Northwestern vs. USC full-tuition scholarship

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I apologize for writing such a long post, but I'm in a bit of a pickle and I would really appreciate some advice from all you knowledgeable CCers. In the fall, I'll be a freshman majoring in print journalism and sociology, but I'm having a hard time choosing between Northwestern (Medill) and USC (Annenberg). </p>

<p>My top choice has always been Northwestern - apart from its prestige and reputation, the school is located close to a great city, Medill's journalism program is stellar, and I think graduating from NU will open the door to numerous opportunities on the East Coast (which is where I envision myself living in the future). Besides the undesirable weather and the stereotypes/issues that I hear about occasionally (NU is full of nerds who don't have fun, dichotomy between North and South Campus, no school spirit, dating scene is lamentable - a lot of problems, but I figure it's the same way at most colleges), there's not much I don't like about Northwestern.</p>

<p>However, I found out today that I've been named a USC Trustee Scholar, which awards me full tuition at USC. To be blunt, I applied to USC as a safety school and I probably wouldn't have considered attending had I not been given the scholarship. But, with so much money on the line, it would be foolish to simply turn down such an impressive offer without giving it careful thought. As for the school itself, I like LA, but am definitely an East Coast girl (I know the Midwest isn't technically "east", but it's more "east" than Cali is). I do believe that Annenberg - and USC in general - is on the rise, but I don't feel it possesses the same established sense of academia that can be attributed to NU. However, I did have a very good impression of USC when I visited, and I do believe that I would receive a quality education at Annenberg if I were to attend.</p>

<p>I care a great deal about social scene/nightlife too: I'm not particularly interested in Greek life (it seems to be prevalent in both NU and USC, but I don't think not being part of the Greek system will detract too much from my college experience), but as you can probably tell from my username, I like to party and have fun. I like the idea of being able to go to parties most days of the week if I'm in the mood, but also being able to find a quiet place to study whenever I need to. Lots of good dining options in the surrounding area and a solid sports scene are always welcome. </p>

<p>So, to all you wonderful people who are still here after reading all of that, I guess what I'm asking is...
Why should I choose Northwestern? How is Northwestern a better choice than USC? How do you think Northwestern would cater specifically to my personality and interests?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance. Any help is greatly, greatly appreciated.</p>

2

<p>Perhaps look on this as a business decision, as so much money is involved. Are you getting any FA from Northwestern?</p>

<p>My S faced a similar decision (he had a tuition remission to USC, since H is on faculty there.) After careful examination of the different program offerings, and being given a green light from H who vetted the NU program, my S is now a freshman in the honors Integrated Science Program at Northwestern. Know that while USC is striving towards an educational approach that emphasizes interdisciplinary study (which can be easier to accomplish under a quarter system, as you take more classes) Northwestern is already a known leader in interdisciplinary study, if that holds any interest to you.</p>

<p>Good luck with your decision making. These are both fine schools.</p>

3

<p>If this is boyu, I say go to NORTHWESTERN!</p>

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<p>USC- it’ll be easier, the weather’s better, and in Journalism they’re nearly as good as Medill, certainly not worth the extra $$$$.</p>

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<p>journalists don’t make much usually. save the money unless NU gives you substantial FA.</p>

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<p>@ itshelenmelon: HAHA omg, stop stalking me. Shoo.</p>

<p>@ arbiter213: do you go to NU, or are you an alum? Do you study at Medill? I’m not looking to get an “easier” education or a higher GPA, so this isn’t really a determining factor for me. The weather at NU is a killer, but I’m willing to overlook that. I have a strong preference for the “East”-ish Coast.</p>

<p>@ Sam Lee: that is sadly true, and there is no way NU will offer as much as USC is. The thing is, I’m not sure journalism is what I’ll pursue in the future for sure, so if I end up switching out of Annenberg/Medill after a year or two, I feel NU in general would offer a better education than USC.</p>

<p>By the way, does anyone know of any official rankings for undergraduate journalism programs? I can’t seem to find any that are legit.</p>

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<p>What is the cost differential and what is your family’s financial situation like? If it’s full-pay at NU vs. free tuition at USC, I would pick USC. If your family is not tight on money, however, I would think a little harder about the choice.</p>

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<p>USC Journalism is not even close to par with NU Journalism. Medill’s school of Journalism at Northwestern is the top in the nation.</p>

<p>That being said, you should not pursue to be a Journalist as an undergrad. Finding a job would be nearly impossible. It’d be smarter for you to take a specific field of study, and apply that to your Journalism studies in graduate school.</p>

<p>So when you’d think in that perspective, I’d recommend you take the full-ride to USC, get a high GPA, and use that money you saved to attend a graduate Journalism school.</p>

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<p>i would go to USC if i were you…although, it is in the ghetto… :0</p>