<p>So here's the story: I got a spring grades request from USC and I got accepted just last week, which was pretty delayed. Because of this, I was forced to enroll in another school first, just in case I wouldn't make into USC--so I enrolled at UCI. Now that I'm accepted to USC, I am debating whether or not I should withdraw my UCI enrollment to attend USC and I need to make the decision within the next couple of days. </p>
<p>Details and some of my main concerns:</p>
<p>UCI (Business Economics major)
- close to home, I live in Irvine
- business economics is the major i want--i'm very interested in economics and at the same time I want to apply it into business for my future career
- being a student there would feel like "just a number", b/c lots of students and impacted classes
- solid mid-tier UC, not a bad school but not amazing either</p>
<p>USC (Economics major)
- USC is a great school, and it's Marshall school of business is very renowned, but i've heard many things about USC's econ dept being inferior to Marshall meaning students who couldn't get into Marshall fall back into Econ major
- not sure how prestigious econ dept is, tried doing some research but couldn't find much info
- Trojan network however is something that makes USC an appealing choice
- i originally wanted to get into Marshall, but applied for Econ because it's easier to get admitted...wondering if I should take on a Business minor </p>
<p>So I eventually want to have a career that's business related in the future but I'm not sure which school would be the best choice for me to pick right now. Bottom line is, UCI's Business Economics major is the major that would be most relevant pertaining to my future career goals, but USC has such a great alumni network and prestigious name that it would probably give me more career opportunities than UCI after graduation.</p>
<p>In terms of financial aid, there's not much of a difference between the two because my family is pretty low income. so both UCI and USC are pretty generous with my aid amount.</p>
<p>If anybody could spill me some advice, I'd really appreciate it. Again, this is SUPER URGENT since i have to make my final school choice in a couple of days. Thanks guys!</p>
<p>Is cost really the same? Are you getting enough aid to cover housing at USC (assuming living at home if UCI)? One is more the “going away to college” experience, even though still close. Does that factor in at all?</p>
<p>You would be able to easily add minor at USC which seems a plus. I have a hard time believing that USC econ isn’t as strong if not stronger than UCI econ, but that is my pro-USC bias showing, not an educated opinion on the major. The alumni connections at USC are stronger than anywhere and a big advantage, that I do have first hand experience with. Hopefully someone can chime in with econ background, good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>If your costs are the same and you have the opportunity to live away from home in this case I suggest you take the SC offer. It is possible to have minors in Marshall. </p>
<p>Where you will see the difference is in class size with SC having a faculty student ratio of 1/9 as opposed to UCI’s 1/19, no impacted classes, access to faculty and peers from all over the world. Take the time to look up the names and resumes of SC’s economics faculty. The Dornsife School has benefitted from the $200 million gift and has added large numbers of top notch faculty to their core departments. </p>
<p>The Trojan family is not a myth. USC has much to offer and this is your opportunity to take advantage of SC’s interdisciplinary approach and experiences available to you at a better known and dynamic university.</p>
<p>If out of pocket money is the same and you want to work in Southern California, USC’s network is incredible. I have already seen this and it is real in terms of internships and jobs. I am sure that the USC network is great in many places but in Orange County and LA is is awesome! UCI is a good school too but I think you would never regret going to 'SC.</p>
<p>@CADREAMIN If i go to UCI, I’d have to take out about 2k/year in loans, if I go to USC, i’d have to take out about 5k/year in loans. So essentially it’s pretty much about the same, not a large amount. I guess it all comes down to paying for the Trojan name</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your opinion guys! I think I’m definitely leaning towards USC</p>
<p>In my opinion (for whatever that is worth - I have two at USC) I think the flexibility, the ability to double major or minor and certainly the alumni network is worth it. And if you want to go there that is the biggest thing - then the difference in price for you is pretty insignificant. It’s a big spirit school with 100% of the college experience waiting for you. I hope you find peace and happiness in your decision. 
</p>
<p>This is a no brainer, given the financials: Southern Cal. I realize withdrawing will be a bit awkward but waste no time and do this now. You will not regret your decision, especially 20 years from now. Welcome to the Trojan family and congratulations on getting in.</p>
<p>USC sucks… if ur going there, i’m sorry for you</p>
<p>JK… i have friends going to SC so i can say this</p>
<p>@beeds1028 - did you make a decision? Either way, hope it is done so you can enjoy summer and look forward to whichever school you picked.</p>
<p>@cadreamin i chose usc :)</p>
<p>@beeds1028 - Congrats, and welcome to the Trojan family and network! It is really something. Fight ON!</p>