<p>I recently got into both UCSD's Management Science Major and USC's Business Administration and having a tough time deciding on which school to attend.</p>
<p>I didn't receive any financial aid or any of the larger scholarships from USC, so cost is also a major factor in my decision.</p>
<p>UCSD:
-Cheaper than USC (by a lot!)
-Safer Location (how dangerous is USC's area really? I either hear grossly exaggerated stories or people saying 'it's totally fine')
-High ranked Economics program</p>
<p>USC:
-Strong Alumni Network
-Better name brand of a school
-Marshall School of Business!
-Better opportunity to forge connections (I think)
-Easier to get internships/work experience (I recall UCSD is more of a biomed place, not really suited to business/econ)</p>
<p>I'd like some help here, especially concerning other factors, such as social circles, student life, and general impressions from students attending either college. Thanks!</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard Management Science is a business major with a hell lot of economics. In any case it kind of sounds like you’ve already made your decision.</p>
<p>@Oyama: My impression was the same as subtle_overlord’s. Both majors lead into an MBA later anyways, but USC’s seems to be more directly related. However, the staggering price tag (9k tuition vs. 36k) is the main deterrent.</p>
<p>@subtle_overlord: I don’t think I’ve really made my decision. Maybe I didn’t emphasize USC’s financial burden enough ): I don’t want to be paying off loans 10 years after I graduate, but do the opportunities USC gives (connections + better school) outweight the costs?</p>
<p>As someone who was interested in pursuing some sort of business degree, I can tell you that if the business factor is your primary concern, I’d say definitely USC. Yeah, UCSD has a high ranked economics program, but if you’re really sure you want to do business, USC will provide you with more options, more opportunities for networking (like you said), and just in general more of a ‘business’ environment. </p>
<p>As for the danger factor, I know ppl at USC - there are ghetto parts, but I’m sure you’ll be fine. People can’t be getting shot THAT often… And UCSD’s not completely safe either - there have been many rape reports this year, on campus too!</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong - UCSD’s great. I personally really like it. But I’ll just say that because of UCSD’s renown in science, I do feel I would get more out of being a science major than a ‘kinda business’ one. I am considering a minor in management science tho.</p>
<p>edit: well now that you’re emphasizing the cost, I’d say that if USC would be such a financial burden (as it is for most) esp. with the state of the economy, you won’t go wrong with UCSD. And you don’t have to do business for undergrad to get an MBA later on. Like for me, my primary field of choice is business, and I know for a fact I will go into that field sooner or later, but I’m not gonna do it for undergrad. You can always go into business eventually. No hurry. </p>
<p>But even if you do stick with Man Sci at UCSD, you’re good. There are a couple of business frats/clubs (I know of at least 3) that you can join to get more connections.</p>
<p>Hmm… I see. I guess this is a question of whether the loans are worth it is one that only USC business alumni can answer then.</p>
<p>The management science majors I’ve met here are generally, er, pretty generic I have to admit. There haven’t been a whole lot of people from those majors that have wowed me. That doesn’t mean I haven’t met awesome business-minded people though. Some of the most amazing people I have met who want to go to business school are either bioengineering or biology majors who want to specialize in the science and technology industry. If your goal in career in life is set on such a specialization then UCSD can definitely help you there.</p>
<p>La Jolla is suuuuper safe. I think the reason those rape incidents were such a big deal is because they rarely happen.</p>
<p>In this situation, if cost were not an issue, I’d go with USC. You’re right in deciding between the two though because if you do want an econ degree, SD is great for that.</p>
<p>ALL majors lead to MBA’s. Only requirement for B-school is GMAT and most of the top programs require professional experience as well.</p>
<p>I can name about as many engineering friends who’ve gotten accepted into B-school as I do Management Science. What Business Schools look for isn’t undergraduate major, but rather ability/potential to succeed in a variety of situations (academic, professional, independent, etc.). That’s why there’s such a diverse student population in those schools.</p>
<p>If Business School is a requirement for you, major in something you like and either minor or just take the econ classes that interest you.</p>
<p>Undergrad business degrees are for people who want a bachelor’s as their terminal degree. “Business Administration” and “Management Science” are just labels.</p>
<p>Management Science is not business. It’s economics. There are many unhappy Management Science students who incorrectly thought it was business and now regret their decision to come to UCSD.</p>
And UCSD’s not completely safe either - there have been many rape reports this year, on campus too!</p>