<p>I've been accepted to both UCSD and USC and I'm waiting on Berkeley, which is my top choice. However, I'm really cautious/unsure about getting in (esp. since LA rejected me), so I'm trying to seriously think about choosing between the first two schools. I'm not entirely sure about a major yet, but I'm looking into English/Journalism/Political science. Basically, I like USC more, as I'm under the impression that it's actually pretty much in the city (i.e. downtown LA) and that UCSD is kind of isolated and... well, boring. Also, academically, USC ranks higher (in the areas that I want to study of course--especially journalism. I'm well aware that SD kicks butt in biology).</p>
<p>What makes SD more appealing though is its price tag. I didn't receive the half or full scholarships to USC and I'm not qualified for financial aid, so it looks like it's going to cost twice as much as SD (I live in CA). Are the perks and advantages of going to a school like USC worth it, especially when SD is a really good school itself? Maybe if anyone currently at USC could tell me how academically challenging it is... would I be able to work as well as get excellent grades, and have fun? Also, is there any way that I could apply for other scholarships later on?</p>
<p>For academics ucsd is more rigorous in my oppinion, for college experience usc will provide you with that. The two schools are ranked almost identically overall, both excellent institutions. If i personally were in your position i would choose sd, not only because of the price difference but because sd is far better in my major, poli sci, and also in my oppinion, in a far better location, la jolla, versus sc in south central. La Jolla is 10 minutes from downtown sd and also close to pacific beach. SC has a better frat scene and pure college atmosphere however and if the frat/sorority scene is what you are looking for I would choose sc. I personally dont believe sc is worth the difference in price. But either way you cant go wrong, other than financially lol. Congrats on your accpetance to both schools. And good luck choosing an institution.</p>
<p>UCSD is more academically rigorous, while USC is more work-hard/play-hard.
However, are your parents willing to pay twice as much for a better social/party scene? :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Well it's more about whether <em>I</em> would be willing to pay, because I'm going to do all I can to make sure that they won't have to pay more than they would have if I went to a UC.</p>
<p>I think USC has a lot of scholarships for continuing students. For journalism, there is no question that USC is the obvious winner by a mile - Annenberg is one of the best journalism/communications schools in the country (if not THE BEST). For English and Poli Sci, I think the differences blur and UCSD would be a better choice simply because of the price tag.</p>
<p>I agree for journalism USC is clearly higher ranked than ucsd, however the idea that in political science the two schools are close is not even remotely true. UCSD is ranked #7 in the country, while USC does not even fall into the top 25. </p>
<p>Poli Sci:
UCSD: #7
USC: outside of top 25</p>
<p>English:
UCSD: outside top 25
USC: outside top 25</p>
<p>I couldnt find the journalism rankings.</p>
<p>Choose the school that fits you best. If you are gonna wanna party, along with a good school and sports, USC is the choice, if you enjoy a more mellow social life and good academia, choose UCSD. Either way you cant go wrong. If USC ended up costing twice as much I would not consider it however, deffiantly not worth hundred thousand $ more ect.</p>
<p>No worries, im surprised neither of these schools has a high ranked eng department. I know sc is extremely strong in the posters area of study, which he should deff take into account when choosing a school.</p>
<p>I think it comes down to what you want your major to be, as well as how you envision college life. Obviously, there's a disparity in the rankings. UCSD is clearly better in Poli Sci while USC has one of the best journalism schools in the country. Now, this may be confused as USC bias considering what my location is listed as, but (and correct me other CC'ers if I'm wrong) it would seem to me that the prestige of one's journalism degree and alma mater would matter much more in the job world than the prestige of one's Poli Sci degree -- especially if the less prestigious school is USC. It's still USC. Whereas I'm not even sure if UCSD has a journalism major and if so, it's no Annenberg. </p>
<p>Further, to counter ucchris' statement, as a native San Diegan (who ultimately chose USC over UCSD), I can attest to the fact that La Jolla is a horrible college town. It's not geared toward college students at all, but rather the ultra-wealthy of SoCal. The city itself is even outright tunfriendly towards UCSD students with local coffeeshops like the Living Room discouraging students from studying and taking up tables for any significant amount of time. True, Pacific Beach and its nightlife is about 10 minutes away but USC has Hollywood and the Sunset Strip 10 minutes away and PB's nowhere near those two. And even if you do not choose to leave the school, it at least has a reputable social scene, unlike UCSD. </p>
<p>That said, it seems as though for your specific situation it's quite the financial commitment. Again, I think it comes down to major. If you choose journalism, if I were in your position, I would certianly choose USC. Poli Sci would be a much more difficult matter.</p>
<p>I would deff not want to be in south central over la jolla. the immediate areas themselves do not even compare. i guess i dont understand how south central could be nicer than la jolla. ucsd has usc clearly beat on location. Where usc owns ucsd is in college experience, something ucsd clearly lacks. Lots of constant studiers and nerds and such. usc has an awesome greek system and good college spirit/sports teams ect. I would also counter that ucsd is just 10 minutes from downtown (gaslamp) and under 5 minutes to pacific beach. these two areas line up very equally for the bar/party scene with sunset. Hell sunset, gaslamp, pacific beach are all known to have great college/party atmospheres. However, you probably wont see many ucsd students partying as they have a reputation for studying a lot. And if la jolla discourages students from visiting local restaurants which in the many times ive been down their i have never been treated in any way but very nice, and im a college student. I was at usc a few weeks ago and had to be carefull where i walked off campus, and usc is near some pretty scary areas of south central. Im just trying to be the devils advocate, if i was under 21 and looking for a good college experience and good academics and money was of no issue i would likely attend usc over ucsd, however, being older (over 21) and being able to go to bars in areas such as gaslamp, i would prefer the laid back atmosphere of upper class la jolla, while getting an equally good and rigourous education. whatever choice you make will be a good one. For me if money was of no issue usc for journalism is clearly better and ucsd is clealry better in poli sci. Either way even if you go to the lower ranked individual program both schools are ranked virtually the same and you will be getting a good degree. Visit both compuses and get an idea where you fit in and enjoy better. Either way your getting a top education.</p>