<p>I was fortunate enough to be accepted into all of these schools but I am having a tough time deciding where to attend. The University of Chicago is obviously one of the best academic schools in the country, but the "where fun goes to die" reputation is alarming as I am a pretty social person. Vanderbilt seems amazing but I haven't visited yet. Also, I would attend the arts and sciences. UCLA has a fantastic computer science program and is in southern California which is a huge plus. USC has a dual degree program for computer science and business administration which is perfect for me. I would attend Michigan Engineering, and then apply to Ross after a year. I intend to major/minor in either or both computer science and business/economics. Any insight into prestige, reputation, social life, etc. would be great appreciated as I am having a tough time deciding. Thanks!!</p>
<p>You should definitely visit Vanderbilt - if you are social you will probably fall in love with it. Strictly judging academically I’d say Chicago is the best school.</p>
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<p>Then why are you still deciding? Go with USC.</p>
<p>beyphy</p>
<p>I would, but I’m having a hard time turning down Vanderbilt and UChicago because of their academic rank and reputation. I’m not sure how much of a factor that should play in my decision but I am just thinking out loud.</p>
<p>what are the costs-to-you?</p>
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<p>Very, very little. Not among these 5 schools, anyway.They are all highly ranked.They all have good reputations.</p>
<p>In my opinion, Chicago offers just about the best undergraduate liberal arts education in America (among the national universities, at least). It sounds like what you’re after is more of a pre-professional program, which is not where Chicago shines. If you are a very social person, you prefer a warm climate, and you aren’t especially keen on the “Common Core” concept, you could be miserable there. </p>
<p>USC is one of the top-ranked universities in the nation and it has a program that sounds perfect for you. If it is affordable, go with it. Otherwise, based on what you said (prestige, preprofessional excellence, etc) I’d go with Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>FWIW, outside of the south, I don’t think Vanderbilt is more prestigious than UCLA. And certainly not in the west. Vanderbilt might also have an edge in the east coast, but that’s probably more due to the public university stigma there than anything else.</p>
<p>Also OP, if you’re interested in both business and CS, California is one of the hottest places to be in the country for that right now. Silicon Valley is long established, and Silicon Beach is on its way there as well. In Los Angeles, there are a large number of startups needing people with both the programming skills to assist in development and the business skills to help the company thrive. As I said, USC is probably your best bet, but if you don’t like it I’d recommend you take a look at UCLA as well.</p>
<p>Chicago gave me a small scholarship but fortunately money is not a factor in my decision.</p>
<p>I would also look at where you want to reside after undergrad. USC has great alumni network. When you go to school at SC, you definitely become part of the SC family. SC is well respected, as are all of your other schools, but the area outside of the school is very urban and somewhat sketchy although SC has done tons to bring up the surrounding area and provide a safe environment for the students. I give major props for SC and as far as my comments on the surrounding area - just keeping it real. Good luck with whatever choice you make all your schools are great ones. P.S., my son just got accepted to USC a few days ago and is mulling over all his options. </p>