UMich vs USC

<p>I'm an incoming transfer trying to decide between USC and UMich. Which school has the better nightlife/party scene. I know UMich is in Ann Arbor, which is a sick college town that's really fun to be in. I also know USC is in the "ghetto," but you also have LA at your disposal. I know USC is more about frat parties, while UMich is more of a well-rounded social scene. Which one would be better?</p>

<p>The one with the better academics…you decide on that.</p>

<p>Here’s the situation. I’m transferring and was accepted to USC and UMich. I love both schools. USC has the warm climate and city life that’s great. I’ve never been to LA, and I think it would be an awesome experience. UMich is in an awesome college town and has slightly better academics. Also UMich is pretty much free for me and USC gave me 47k in grants (leaving me to pay 10k per year). I’m appealing USC’s financial aid and hope to get at least another 4-5k in grant money. It’s hard because I HATE MIDWEST WEATHER. I would love to be in California during December, January, & February. Also, I’m gay and I know that USC is considered “conservative.” I want to be in Southern California post-grad, and I know that USC has great pull in LA. Also, I was admitted to Annenberg, which is a top 3 Communication school. I don’t know what to do. HELP!?!?!?</p>

<p>Here’s the situation. I’m transferring and was accepted to USC and UMich. I love both schools. USC has the warm climate and city life that’s great. I’ve never been to LA, and I think it would be an awesome experience. UMich is in an awesome college town and has slightly better academics. Also UMich is pretty much free for me and USC gave me 47k in grants (leaving me to pay 10k per year). I’m appealing USC’s financial aid and hope to get at least another 4-5k in grant money. It’s hard because I HATE MIDWEST WEATHER. I would love to be in California during December, January, & February. Also, I’m gay and I know that USC is considered “conservative.” I don’t know what to do. HELP!?!?!?</p>

<p>I would avoid any after graduation debt while persuing a communications degree. Michigan will allow you to do that, so that is what I would recommend.</p>

<p>^^^You’ve never been to LA in your entire life but you already know that is where you ultimately want to live. Does that even make any sense?</p>

<p>^ I generally agree. But, do you get $47k per year in grants? Are you a junior transfer, so you’d be done in 2 years? Where do you intend to settle down after graduation? What are your career aspirations? I don’t put much hope USC will sweeten the financial aid offer, especially since you’re a transfer. USC isn’t that conservative.</p>

<p>^ Never been to LA, yet has visited both USC and UCLA:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/16034694-post1.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/16034694-post1.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Does that even make any sense?</p>

<p>I want to live in Southern California after graduation which is why I’m heavily considering USC. I know USC will help me make all of the proper connections to get work in Southern California after graduation.</p>

<p>This seems like a horrible reason to pick a school</p>

<p>Well then you just answered your question. If you wanna live in SoCal, just attend there as you wish.</p>

<p>@UCBChem: LOL nice detective work there.</p>

<p>I would go with your gut. On the one hand, if you are certain you want to live in SoCal after graduation, attending USC certainly has its perks. On the other hand, Michigan is a stronger academic institutions, cheaper (unless USC revises their aid package) and provides a more well rounded college experience. You can’t lose either way, but there are benefits and drawbacks to both. Partying should not be a criterion. If you were comparing USC/Michigan to Chicago or Columbia, I would see your concern, but Michigan and USC both provide enough of a party scene for even the hardiest of party folk. Not that it matters since students at those two universities are still expected to put in more time hitting the books than partying would permit. Oh, the sacrifice!</p>

<p>Annenberg is one of the best Communication schools in the world so I would recommend USC if costs aren’t a factor since you want to live in LA post graduation too.</p>

<p>I agree with the above. Annenberg is a great school, and I don’t think UMich can compare academically when talking specifically about communications. Also, I would like to point out that USC is not that conservative. I am also gay and have done some research on the subject, and I have also lived in SoCal all my life (Hollywood and Pasadena) so I know that LA Is of course an extremely gay friendly city. And I think every school has conservative people but most of the time, at most urban schools, the population is mostly liberal (usc is no exception). So overall, I understand financial aid is important, but I think the best choice would be USC. good luck!</p>

<p>I would avoid any after graduation debt while persuing a communications degree. The ROI is poor.</p>

<p><a href=“8 College Degrees With the Worst Return on Investment | Salary.com”>http://www.salary.com/8-college-degrees-with-the-worst-return-on-investment/slide/10/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;