<p>I am from California and got rejected by USC but am applying to transfer after a year of school at home. I attended Boston College for a bit and have heard the schools are similar, but I really disliked the very sheltered, religious, close-minded students from the east coast as well as terrible weather. It was a bit of a culture shock. It is still a good school, but I would like to apply to transfer to schools that are more prestigious than BC and have a more open environment. USC is ideal, but in case I get rejected, I am wondering what schools comparable to this are. I have heard Vanderbilt is similar, but coming from the west coast, I'm afraid I might have the culture shock issue there. So are there really any other schools like USC or Vanderbilt? I was considering NYU but it might not be worth the hassle since it is close to BC.</p>
<p>NYU’s culture is nothing like USC’s. I’d say that Vandy might be similar… also possibly Texas</p>
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<p>If that’s how you categorize thousands of students across hundreds of east coast colleges then I would say that likely that attitude will come through at any college you attend. It may also explain why there has been no rush to answer your question.</p>
<p>Attitude is everything in admissions, and when asking people for advice. I don’ think there is any college that will fit your requirements if you’re looking for homogeneity and universally good weather on top of it.</p>
<p>I’d think UCLA or UCSD would be much closer culture-wise and weather-wise to USC than Vandy. Vandy is a relatively small major university - 1/3 of the enrollment of USC, and it is located in Nashville, a city I love but a city that is (to me) about as different from Los Angeles as could be. Also, Vanderbilt is tougher to get into than USC, so if you end up being rejected at USC, your odds at Vandy aren’t too good. (But, not impossible of course - with all these selective schools it is hard to predict who will get in where.)</p>
<p>I do wonder why you chose to go to BC if being around religious students was an issue for you; it’s not like they hide the fact that they are a Jesuit school… you need to think long and hard about your next choice. “Prestige” is hardly the most important reason to pick a school, and if you’re going for school #2, you need to get it as right as possible this time. IMHO anyway.</p>
<p>This thread is failing the smell test for me.</p>
<p>eagle101, in the BC forum you wonder about BC “being worth it” and you go on about how it’s a financial hardship for your parents. Over there you talk about transferring to a state school to save money. There’s no mention of “not fitting in” or overly-religious students. </p>
<p>Here you talk about Vandy, USC and NYU, schools that are expensive and have a reputation for a privileged, slightly conservative ‘vibe’ around their student body. Vandy and USC are likely to give similar aid packages as BC with NYU notorious for being stingy. Has the financial concern disappeared?</p>
<p>Which is it: Are you leaving BC because you don’t like the students? Are you leaving BC because you need a cheaper alternative? Are you homesick? Or are you just trolling for attention?</p>
<p>What ulterior motives could I possibly have by asking this? You know, it’s possible for me to transfer out for more than one reason, such as BOTH the cost and student body? I am looking to transfer to a higher ranked school where I fit in better. If I get an equal or better financial aid package I’ll go.</p>
<p>I meant these particular students from the east coast. I don’t have a problem with east coasters in general.</p>