Penn State (Finance) vs. USC (Economics)

Applying to College
1

<p>I am currently a Junior enrolled at Penn State as a Finance major in the Smeal College of Business. I recently received my acceptance at USC as an Economics major in the Liberal Arts program. Now, I am really in a quandary in deciding which I should choose. I am still waiting on my financial aid package from USC and I would be paying out-of-state for Penn State. But I would like to know which would be a better choice for my situation without considering financial aid. I applied to Marshall at USC but unfortunately did not take the correct prerequisite calculus course. I could reapply to Marshall once I am at USC but there is no guarantee that I will get in and they only accept applicants in the fall!</p>

<p>Now a little bit about me:</p>

<p>GPA: 3.88
I am from Los Angeles and plan on living in Southern California long-term after I graduate.
I am pursuing a career in the finance industry, specifically Investment Banking.
I plan on getting my MBA in the future.</p>

<p>And these are the pros and cons I have come up with:</p>

<p>USC pros:
-More prestigious
-Closer to home (So Cal!)
-Better alumni network
-Possibly will receive more financial aid
-I've always wanted to go to USC since I was a little tike.
-Just about everyone I know back home (professionally and friends) says
choosing USC is a "no-brainer."
-I am a USC football fan at heart.
-There's a chance I can get into Marshall if I reapply or I can minor in business
if it doesn't work out.</p>

<p>USC cons:
-Most likely will have to take an extra semester or two because of the way the
my credits transferred
-I am not to excited about an Econ major and I get mixed reviews about the
perception and future career prospects with an Econ major.</p>

<p>Penn State pros:
-I am already in the Penn State family
-I am already in the business school with a major that I am happy with
-I have already completed nearly all my Gen Eds so I am on course to<br>
graduate in 2 years.</p>

<p>Penn State cons:
-I don't really enjoy being in the middle of nowhere in "Happy Valley"
-I hate the cold weather!
-Lack of diversity
-It's not USC!
-I have to live in supplemental housing next year (4-8 guys in one room)</p>

<p>So.....What should I do??? Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>USC is better in all aspects expect that you aren’t guaranteed admissions to Marshall. USC seems to be the place you will be happier at so just make the best of the situation and work your butt off your first year and reapply to Marshall. Since you want to live and work in the southern Cali region after college USC’s reputation will help you alot more than Penn states when looking for a job. You applied to USC as a transfer for a reason you must not be happy with Penn State.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for your reply. But is it really worth not going to the business school? And I will most likely have to take at least an extra semester to graduate from USC. I really want to go to USC. </p>

<p>What is the likelihood of getting into the business school next spring if I decide to attend USC this fall?</p>

<p>I will also have to take calculus and Spanish courses all over again!</p>

<p>I am so confused and this could be one of the most important decisions of my life. I really do not want to regret my final decision. Please help anybody! Thanks in advance for the replies.</p>

<p>Penn State’s B-School is ranked#25 and USC’s is #34 for 2011:
[Best</a> Undergraduate Business Schools 2011 - Businessweek](<a href=“Bloomberg - Are you a robot?”>Bloomberg - Are you a robot?)</p>

<p>I am already in the business school that is considered better so this just makes the decision more difficult…</p>

4

<p>Bump ^^</p>

<p>Please. I need all the opinions/point of views and advice that I can get. Thanks</p>

5

<p>UPDATE: USC has awarded me nearly $35k in financial aid. This makes the yearly cost at USC about the same as Penn State. However, I will have to take an extra year at USC.</p>

<p>So…Is it worth it? Should I trade in a finance degree at Penn State for economics degree at USC?</p>

<p>Also, how difficult do you think an economics major is at USC?</p>