<p>I am thinking of majoring in Business or International Relations (maybe double major) and minoring in Mandarin Chinese. </p>
<p>Here is the problem. I like both schools quite a bit but I slightly prefer USC over Santa Clara. </p>
<p>Santa Clara is in the heart of the Silicon Valley which is a HUGE plus for internships. And Santa Clara is only about 80 miles away from my home. (I don't get homesick but its more convenient to visit parents vs. 500 miles away in LA) However Santa Clara is not as prestigious as USC and I think the social life and connections at SCU (santa clara) can be limited. </p>
<p>My dad wants me to go to SCU because it is closer to home. And for some reason he truly hates Los Angeles. </p>
<p>USC, however, has a very strong alumni network, which can probably land me an internship or job anywhere. However, it is OUT of the Silicon Valley, which can be a negative for some internships, etc. To me USC's campus has more of a college atmosphere and is more socially diverse. The school of business at SC is very good and probably better than Santa Clara. Also its in Los Angeles, which I absolutely love. I grew up there and moved out when I was 12 and I have always wanted to go back.</p>
<p>So its kinda like Silicon Valley internships vs. very strong alumni network and good business school</p>
<p>I am leaning towards USC, but if I do choose that over Santa Clara, my dad will probably be REALLY ****ed the hell off. </p>
<p>So what do you think?</p>
<p>Apply to both (as well as others including safeties).</p>
<p>You may find that the schools will make the decision for you, in their admissions, financial aid, and scholarship decisions.</p>
<p>Why do you think this needs bumping? UCBalumnus gave excellent advice. USC has such a low acceptance rate that you should apply to other, less competitive, schools. And since you like Santa Clara, why not apply there? Remember, USC costs almost $60k a year. Even if you do get accepted, you might not get enough financial aid to make it work. IF you get accepted to both schools, and both give you enough money, THEN you can start asking which you’d prefer to go to. Until then, just apply to both and see what happens.</p>
<p>Just wanted more feedback.</p>
<p>If I was in your position I would pick USC. Yeah, it’s not the safest school at night, but I like how prideful everyone is about their school.</p>
<p>Also, don’t let your parents affect your decision. This is the college that YOU are going to, not them. In my opinion, for that whole college experience, I’d go to USC.</p>
<p>One more thing, don’t think too much about what college x or what college y gives you after you graduate. They are both good schools and in the end, you will be fine. I would rather choose the college that I LOVE over the college that I so-so like(even if it opens up a few more opportunities after I graduate, which would be SC in your situation).</p>
<p>College is not only academic. It’s also a FUN EXPERIENCE. You will enjoy USC.</p>
<p>But please, please, PLEASE do NOT choose a college that your parents influenced you to pick. It’s your life, your decision. And I really hope you take that to heart.</p>
<p>^Sure it’s the OP’s life, but it is his/her money? The parents will probably be footing the bill, and we don’t know how much they can afford to pay.</p>
<p>I agree with ucbalumnus and whenhen. The only thing I would add is that the OP needs to have the money conversation with his/her parents soon.</p>