<p>The OP probably isn’t concerned about the area - he appears to be pursuing a Master’s degree via “distance learning” (online classes).
</a></p>
<p>The answers might be different if people offering suggestions knew that the OP is interested in online graduate programs. (And OP, why ask about USC’s program if you are already in it? Wouldn’t you know more than most???)</p>
<p>theimage, </p>
<p>are you actually from Hong Kong? Why do you want to settle in Hong Kong in the future? And I agree with researchamb that USC does have a very strong network in Southern California. Its reputation in Hong Kong is also good. My aunt, who works for a big company in Hong Kong, heard of USC. Don’t worry =]</p>
<p>I don’t think USC is that well-regarded in HK. I know USC is a fantastic school, but I would not say it is well-regarded in HK, let alone in mainland China, or even in Taiwan and in countries around or east and southeast of China. </p>
<p>UCLA is definitely more regarded than USC in practically anywhere in Asia. And Berkeley is more regarded than UCLA. For some Asians, Berkeley is synonymous to Ivy League and many top, extremely smart Asians would rather attend Berkeley than a real Ivy (except HYS).</p>
<p>Going back to USC: I think it is a regional school. But where it is situated in, it is a top class school with very loyal alumni.</p>
<p>Berkeley should be your first choice. We are the first research university in the state and the flag ship UC. This is particularly a beneficial school no matter where you end up.
USC is very prominent in the state of California and in other places throughout the nation. The fact some people say it’s unknown is not in touch with the real world, because USC has plenty of national appeal due to their football program. </p>
<p>UCLA is just a blah school. I recommend you read this controversial thread about UCLA. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-los-angeles/770864-deterioration-ucla.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-los-angeles/770864-deterioration-ucla.html</a></p>
<p>If the OP wants to settle in cali, then the prestige and alum network of the school in Cali should matter the most. USC is definitely considered a top tier institution, on the same caliber as UCLA and perhaps slightly less prestigious than Berkeley and Stanford.</p>
<p>I am from Hong Kong and now lives in California. Here is how I would rate the schools,</p>
<ol>
<li>UC Berkeley</li>
<li>UCLA</li>
<li>USC</li>
</ol>
<p>I have many reasons to rate them in that order which I don’t have time to go into now. There are many reasons in choosing a college. My son was accepted to all 3 this year and will be attending UCLA.</p>
<p>Be sure and read Baibois previous posts before taking his UCLA bashing seriously. Loves to post his little “deterioration” link whenever he can.</p>
<p>^^^ I agree. UCLA is an excellent school although I would rate Berkeley higher…</p>
<p>It all depends on what major you are after. If you are focused enough to get into any of these schools, you are focused enough to look at each department individually. This sort of ranking battle is just silly.</p>
<p>
Having never been to Hong Kong, I cannot help with that question at all, but RML, it seems a bit much to say an institution ranked in the top 30 nationwide - out of more than 3,000+ institutions of higher learning in the US - is a “regional” school. I am guessing at least a few people outside of USC’s “region” have heard of it…</p>
<p>for most departments it’s pretty much
UCB > UCLA > USC</p>
<p>but the OP is talking about prestige in SoCal and HK. even so, the prestige/network is pretty much UCB >> UCLA >>>>>>> USC</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure many people in Hong Kong heard of USC since I lived in Hong Kong before, and many of my friends actually heard of USC. However, I still have to admit that UCLA’s reputation is a bit better than USC’s, even though I’m sure you will have no problem in finding a job in Hong Kong/California with a USC degree.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I live an hour away from both UCLA and USC, I can say I have some level of credibility when it comes to my knowledge of UCLA because my sister went to UCLA for 4 years, so I’ve known what it’s like; for USC my father and a neighbor both went there.</p>
<p>Also, the thing is, the trojan network is only useful if you live in california, since that’s where a majority of the USC people are. If you go to a different state or even another country, people might not know what the trojan network is; they may even think it’s a virus of some sort.</p>
<p>^oh really? 
But people whom I know actually think USC is one of the best schools in America. They are from Hong Kong though. (UCLA is still > USC, but it depends on what country.)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>It depends more on the major than the “brand-name schools”.</p>
<p>Example: People assume UC Berkeley is better than UC San Diego, but in reality, UCSD offers a better medical program than that offered at Berkeley.</p>
<p>Seeing as how your friends are from Hong Kong, they probably haven’t been able to visit the college campus themselves, and so a fallacy builds up.</p>
<p>Also, imo, UCLA and USC are equal overall, but there’s a lot of Trojan/Bruin Rivalry in California.</p>
<p>
That’s because UCB doesn’t HAVE a medical program. UCSF is the medical school in the Bay Area, and they are separate from Berkeley.</p>