<p>Alright, I am having the most difficult time deciding where to go to college. I am a Caucasian girl from Oregon, and I have been accepted to both UC Berkeley and USC. I received a Presidential Scholarship from USC. At USC I was admitted as an English major, and at Cal, I am undecided in the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. At USC, I really wanted to be in a freshman honors program called Thematic Option, which specifically focuses on the humanities, but unfortunately I was not accepted into the program. However, it is possible to appeal for admission into this program. I sent an email of appeal to the Thematic Option admissions officers last week, and they said they would let me know if I was in the program or not sometime after May 1st. That is incredibly inconvenient because by then I will have already had to commit to where I'm going to school.</p>
<p>School spirit is really important to me. I am interested in the humanities and politics, and after college I hope to go to Law School. I am planning to focus on my academics in college so I can be successful after I graduate, but I also want to have a great time and make lots of good friends. I'm definitely interested in the Greek system. </p>
<p>As far as location goes, I really enjoy both Northern and Southern California, but I prefer the Bay Area to LA. </p>
<p>My political views are pretty strongly liberal, but that is not really something that is a defining characteristic of my personality. I'm pretty open-minded and I get along with lots of different kinds of people. </p>
<p>Based on this information about me, I would really appreciate it if anyone could help me make my decision!!! I'm having a really hard time..........thank you so much!</p>
<p>Visit soon. If you can get to Cal Day, you will get an up front look at school spirit, the vibe on campus, see what the Rally Committee energy is like, and see if it is a fit or not.</p>
<p>Sounds more of a Berkeley fit to me, but as Rider says, you should come to Cal Day to confirm or deny. When my son went to Cal Day in 2007, it became a wrap as far as he was concerned. It cemented what he felt the first time he walked on campus nearly a year before.</p>
<p>You are very unlike me. I was deciding between USC and Cal, but I love SoCal and I am moderate and I like having my own group of friends. In the end, I chose Cal and I still love it here.</p>
<p>You should definitely choose Berkeley:</p>
<p>"As far as location goes, I really enjoy both Northern and Southern California, but I prefer the Bay Area to LA. " —> Cal; where you go will most likely decide where you end up working because firms recruit around their area. </p>
<p>"My political views are pretty strongly liberal, but that is not really something that is a defining characteristic of my personality. I’m pretty open-minded and I get along with lots of different kinds of people. " —> Trust me, it’s almost the opposite of this at USC. It’s very good fit for you at Berkeley</p>
<p>You said you want to major in English. Berkeley’s English department is top in the nation. The graduate program is #1 in nation and you’ll be taught by faculty and TA’s who are in the number #1 department in the nation. The social/cultural/political vibe will completely shaped you and prepare for life very well. Obviously I love Cal!</p>
<p>lol it honestly sounds like berkeley is perfect for you. </p>
<p>hey i turned down the trustee (full) scholarship to usc for berkeley and i’m sure i picked the right place… don’t feel too bad about turning a scholarship down :)</p>