UCLA Communication Studies (vs. USC Communication?)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
1

Okay guys, I’m in big trouble cause I can’t decide. :expressionless:

I have been accepted into UCLA (Social Sciences - Undeclared) and USC (Annenberg School of Comm and Journalism).

So, overall, UCLA is my preference as a school (cause of area, vibe, etc.) and that’s just the personal preference for me and my family. BUT I want to major in Comm and eventually start working in film studios/production houses/media companies, etc. which is why I think it’s great to be in Hollywood (UCLA or USC, whichever).

Now I understand that at UCLA, you cant do Comm in freshman year and you start in sophomore year? I also hear that it’s competitive to get into, so I don’t want to end up stuck with a major that I’m not really interested in. Assuming I keep up a good GPA and do tons of ECs, would it still be ridiculously hard to get into the Comm major?

Also I know that Annenberg is prestigious being the #1 Comm school and what not, but I strongly prefer UCLA as a school for personal reasons/advantages (plus its way cheaper). I just hope that doesn’t mean that the Comm Studies major at UCLA isn’t good or is a “fluff” major? I want it to be employable with a well paying job at the end of the day, so if UCLA’s Comm course doesn’t match up to USC’s that might sway me towards USC.

Basically should I be choosing for the school or for the major? And is there a HUGE difference between USC and UCLA’s Comm program or would UCLA’s Comm program still be good and employable? Any insights from UCLA students about the major/career and internship opportunities etc. would be really appreciated!

THANK YOU :slight_smile:

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The comm major at UCLA is hard to get into. There is no guarantee that you will get it even with a good gpa. I had a friend who planned on doing what you want to do but didn’t get into the comm major and did an English Major and is now a teacher and hates it.

Also the USC comm major and comm courses are way way better in terms of application to the industry you want to get involved in.

I would go with USC @RonnieD

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Also if you’re concerned with the area, USC has bought so much surrounding land and is going to construct its own little campus town. Kind of like UCLA has Westwood. They’re putting in shops and eateries and it’s going to be beautiful. Supposed to be ready this fall

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Alright thanks! That helps! (but also makes my choice harder !! :stuck_out_tongue: )

Appreciate it :slight_smile:

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USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism is specifically tailored to prepare you for a career in entertainment and media. UCLA does not have a broadcast, media, or journalism department only communication. When you read/hear communication you assume it is mass communications which would be similar, however, UCLA’s is communication studies which is essentially a a survey major. Therefore you will not necessarily learn how to do anything related to news/film/tv production or broadcasting. USC is the choice for that regardless to how perfect UCLA’s location is. Furthermore, you will be more qualified for jobs in your desired field with a degree from Annenberg in a specific major than comm at UCLA