UCSB Student Considering Fall '12 Transfer

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>So i was admitted as a transfer to USC this upcoming fall. I really just decided to do a bunch of transfer apps just to see if I could get into some top 25 schools based off the USNW rankings, and low and behold I got into SC and Vanderbilt. I love UCSB more than anything, and have made great friends, belong to a great fraternity, and had pretty damn good grades. I've had my eyes set on investment banking since my senior year of high school, and coming out of sb this year I am yet to get an internship (i know), which could have maybe been different if I attended a more prestigious university..especially since ibanking is so dependent on attending a top university.</p>

<p>So I guess my stress relief/question to you all is, would you consider USC to be an increase in academics and possibilities out of college compared to UCSB? For investment banking or any other finance related jobs? Do you feel that the opportunities that come from going to USC is worth a potentially entirely new environment and a (pretty hefty) price tag of 47 grand?</p>

<p>Its getting down to crunch time for my decision, and the sleepless nights are ensuing. It also doesn't help that all my friends at sb tell me that usc and sb are practically on the same level in terms of academics..which I understand could just be a bias, but it would be nice if any of you have any experience in the actual real world of jobs haha and could chime in on it's reputation out there. </p>

<p>anyways, thanks for your help!</p>

2

<p>westeros,</p>

<p>You are asking for an opinion. Will your family be able to afford the cost of attendance at SC or did you file for financial aid? If cost is not a factor I will post some things you should consider about the USC experience. I am assuming you have been admitted to Marshall.</p>

<p>Faculty Student Ratio USC
1/9</p>

<p>Faculty Student Ratio UCSB
1/17</p>

<p>Admit Rate 2012 USC
18.2%</p>

<p>Admit Rate 2012 UCSB<br>
41.5%</p>

<p>Freshmen Retention Rate USC
97%</p>

<p>Freshmen Retention Rate UCSB
91%</p>

<p>U.S. News Ranking Best Universities --Latest
USC 23
UCSB 42</p>

<p>ACT Composite
USC 29-33 2011
UCSB 24-30 2011</p>

<p>At USC you will be in a city which is a center for international business and the entertainment, aerospace, technology, finance and pharmaceutical industries. Opportunities through Marshall are extensive for internships and interaction with prominent alumni. Marshall is ranked by U.S. News as #9 in undergraduate business schools. There is much emphasis on global business and innovative programs. </p>

<p>Marshall also offers opportunities for study abroad through the IEP Exchange Program, Global Internship Program, International Corporate Learning Program as well as the USC study abroad programs.</p>

<p>As one of the hundreds of social choices USC offers Greek life. If your fraternity is on campus you may be able to affiliate with your chapter on the row. Club sports is another option with sports from tennis to lacrosse. Brits can be found on Sunday afternoons playing cricket. Students can ride the USC boat to the Catalina Island campus and enjoy scuba diving.</p>

<p>USC’s remakable diversity of international, art, music, theatre and cinema students will enrich your college experience. There is a full calendar of cultural events on campus from lectures, films, exhibits, plays, concerts, opera, dance and Visions & Voices. You will be able to hear the great Midori, Ralph Kirshbaum, Stephen Hartke and Pepe Romero or observe one of the many film teams who use the campus as a setting.</p>

<p>The renowned Trojan Family is not a myth. On campus you will connect with students, faculty and alumni who may be your friends, mentors and new “family”. Alumni groups span the globe and can be found in Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, London and Paris to name a few. </p>

<p>Take time to visit the campus, take the tour, discuss your future with an advisor at Marshall and decide which university will offer you a more enriched experience and greater opportunities to enhance your business skills.</p>

