Journalism: USC vs. Northwestern

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>I'm from the Midwest, and I'm interested in majoring in broadcast journalism. I want to combine that with political science and, if possible, business as well as pre-law.</p>

<p>I've been accepted to both USC and Northwestern, and USC has offered me about twice the amount of scholarships/grants that Northwestern has.</p>

<p>Since I live in the Midwest, most people aren't as familiar with Annenberg here. Regardless, going to a school that'll give me opportunities for internships and connections is very important to me. I've heard so much about how Northwestern's Medill graduates are swamped with job offers upon earning their degrees. In your experience, is it the same way with Annenberg?</p>

<p>Basically, I want to see whether by going to Annenberg (and USC in general) I'd be giving up anything as far as opportunities for internships, connections, and prestige go (when compared to Northwestern).</p>

<p>Knowing all of this, and knowing that I'm interested in a combination of broadcast journalism, poli sci, business, and pre-law, I'd appreciate your input.</p>

2

<p>USC's connections (alumni networking) are rather strong but in terms of journalism, I'm sure both schools are up to par.</p>

3

<p>someone on USC Annenberg staff recently came from Northwestern's staff and she said that the two schools were on par . . . I was there recently for a scholarship event and I was equally impressed with Annenberg and Northwestern. Also, USC has a huge Alumni network</p>

4

<p>are those two schools considered academic equals (in terms of journalism)..or does northwestern have the upper hand?</p>

5

<p>Northwestern is definitely more well-known over here on the East coast...I think in terms of prestige, Northwestern has been /the/ school for journalism for quite some time. But, prestige shouldn't make you choose one over the other. Northwestern obviously has excellent academics, but I've heard USC's best programs are film and communications...I'm curious about how challenged/prepared USC print journalism majors are feeling, because Northwestern is my top choice school, USC a close second. It'll be a dream come true and a tough choice if I'm accepted to both schools!</p>

6

<p>northwestern</p>

7

<p>is it harder to get into annenberg than other schools at USC?</p>

8

<p>I think Marshall is the most selective school at USC.</p>

9

<p>ohh. i should probably rephrase my question: is it harder to get into USC if I apply to Annenberg than it is if i apply undeclared?</p>

10

<p>No. If you dont get into Annenberg you will automatically be considered undeclared so you might as well at least try for it. (Oh, BTW dragon, i think that CNTV is the most difficult)</p>

11

<p>I am a current Annenberg student playing on my friend's account, and I wanted to make sure you got all of the particulars on my phenomenal school.</p>

<p>First of all, if you're broadcast (or BROJO, as we've so affectionately dubbed it), Annenberg is the only place you should be considering. ATVN, the student-run TV station, is considered one of the best in the nation. Emmy award-winning journalists teach your classes by day and anchor the news by night. Plus, Annenberg's strategic location in the heart of Los Angeles means unparalleled opportunities for hands-on work experience. Arguably one of the biggest communications capitals of the world, LA is positively teeming with successful USC alumni who come regularly to campus to recruit from Annenberg's promising new crop of students.</p>

<p>Annenberg admission is competitive, I'll admit it--particularly for the journalism disciplines: print, broadcast and PR. These require a statement of intent to accompany the USC application, as I'm sure you already know, and the admissions officers do actually read them. If you aren't admitted as an incoming freshman, you can always reapply. BUT please note that it is easier (so I've observed) to get in to Annenberg as an incoming freshman than going in undeclared and transferring into the school. By the way, Northwestern's Medill is a great school too, particularly for print. But truth be told, I know more than one Annenberg student (mostly broadcast, come to think of it) who chose Annenberg over Medill, in spite of the latter's reputation. </p>

<p>Also, a little note on the Annenberg Scholars program. It is not something you can apply for, but if chosen, in your freshman year you will be presented with some amazing opportunities. If you can't already tell, I am one of these lucky Annenberg Scholars, and in my first month at Annenberg I got to meet none other than Walter Cronkite (and I almost fainted). As a Scholar, you are afforded some unbelievable oppurtunities: for example, a group of twelve Scholars were invited to attend the IWMF's Courage in Journalism Awards as guests of the Dean at the Beverly Wilshire last November. In addition to a free $200 dinner plate, we got to meet Julie Chen, Larry King, and some of the bravest and most inspiring international women journalists in the world. USC in general has professional connections unlike any other in the nation, and Annenberg is no exception.</p>

<p>Annenberg is very prestigious, and still on the rise, if you really care about that sort of thing. Marshall, too, is ranked near the top of its field. But Annenberg admissions are definitely more competitive than Marshall's--otherwise, how would nearly half of the university be majoring in business? Marshall has no supplemental application. Annenberg's statement of intent is meant to evaluate journalistic promise, and even more than that, journalistic passion. Journalism is a hard-core business, but if you love it, you'll love Annenberg (and Medill too). </p>

<p>So, in brief: Annenberg for broadcast, hands down. The location and connections are just too awesome to pass up. Medill for print if you're positive that print is the medium for you--and Annenberg if you want to dabble in broadcast or PR. I really hope this helps. Annenberg is the reason I chose USC, and I've never regretted it...in fact, most days, I just smile and think how gosh darn lucky I am to be here.</p>

12

<p>wow..thank you for your very poignant and optimistic description :) do you know anything more about print journalism at annenberg and how succesful students from that major are?</p>

13

<p>I would second most of what ooohnelle said. I am also an Annenberg Scholar, and agree USC’s location does give you access to some amazing stuff. For example, students were invited to an advance screening of “Good Night, and Good Luck” last fall. The film was followed by a panel discussion that included George Clooney himself, and was moderated by the dean of the Annenberg school. </p>

<p>However, for students interested in broadcast, Annenberg is not without its weaknesses. I certainly wouldn’t call the ATVN show the best in the nation. (You can view it online at ATVN.org.) Broadcast facilities are also sorely outdated. The studio used for the live broadcasts is housed in one of the oldest buildings on campus, and equipment like the studio cameras are perhaps two decades old. There are apparently requests in next year’s budget for some upgrades, but I have yet to see anything materialize. </p>

<p>Just from a quick walk through Northwestern’s new journalism building two years ago, their sets and equipment looked much more modern. However, I can’t speak for the faculty of the two schools, and I haven’t taken any upper-level broadcast classes here yet. Still, I would argue that technology makes up a big part of broadcast, and the facilities of a school should be considered in any decision.</p>

14

<p>is that the only factor you're considering?
or maybe you'd think about the location of the schools?</p>

<p>i'm pro NU - Medill though - more wellknown</p>

15

<p>I may have spoken too soon when talking about the Annenberg broadcast facilities. Just this week, a decision has come down from the top that grants major funds for new studio cameras, a new video switcher, and a new digital server to house all of the video content. They have promised to have things up and running by this fall.</p>