USC Marshall v. University of Miami

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>So I'm basically torn between my dream school and reality. When I was accepted into the Marshall School of Business as a Fall 2012 freshman admit, I died of happiness. I have wanted to go to USC ever since I first saw the school last summer were I fell IN LOVE with everything about the school and spent my entire college search/application process with the desperate hope of being able to attend it next fall. I have heard only amazing things about the opportunities at the business school, the social scene at USC in general, and the perks from being a part of the "Trojan Family." Right now I'm thinking about a Busniess Admin. degree with a focus in International Relations (essentially the dual-degree at USC) because I love to travel and I'm really interested in global economics and marketing. Although I'm from Maryland, I have family nearby an hour south of the University, so that's always a comfort as well. But the financial reality is sinking in, and although I'm very fortunate and my parents are willing to pay a good chunk of it, I will be graduating with 60k of debt without interest. I received no merit scholarships or financial aid assistance (due to our upper middle-class status). I've heard of scholarships being offered to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students... but that would be a gamble to rely on going in with already 15k of debt on my back from my freshman year. The University of Southern California is basically my "dream school" in every sense of the cliche, and I would hate to have to give up the opportunity to have my undergrad experience there due to money. </p>

<p>My second choice is the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. They gave me about 15k in scholarship per year, so with the amount of money my parents will pay plus scholarship I will come out of undergrad financially even. I heard the business school is pretty decent as well, but I'm worried that the networking contacts will be mainly centered in South Florida and I'm not positive I'd want to stay there after I graduate. I liked the campus decently enough... it's not USC but it really is beautiful. </p>

<p>I'm just so torn. Both schools have all the options I am looking for, but I've just always had my heart set on USC. 60k is just a lot of debt to deal with stepping out into the real world, and I'm not sure if it's worth it.</p>

<p>Any comments/advice would be greatly appreciated! I'm desperate for anything to sway me at this point.</p>

2

<p>anyone???</p>

3

<p>DO NOT go with debt. Just dont, especially since you are going to grad school… if you were not that would have been different.</p>

4

<p>School networks are always strongest nearest the mothership. But with a solid education you can get a job anywhere, you just may have to do more of the lifting yourself.</p>

<p>It’s hard to justify $60K in debt.</p>

5

<p>Well to be honest I’m not positive I want to go to grad school at this point, especially because experience with undergrad weighs much heavier in the business world. Not to mention most mba programs tend to want work experience first (at least from what I’ve heard). I know I’d be working straight out of college regardless, but despite everything the debt still scares me.</p>

6

<p>What type of business do you want to go into? IB, trading, corp finance, investment mgmt, accounting, marketing, consulting, other?</p>

7

<p>I’d like to go into some sort of international/global aspect of business. Possibly with marketing? So I guess that means IB?</p>

8

<p>You must weigh the debt situation. If you are considering USC Marshall and international business US News ranks Marshall’s at #4th in the nation.</p>

9

<p>Have you applied for any local scholarships?</p>

10

<p>Wow that’s crazy good… Marshall is such an amazing business school. I just wish it wasn’t so expensive! Then my choice would be simple</p>

11

<p>I’ve applied to a few through my dad’s work, but I won’t find out if I got them until after my decision :/</p>

12

<p>I do not know if this is possible, but I have heard before of students who were waiting on financial aid packages from 2 or 3 “final choices” asking for an extension on their decision. Could you contact both university admission counselors and check to see if this is a possibility? If you win a local scholarship it would make your choice easier.</p>