<p>"@Bluebayou : USC is definitely toward the top of my list because of the half-tuition scholarship they give. It also seems like a really diverse place, and I feel like I’d be able to fit in well there. I’ve always really enjoyed California, so I’m really happy with the location even if it’s not in the nicest part of Los Angeles. The more I read into Cal, the less practical it seems. I think I’ve been disillusioned by its prestige/pretty campus. Maybe Dartmouth is a little to party-heavy/greek for me. I really appreciate your input by the way, and I’m flattered by the list of suggestions you gave to me(Stanford is my absolute dream school)."</p>
<p>Well, you sound just like my DS, who applied to S, C, D and USC in 2006. 7 years ago I might not have even considered USC for my very smart, quiet intellectual son [ U of Chicago was considered by all who knew him as THE place for him] . But when we visited USC , we were impressed. USC is one of the best U’s for really smart students these days, not just because of the scholarships, but because of everything else that they offer-small Honors class for top students [ and there are a lot of NMF’s there] , top profs who love to teach and work with students, multiple intense research opportunities in every area, a diverse population of motivated, smart kids , great weather all year round, and it is nice that it is relatively close to home, instead of clear across the country.
DS did not even apply to any UCs 7 years ago[ we had gotten wind of the statewide UC cutbacks that soon happened] and was accepted everywhere he applied except Stanford[ deferred and finally rejected by his dream school] , decided against Dartmouth for the same reasons as you stated, and went to USC on a full tuition scholarship. He did take a little detour to Chicago the first semester of his Sophomore year, realized that it was not where he wanted to be, and happily transferred back to USC, where he graduated with Honors .
He is now at CalTech, doing his PHD. USC was a great experience for him, and having a big scholarship was just icing on the cake.
Be SURE to apply before their Dec 1 scholarship deadline and you might be lucky enough to win one of the 140 full tuition scholarships too!</p>