Hi everyone,
So right now I’m applying to USC and northwestern for sure, but was a little hesitant about early decision for northwestern. My dream school is USC but they are both pretty hard to get accepted to. The tuition would be around the same at both schools for me unless I get a scholarship (which probably won’t be the case). I visited both of the campuses and enjoyed USC’s immensely, but I also am familiar with Evanston and enjoy that area as well. I live in the Chicago land area so northwestern definitely has its advantages but I also have family in California that would make the transition to USC easier. I feel like I am competitive for both, but there is always a chance for me to get rejected from both, and I am afraid I would regret not applying ED for northwestern.
If anyone could give me some pros/cons/just advice in general, I would appreciate it!
Thanks
What are you looking to major in?
Hopefully computer science/computer engineering but we’ll see how long that lasts 
definitely in a stem field though
I don’t recommend either if you aren’t getting a decent scholarship. I’d stick with your instate option.
I can afford tuition for 2 years for sure (thanks to my amazing parents) but if they end up being too expensive I am considering other schools (such as U of I and cheaper California schools) but right now I would like to focus on just seeing if I get in
If you want to compare financial offers, I’d strongly recommend against applying to any school ED.
Even if you can afford, I would recommend either. There are much better things that you can do with that money than spending it on a college degree.
^ *wouldn’t
Go to USC…more fun.
…UsC if those are your only choices, but agree with Willyam…lots of fine cheaper options…Kentucky, Fla State, Nebraska, S. Florida, Oklahoma.
I know someone who picked USC over Northwestern and loves it! The school spirit and extensive alumni network were huge plus points. Also, I guess it depends on where you want to work after college. Here in the West, a lot, and I mean A LOT, of rich people with connections here are USC alumni, but Northwestern would probably be more well known nationally
From what I see Willyam consistently recommends in-state colleges or the cheapest available college option to minimize the cost. While that is one theory, it is typically not my thinking if a family can comfortably afford 4 years of private college. However, it sounds like your parents can comfortably afford 2 years of tuition at a private school. Since I think it is unwise to start at a college you likely won’t be able to afford to finish up at so in your case I would recommend options such as your in-state flagship or other schools that offer merit aid which would allow you to graduate basically debt free…