I visited SMU during the admitted student day thing. I loved it and the vibes of the students and faculty. I got 20k/yr, Business Direct, and Honors Program. However, I also got into USC, which had been my dream school for a few years. I didn’t feel as “cozy” on USC campus because its bigger and more crowded and not as pristine and beautiful, but I know I would be happy if I got into a sorority and found my place that way. I have a good amount of family in CA and my parents are planning on moving down there part time when my brother graduates, but I know NOBODY in Texas. Also, I am an Econ major at USC so I would definitely apply to switch to Biz Admin. HELP ME!!! WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You should pick the school that makes you the happiest!! My son is at SMU and he fell in love with it just like you did. He is from NJ and he has made lots of friends. He doesn’t regret it one bit and would do it all over again too!! He also didn’t know anyone either. Most students don’t. Good luck and reread what you’ve said. It’s so obvious SMU is where you want to be!
@newjersey17 thanks for the input 
the thing is that usc has been my dream school for a while and I know that if I went to usc I would let SMU go, but I have a feeling (because I tend to hold on to things) that I wouldn’t be able to let usc go and see pictures of usc and just be mad at myself for turning that down.
Gosh. I would put your dreams aside and just listen to what your gut says. Let’s start at … Which school makes you smile? Which one feels like home? It’s like buying a pair of jeans or a house. Which one is you? Which one fits? You could always attend USC for grad school or vice versa. Go with what you feel right now.
I have a friend that’s always wanted to go to Brown. I mean years and years of dreaming, wishing, etc. She got in and spent the weekend there and literally couldn’t handle it. She said it was way too liberal for her. It’s one thing to dream and wish but visiting and seeing is the real thing!
Hope this helps. Only you can decide what’s best for you. Just remember it’s a really nice problem to have!
USC is 12k in size and SMU is 5k in size. That’s a big difference!!!
HI,
We just made that decision too and know how you feel. Please read the other SMU vs USC post on this page with the same question. Then it is answered again on the USC page.
My son just said No to what he thought was his dream school and it was surprising, but he is very calm and happy now.
USC was my daughter’s dream school; she went to SMU and is really glad she did.
USC is a thriller, no question. I went there and it’s a blast. SMU is smaller and you will have more opportunities to get involved and make a difference. Plus, Dallas is a great college town. Local nightlife, lots of young people. LA is more spread out and you need a car. In Texas you get some snow, in LA you don’t.
Re the Honors program at SMU…it’s great if you’re a liberal arts major. If you have taken lots of AP’s and can waive out of some of the English/history classes, you will still need to take these subjects anyway. If you would rather do a double major in something else, honors will get in the way. Good program, just be aware of the class requirements!
Good luck. Both good schools and good B schools.
I have a student in the Honors Program at SMU, and Maggpie is correct in the assessment about double majoring, especially if you are not a liberal arts major. My student is in the Dedman College, but majoring in the hard sciences. S/he takes 18 hours every semester plus has done May terms and summer classes all but one summer term. Graduating in four years is still iffy. The “new” UC at SMU coupled with the honors requirements will make life difficult at best.
You have to go where you feel you will be happy, but I will say, my student has not loved SMU. S/he has had only a handful of truly good professors (accessible does not equal good). Every student will have a different experience, however. Some love the place; others do not.