/area IS tough, and it will be harder without a support network of friends nearby. My son started at USC 2 years ago, and for numerous reasons decided he wanted to go to a more “serious” school, so he transfered to U of Chicago, where in short order he realized he was miserable , in great part because he missed his friends/ lifestyle in SCal more than he had anticipated. He is back at USC, working hard, and is very glad to have had the opportunity to return to USC. </p>
<p>There are LOADS of smart students at USC these days, and the school is committed to improving the education undergraduates receive, so I don’t think you will miss much if you go to Berkeley for UG.</p>