Penn vs. Full Scholarship elsewhere

<p>Is anyone giving Penn up for another school due to scholarships? I have full tuition from USC so I’m really leaning towards that school… Are the opportunities at Penn great enough to put myself in debt of 160 grand (I’d have to take loans out to go to Penn since I am not eligible for fin aid), when I have full-tuition at another good school?</p>

<p>Oh, and I want to study International Relations and Business, though I'm in the college (not Wharton), and am not in the Huntsman Program.</p>

<p>Would your parents be totally unwilling to help you? You'd have to takle out 160K in loans in your own name?</p>

<p>If that's true, first of all, what the hell is wrong with your parents? Second of all...USC would be a bad match for me, but if it's an appealing school to you, frankly, I think that's a hell of an offer. Have you visited? What was your level of interest in USC before you found out about the money?</p>

<p>I definately like the school. Well, I'm overexaggerating about the loans... It would just all have to be out of pocket... meaning my parents would have to pay 45 grand a year straight from income. </p>

<p>At USC I think I'd have more freedom with my classes, plus I would hate to feel second class not being in Wharton, not to mention it's hard to transfer. Secondly, I grew up in Connecticut then moved out to AZ 5 years ago. I love the east coast yet hate the weather. Cali is close and therefore far more convenient. I think I have this fear that if I'm at the college instead of Wharton it will be harder to get into Business school when there's UG's enrolled in the business school. I'm realizing that by going to USC (if I do well), I'm not going to be disadvantaged or slighted in grad school admissions. Plus with full tuition, I can actually study abroad as I choose and live every day with less financial concern.</p>

<p>Go to USC. 160k is alot, and USC is the clear choice. It ranked high, seems to provide lots of opportunities, and so on. It's ok to go to a lesser ranked school and saving a whole crapload of money. There's no question here as to what you should do.</p>

<p>Thanks, I think I've definately decided on USC. I'll save my parents' hard earned cash for grad school.</p>

<p>Thats probably the wisest choice.</p>

<p>USC would be an awesome school to attend as well.</p>

<p>what school in AZ did you go to?
I went to h.s. in AZ at BCP. </p>

<p>Personally, i think the quality of the education you can get at penn is much better. However, a full scholarship at USC is excellent. I'd probably look at which school is a better fit, remember you'll be there four years so you better like the school. If USC is a good fit for you I'd go there. Since the school is a lot easier, you'll get high grades, then you can get a decent job, and if you want then you can do an MBA/other adv degree at a more prestigious school.</p>

<p>That being said i was in the same position as you I had full rides at USC, UT-Austin, WUSTL, Vandy, and Emory. I decided to come to penn though because it was a much better fit. I don't regret my decision one bit.</p>

<p>hope that helps!</p>

<p>i turned down full scholarships to villanova and hofstra to attend penn. while it was EXTREMELY difficult to decide between villanova and penn (i like villanova a lot), i ultimately thought it was worth it. but it really seems like in the back of your mind, you know USC is the right choice for you. so go with your instinct! best of luck :)</p>

<p>Thanks for all your help. I think I would be much more worry-free at USC. I was accepted to their "honors program," meaning I'll still have small classes and individual attention. USC is becoming a more respected university and has good alum connections. I know I'd be comfortable on either atmosphere (esp. since I've lived on both coasts) therefore the location isn't as much of an issue. What it comes down to is that I love to travel, and I'm not sure I would have that opportunity (study abroad and summer travel) if attending Penn. </p>

<p>Bern700, I go to Cactus Shadows (Cave Creek). I assume BCP= Brophy... Haha, the orchestra I used to play in meets at Central High every week...</p>