<p>MIT will get you a job on the west coast in an instant, trust me.</p>
<p>I'd take MIT, hands down (plus it's in a much nicer area), but mainly for the academics. There's just a difference between the two. MIT is definitely on par with Stanford, Berkeley, etc., but on the West Coast USC isn't up to that level yet. Very few people, unfortunately, would even consider UCLA on par with Stanford (though it's often compared with Cal pretty interchangeably). </p>
<p>Also, MIT easily has one of the top comp. sci programs on the planet. So talk about a loaded faculty.</p>
<p>And if you were comparing UCLA and MIT, I'd still tell you to go to MIT, for the record. I just feel like MIT is one of those places you might regret passing up. Besides, you can always transfer to SC if you really don't like it.</p>
<p>Best of luck with your decision, and congratulations on getting into two fine universities.</p>
<p>To OP's original question ( Reasons to attend USC over MIT), there are two possible answers. One is a short answer, second one is a long answer.</p>
<p>Short answer: Insanity.
Long answer: The question is invalid/self-contradicting. "Reason" by definition means rational behavior.</p>
<p>OP, vc08 has given you good advise.
My son is at USC instead of Brown, Dartmouth, Chicago, in very large part due to his Trustee scholarship. If he had not received that scholarship he would be in college elsewhere. GIVEN that, You can receive a great education at USC, but if your intent is to go on to grad school, I would recommend that you go to MIT. vc08 got it right.
I think the chances of you getting a LARGE scholarship from USC at this point are not great, especially if you did not submit your application by Dec 1, or applied for financial aid by the deadline. I could be wrong however, as USC has strongly stated that it has a very generous financial aid program. HOWEVER , If you are a NMF, then by designating USC as your #1 choice by the deadline, you WILL get the 1/2 tuition scholarship from USC.</p>
<p>Assuming he doesn't screw up or get into any legal trouble, he will have no trouble finding a job. Since you don't believe me, here's proof: BETTER</a> SIGN OF TIMES - New York Post</p>
<p>All universities have students who wish to transfer. On the Parents' Forum on CC is a thread called "lostatMIT". You may wish to read this as the student comments about class size, social life and gives insights about her experience.</p>
<p>
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Well, maybe he should have gone to USC. The USC alumni around are pretty wealthy as far as I can tell.
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</p>
<p>LOL. Don't get your undies in a bunch!</p>
<p>And if you're going by that list, you might as well have gone to Cal or UCLA; 1 less billionaire, but half the cost to go there. As someone who believes you make your own luck, I like those odds.</p>
<p>I am biased only because it is hard to beat California.... USC has it all, the location, excellent alumni connections/networks, and the prestige factor in CA...
MIT just seems nerdy to me? The athletics and social scene at USC make the college experience much more enjoyable also.</p>
<p>It's probably going to take until May 1 for me to decide. There are tons of pros to USC that I would personally love, but MIT has that one ultimate pro: it's MIT. I'll figure something out, thanks for everyone's help.</p>
<p>It just depends on what you're looking for academically and socially. If you want the best possibly school with the most prestigious reputation, then go to MIT. If you're looking for a great time with plenty of attractive people and alcohol, then go to USC.</p>
<p>My wife and I graduated from USC and my son was just accepted, we have season tickets to the football games, so you know we are huge USC fans. However, if you were my son and you wanted my advice I would have to tell you MIT is the better degree. Mainly because of your major, as I don't think you can get a more prestegious degree in that major from any other school.</p>
<p>I think it speaks volumes just how far USC has come academically that we could even compare USC and MIT.</p>
<p>Having said all that, I do think USC is a more well rounded school and the students I have met have all been well polished and prepared for life. It is a great school to attend, and their really is substance to the Trojan Family.</p>
<p>West Coast connections are extremely strong and we are gaining traction in other parts of the country.</p>
<p>Congratulations and best wishes in your decision. You have some amazing choices and your future looks very bright!</p>
<p>I emailed them explaining my situation. I asked if there was still an opportunity for merit aid, and for an overnight host for an explore session.</p>
<p>They sent a generic scholarship response, and mentioned nothing of finding a host.</p>
<p>Very disappointing. Doesn't even seem like they read my email.</p>
<p>Hello,
Did you address the e-mail to your admissions counselor or just to the admissions office?
This sounds as if a clerk saw the e-mail and sent a generic answer. If you read other posts some of the students seem to know their counselor through an interview or from an admissions seminar.
I would suggest calling and ask to speak to the counselor who handles your region. You may receive a different response.</p>
<p>bad side on the east coast is the weather. it's not bad in mass. just not as happy and fantastic as cali. there was something about cali that just made me smile... but i'm sure the $$$ flowin in after getting a degree at MIT and the reaction of others to you attending MIT will balance out</p>