<p>Reason to choose Oxy over USC besides the obvious of being an LAC?</p>
<p>People at Oxy aren't pretentious?
And I don't know the numbers, but I'm pretty sure Oxy is much more diverse. Smaller class sizes for a similar priced school = more bang for your buck.</p>
<p>Would you give up smaller class size to transfer to UCLA?</p>
<p>I would, simply because my major is musical theater and the classes will be small anyway. Also, musical theater is much more of a focus at UCLA than at Oxy, so it would be the smarter decision for my career. And finally, I can't really afford Oxy, so UCLA would be cheaper for me (unless financial aid gives me an awesome deal for next year, which I'm still hoping for!).</p>
<p>USC is an excellent institution...however, here are my thoughts.
Oxy courses are taught by professors (virtually all with the highest terminal degrees in their discipline). Courses are smaller and individuals' opportunities to study abroad, conduct and present independent research (often of publishable quality), earn personal letters of recommendation are readily available for many individuals -- not merely the highly assertive ones. Students learn to talk with one another about material within most classes and writing across the curriculum is common. IF one is in search of an excellent undergraduate foundation that prepares one for the next intellectual step in a diverse society then I think Oxy may have an advantage. Critical thinking on the spot, creative initative, and a balanced life is probably more easily and inclusively offered at a small LAC. And Oxy is incredibly diverse. Finally, Oxy's financial commitment to its students is a high priority -- they don't merely focus on the first year -- their commitment is for four year. Now musical theater is really a specialty and letscrshtheparty makes an important point.</p>