Really torn between USC and BC

College Search & Selection
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<p>So I've figured out that I want to go to either the University of Southern California or Boston College. Although the two schools are different in many ways, they're incredibly similar in many ways as well. I'm generally just a really outgoing, lighthearted, funny, casual, kind-of-athletic, guy who enjoys partying just as much as I enjoy seeking intelligence and a wonderful college experience.</p>

<p>Between USC and BC, I feel that the academics are, for all intents and purposes, equal. There can be debate--surely--but I feel that they are equal. I also LOVE the west coast and the east coast. I like any place with a vibrant social scene, and I think diversity is great, but I have never really thought too much about it because I tend to look at people for their internal qualities, not what is on the outside. With greek life, I'm ambivalent. I might want to pledge; I might not want to pledge. And for weather? I'm not shallow enough to pick a college for its weather, but it definitely wouldn't hurt. Oh, and sports too. They both boast great sports programs (I love football, hockey, volleyball, etc). And I'm not necessarily thinking about where I want to live when I graduate already. I know that if you want to live in the west coast after you graduate, USC is the place, and the east coast is the place to live if you went to BC, but I haven't thought that far in advance. </p>

<p>Ultimately, I guess what I am trying to say is that I want to perfect combination of a vibrant social scene, partying, and a great education (I truly love to learn).</p>

<p>So as you can see, I'm torn. I've done a lot of research, and I'm truly convinced that neither would be a bad choice, but based on what I've described, which college might be a good fit for me?</p>

<p>I can't expect you guys to make my college decision for me, but I'd really appreciate any feedback!!! Thanks!!!</p>

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<p>Simple: Apply to both. For all you know, the admissions committees might make the choice for you. Also, if accepted to both, by then you might have a clear favorite.</p>

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<p>Are you joining the class of 2018 ? If yes, you don’t have to decide now. Apply to both and see if you can get in. If accepted at both, compare their financial aid package.</p>

<p>If one is significantly cheaper than the other, it should be a no brainer choice.</p>

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<p>USC is extremely racially diverse, much more so than Boston College. I believe it’s also more economically diverse. As far as weather goes, USC is the clear winner. </p>

<p>If you want city life, BC is probably better owing both to LA’s poor public transit system and the area around USC (before any USC fans say that it’s gotten better, yes that’s true. But it’s still not great and I wouldn’t feel safe walking around at night, even if I were with a friend).</p>

<p>However, both USC and BC boast a low admissions rate and their financial aid packages may be completely different. If both schools are your top choices, it makes sense to apply to the two universities as well as other safety and match schools.</p>

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<p>Thank you for the feedback!!!</p>

<p>And I’m assuming (which I shouldn’t be, but this post is hypothetical) that I get into both and that I get equal financial aid at both.</p>

<p>So what that ^^^ said, any further recommendations?</p>

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<p>Regarding which to choose or schools similar to BC and USC?</p>

<p>If it’s the latter, then you should post what your family can afford, your stats, and any other pertinent information.</p>

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<p>@whenhen: Regarding which to choose. Again, it’s hypothetical, but if I get into either or both, I WILL go to one of them by any means necessary.</p>

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<p>Boston College: Religiously Affiliated, small number of undergrads, 338 acres, higher graduation rate, not that many majors, full of rich kids, smaller class size, not-so-great weather, average SAT of 2040, ranked higher than USC.</p>

<p>University of Southern California: no religious affiliation, more popular, diverse, great school spirit, big on sports, 226 acres, bigger than BC, average SAT 2060, much much higher endowment, a wide variety of majors, great weather, ranked lower, located in a really bad neighborhood similar to North Philly.</p>

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<p>@XtremePower: Sooooo helpful. Thanks. Not that it makes it any easier of a decision, hahaha!</p>

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<p>US News ranks USC higher than BC.</p>

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<p>USC hss more financial resources and better athletics unless one likes hockey.</p>

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<p>@simba9: You’re right on that one, but that’s sort of why I said the academics are pretty much equal. Forbes has BC at 26 and USC at like 140, meanwhile on US News, USC is 24 while BC is 31. There are definite inconsistencies, but OVERALL, they’re pretty equal in academics.</p>

<p>@par72: Good point!</p>

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<p>Seriously, make the decision when you’ve been admitted to both and find both are affordable.</p>

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<p>You want to major in?</p>

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<p>@barrk123: Business. Either business management, finance, or accounting. With a possible double major in English.</p>

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<p>Los Angeles is also significantly larger than Boston. Yes, that means you need a car (generally) but that also means there’s more to do, more people to meet, and more businesses. Two recent examples of this are CicLAvia and 626 Night Market.</p>

<p>Furthermore, USC is a stop at the Expo line which takes its riders anywhere from Downtown LA to Downtown Culver city. A USC student could reasonably live in either of these places and be on USC’s campus with a 25-30 minute train ride. In 2015, the Expo line will be extended through West LA and Santa Monica, furthering the amount of places that students would be able to live at.</p>

<p>As far as safety is concerned, USC pays people to stand around and monitor the area (yellow jackets) which contributes to both students feeling safe and keeping crime down; they also increased the amount of police that are in the area, and have created developed housing within the area (and plan to do more when the new USC Village opens up.)</p>

<p>For the record OP, i don’t think you’d be picking USC for its weather and diversity, but for all its other factors. Both of those are just bonuses.</p>

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<p>@beyphy: Thank you so much for the information! It’s nice to hear specific information about Los Angeles, and it’s especially nice to hear somebody from USC’s biggest rival school promoting USC. </p>

<p>You’re right, though. Weather and diversity are definitely bonuses. Weather, no doubt. 70 degrees and sunny for about 300 days a year? Why not. Diversity is another great thing to have. Again, I tend to look at people for their internal qualities, but there really is all sorts of diversity at USC, no? Diversity in race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. Plus you have 1st generation college students and international students. USC also has a lot of transfer students, so it must have to be a pretty welcoming place.</p>

<p>Thanks!!</p>