Santa Monica College (CCC) or LMU Next Fall?

<p>So... </p>

<p>I was accepted to a bunch of schools all over the country, but I can't leave the Los Angeles area for another year at least. I thought that I would be able to, but family issues are keeping me at home. Now I am left with the choice of attending LMU or going to Santa Monica College and then transfering to a "Better" school after two years. I am torn between the two choices, because I did not get an amazing Fin Aid package from LMU and will have to spend a lot of money for a possibly "2nd rate" education. </p>

<p>Things I love about LMU
-Close to home
-Strong Political Science Department
-Possible Hansard Scholars appointment (LSE study plus Internship with a memeber of the Labour Party for a semester)
-London Semester
-Oxford Summer Scholars
-Washington D.C. Semester (Most schools have this option, so nothing too special here.)<br>
-Center for the Study of Los Angeles </p>

<p>Things I dislike about LMU
-feels like high school
-lots of people who are academically challenged (meaning that they don't put much effort into their work at all)
-Greek scene rules the school
-lack of name brand/ upper mobility
-I might become bored
-looked at as the reject school of USC </p>

<p>Any advice?</p>

<p>I think you have underrated LMU and it's students! If you must stay in LA why didnt you go to USC??? I would definitely choose LMU over Santa Monica Community College. You can transfer from LMU too! I think it would be a better transfer than a community college.
BTW if you are worried about being bored why are you considering cc? As an educator students who are bored are students who don't challenge themselves!</p>

<p>Thank you for the response. </p>

<p>I have never really wanted a huge school for my UG experience, and that is why I didn't apply to USC. I admire the "Trojan Family" and all those connections, but I don't think it's the right place for me. </p>

<p>Also, I have already made my choice and will be attending LMU in the fall. I feel that the experience I have will only be a relfection of the effort I put into it. I can't wait to begin!</p>

<p>Congratulations on your decision. I'm sure LMU will be a great experience.</p>

<p>my daughter was accepted to spring semester of USC - but was awarded a great financial package for Loyola - what to do and how to compare - USC is her first choice but what do we do in the fall?</p>

<p>Wait it out for the first choice. Maybe get an internship for the fall? LMU is an excellent school and if she got a good financial package she should look at it more closely but a semester wait will go by quick.</p>

<p>kathy, does your daughter go to south hills?</p>