<p>I'm facing a hard decision come April. I'm applying to USC, Wash U., and Cornell. I feel confident I can get into these schools (assume I can, because if I can't get into either Wash U. or Cornell this question is irrelevant). Now, I really want to come to USC, but I'm finding it hard to justify to myself and to my parents why I should go to USC over an academically more prestigious school like Cornell. I'm interested in either the biological sciences or a business type degree such as economics. Help me justify coming to USC.</p>
<p>Hey millertime. Here's a thread that shows how USC can be a good choice over other schools:</p>
<p>It's not about your specific schools, but it still gives great reasons to give parents for why you would choose USC. I don't know much about the biology program at USC (except that my roommate is a bio major and works really hard), but of course the business program at SC is amazing and has a great reputation.</p>
<p>Where do you live? </p>
<p>If you plan to live and work in California, an SC degree in business will provide many connections throughout your career. In California, a degree from SC may be more valuable in the business community than either WashU or Cornell.<br>
If your parents live on the other coast, perhaps they're concerned that you won't come back...? If they're from CA, then they should know better! ;)</p>
<p>I came to USC over more "presitigious" schools (Hopkins, Vandy)... but for me it was about the $$$. </p>
<p>What are your reasons for wanting to come to USC? Weather, social etc?</p>
<p>I think and hopefully am in the same boat at Millertime. I really liked the campus of SC when I visted and they really have a great undergrad business program. It's a bit big for me, but I love the college sports atmosphere (I like Duke better w/ basketball). It'd be a tough decision between USC and Rice, Claremont, or Georgetown. Scholarships would help make the decision easier...</p>