<p>Here are a just a sampling of Marshall alumni:</p>

<p>Marc Benioff-Founder and CEO of Salesforce.com
Dan Bane-Chm. and CEO of Trader Joe’s
Dave Bohnett-Founder and former CEO of Geocities.com
Henry Caruso-Founder of Dollar-Rent-A-Car
Ronnie Chan-Chrm. of Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties in Hong Kong
Chris DeWolfe-Co-founder of MySpace
Brad Hughes-Founder and CEO of Public Storage
Gordon Marshall-Founder of Marshall Industries-Donated $35 million to USC
Preston Martin-Former VP of Federal Reserve Board
Bob McKnight-Chrm. and CEO of Quiksilver
Pat Nixon-Former First Lady
Paul Orfalea-Founder of Kinko’s
Andrall Pearson-Former President of PepsiCO.
Ed Roski-Chrm. and CEO of Majestic Realty</p>

3

<p>I don’t think you need to be sold to the idea of USC like the above poster gives me the idea of where this thread is going. I’m sure you have researched enough general info, influential alumni stats etc etc for both schools and you are at a stalemate, hence the sleepless nights. </p>

<p>All things equal, I would say USC definitely provides the better opportunity in business than UCSB and would be worth moving to LA over. However, all things aren’t equal. That is an extremely hefty price tag you mentioned and at that rate, I am not really sure the benefits really outweigh the costs. That is an extremely personal decision you should make with your family since you know your financial situation better than all of us. </p>

<p>In short, USC is probably noticeably better than UCSB in the business/ibanking sector. You get perks of being a trojan in LA and connect with people etc etc. Don’t worry about fitting in. USC students are not that much different socially than UCSB students (I don’t mean this in any insinuating way, I’m just saying don’t worry about the move, you’ll get used to it fast). Rest assured, USC is better for business than UCSB. Is it 47k per year better than UCSB? That is extremely debatable. Good luck with your decision, and don’t rule out Vandy.</p>

4

<p>My two cents - I am a UCSB grad. My wife is an 'SC grad. While I believe that a student can get a good education anywhere if they want it I can state without hesitation that the post graduation 'SC experience is head and shoulders above that of a UCSB grad. The 'SC alumni network is real. The ‘prestige’ factor is there, and is growing, particularly in California.</p>

<p>While I loved my time in IV if I had a choice today I would be in LA for sure.</p>

<p>My son graduated High School and will be a freshman next year. He was accepted at both Santa Barbara and 'SC. You can take a look at my handle to see where he’s going.</p>

<p>Good luck with your decision.</p>

5

<p>Sorry this is off topic and I can’t offer any advice on your particular question, but I just transferred to SC from UCSB and personally think I’m making a good move aside from the “prestige” factor and stuff like that. I made a ton of friends at UCSB and will miss IV a lot but I look at it as just a 1.5 to 2 hour drive away. My fiends also have accepted my decision since it will give them an extra reason to come visit SC and see me. What fraternity were you in in SB?</p>

6

<p>Here’s an analogy to guide you. During the 1980s (and well before Steve Sample), three of my friends transferred from UCLA to USC, including one of my roommates. The reasons included, and I paraphrase, “lack of exclusivity and prestige,” “large classes,” “commuter school,” “no friends because of its huge size,” “no place to park,” “too big,” and “not private.” Like I, they all went to good law schools.</p>

<p>My advice: transfer, and if you don’t like USC, go back.</p>

<p>Welcome to the Trojan Family and Fight On!</p>

7

<p>I think a USC degree is worth the 50 grand or so extra, IF, and this is the biggest IF of all, if it isn’t mostly debt and it won’t have a major effect on your family.</p>

8

<p>Thanks for all the replies everyone! </p>

<p>Also (bandtenht,and g0ld3n), I meant to say that the cost is $47,000 overall, so $17,000 more than UCSB. </p>

<p>And to Georgiagirl, thanks for that incredibly in depth response. I’m actually currently enrolled as an economics major. UCSB had a great econ/accounting program and I actually enjoyed it so I thought it’s what I’d want to do at USC. However, after researching and these forums, I’m certain that I want to try and transfer into Marshall. </p>

<p>Again, any other input would be greatly appreciated!</p>