<p>SIR deadlines are fast approaching, but I'm still unsure about where to go. I'd appreciate any input on the two choices. I'll be an Electrical Engineering major at both.</p>
<p>I'll try to summarize the whole situation:
At USC, I've been chosen as a trustee scholar (full tuition), as well as a research scholar (I can start research when I start school and get paid a stipend). I've also been selected for the undergraduate engineering honors program.
At UCLA, I've been chosen as a regents scholar ($2000 + priority enrollment).</p>
<p>For my family, the money situation isn't a make or break deal. We aren't rich, but we can afford UCLA.</p>
<p>Also, overall I got a better vibe from UCLA, if that means anything. I was drawn more to the energy there, and to the tight-knit group that was the regents society. Then again, the USC deal is hard to turn down, and I'm thinking I might be making a stupid move. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Congratulations! It sounds like you’ve done very well for yourself.</p>
<p>I would give USC strong consideration if you are planning to go to grad school. The opportunity to get involved early on in research will be a real plus when you are applying to graduate schools. Furthermore, if you’re going to grad school then your undergrad institution isn’t nearly as important to potential future employers as your secondary institution. I also assume that your competition at USC would be less staunch than that at UCLA which would be helpful for maintaining GPA. Finally, a full ride at USC means you can spend all that cashmoney you (or your parents) are saving on a top tier grad school without having to worry so much about funding.</p>
<p>That having been said, you should absolutely go where you feel most comfortable, as being happy where you’re at for 4 years is going to do a lot more for your ability to succeed than any research, funding, or brand-name value.</p>
<p>IMO, go to USC. USC is pretty much equal with UCLA if you want to work in Southern California. I mainly say USC because it is FREE. You are getting a private school education and all you have to pay for is room and board.</p>
<p>USC has almost anything UCLA has to offer. Both offer you Los Angeles, school spirit, rivalries, football, basketball, the whole rah-rah experience, greek life, fun dorm life. If USC is going to cost significantly less than UCLA, go to USC. I can’t really justify paying more money to go to UCLA. If you go to USC, you will likely be a proud Trojan that hates Bruins anyways and vice versa if you went to UCLA. The way I see it you’ll be happy with either school since they’re so similar.</p>
<p>Does the trustee scholarship mean you get free room and board as well, because with regents, I’ve heard UCLA will cover your costs beyond $2000 if needed (meaning a COMPLETELY free ride)</p>
<p>I’d go to USC if I were you. USC is only a few ranks behind UCLA, but your deal with USC makes up more than that difference in ranks/prestige. Mind you, it isn’t in the best location in the world, so you still just might want to consider UCLA because you just might feel happier at UCLA. Just my 2 cents.</p>
<p>Go where you feel is right. Don’t just think about the next 4-5 years. With UCLA having 400,000 alumni and strong corporate recruiting upon graduation, the choice is hard. Good luck and congratulations!!!</p>