<p>I have been admitted into both of these schools. At SCU, I applied to the College of Letters & Science. I have absolutely no idea what I will be studying, but I am currently leaning towards either economics or international relations--both which are offered at both schools. Both will cost me the same amount of money to attend so that is not an issue.</p>
<p>Oxy has an excellent study abroad program and an amazing UN internship opportunity. However, SCU is in the heart of the Silicon Valley.</p>
<p>I want to find a job after graduation or apply to grad school. Which of these will be more practical to attend if I want these criteria met?</p>
<p>I weighed those two schools as well last year, and chose santa clara because of its renowned business school and proximity to home. The way I see it if you’re pretty set on econ/intl relations you will (in my humble opinion) get a more comprehensive education at santa clara. You also have the option of transferring into the business school at scu, which will boost your chances of job placement tremendously. SCU does a really exceptional job at finding students jobs and internships; if you don’t mind staying in silicon valley, you’re practically guaranteed one.
If your goal in college is to figure out what you want to do, however, oxy will probably do a better job in that respect. My friend, a tentative psych major, is transferring from scu to oxy because she has not had a completely positive experience in finding what exactly she wants to study. She says her advisor is unresponsive, and she is not getting as much personal attention in creating an independent study plan as she would like. </p>
<p>Bottom line. Job placement and econ/business program: Santa Clara. Individual attention and help finding what you want to study: Oxy. Of course both are great schools and will likely have what you want, so good luck!</p>
<p>Econ and IR are just what’s hitting me the most right now. Bio for pre-med was what I wanted to do last year, but that changed. However, I think these 3 are things that I will most likely end up majoring in, so it’s not like I’m completely clueless.</p>
<p>I’m also a bit worried that if I go to SCU, I will not get the “full” college experience since I live about 20 minutes away from the school.</p>
<p>Studying abroad is also an important factor for me. I know Oxy’s program is excellent, but I know close to nothing about SCU’s program. I’ll do research this week.</p>
<p>If I go to Oxy and do internships in LA, will it be difficult to find jobs in the Silicon Valley? I do plan on living here, so maybe that is something I should factor into my decision.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help.</p>