<p>Hey localgirl08!</p>
<p>I’m currently a second-year student at UCI. So, I know more about UCI, and USC was my dream school (still is, maybe I’ll go to grad school there). I have a heart for both. I’ll try to give as much insight as I can.</p>
<p>CHP: I myself am NOT in the Honors Program, but I do know some stuff from reading about it on-line and talking to other people. I do know that students in the program do have to take a year-long honors sequence (such as honors science, honors humanities, honors social science) that non-honors students don’t take. Also, people in the program are required to write an Honors thesis before they graduate. </p>
<p>There are MANY benefits to being in CHP: As a freshman, you will already be set with a group of people to meet/make friends with, especially since you will probably be living in the CHP dorms. Right now (I don’t know how long they’ll keep it this way), CHP students get 4 years of guaranteed on-campus housing. (And believe me, this is a GREAT benefit! I had to find an off-campus apartment for next year, and it’s a hassle!) You get to attend events and meet professors that other students won’t. And CHP looks VERY, VERY GOOD on your resume or grad school application, no matter what career or field you choose. </p>
<p>Academics: UCI is very strong academically. The English department (which includes Literary Journalism) is a very prestigious program. Keep this is mind, though: UCI’s journalism program is Literary Journalism, which means it focuses on a creative, narrative style of reporting (the style you would find in The New Yorker). USC’s journalism program focuses on more common newswriting, broadcast, etc. (the style you would find in The LA Times or The New York Times) So, you might want to decide on what style you like better.</p>
<p>And if you chose another major, UCI is strong in any field you can choose. Although I would say that UCI’s greatest strengths (from my personal experience and observations) are Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Humanities. I’m not sure what USC’s strengths are, but I have heard a lot about their film school, music department, Annenberg, and Marshall School of Business. </p>
<p>I entered UCI undeclared, and am still deciding between 4 different majors. So, I have taken classes in almost everything, from English, biology, psychology, sociology, history, math, business management, you name it. Almost every professor I’ve had has been OUTSTANDING. Keep in mind, though, that UCI is a public research school, so the professors focus more on research than on teaching. So, you lose a lot of individual attention (unless you work on a research project with a professor.) And many lectures contain anywhere from 80 – 400 people. (But then there are discussion sections with around 25 people.) The EXCEPTION is English and Literary Journalism classes! Most English and LJ classes have 20 – 25 people. </p>
<p>I know USC is also a research school, but I don’t know how their classes are.</p>
<p>Prestige: Yes, USC is more well-known than UCI. Yes, Annenberg would impress many people if you go into journalism. However, HOW WELL YOU DO is more important than prestige. And, UCI does have a good reputation, and is getting better and better. If you’re worried about your career, I personally think that your talent and accomplishments are more important than the name of your school. (Although, after reading both newspapers, I would say that USC’s paper The Daily Trojan would give you better experience than UCI’s paper The New University. But even then, it’s about how well you do.)</p>
<p>School Spirit: If school spirit is a high priority to you, choose USC. I am proud and grateful to go to UCI, but if there’s anything I regret, it’s the (extreme) lack of community. There are many days where I wish I wouldn’t have gone to UCI, and instead went to a CC and transferred to USC, so I can be a part of that Trojan spirit, with football games, rallies, being in the marching band, alumni loyalty, etc. This is the main reason why I consider USC my dream school, and UCI the runner-up. </p>
<p>Aesthetics: UCI has a BEAUTIFUL campus. Can’t argue with you. Never seen USC. Not much else to say, except that some days I walk through Aldrich Park (the center of UCI) and it takes my breath away. </p>
<p>So, I hope this helps.</p>
<p>Also, remember things like location to other places, cost (of course, USC would be more expensive), and any other stuff that is important to you.</p>
<p>Good luck!!!</p>