Can anyone help with comments on the pros and cons of my son’s decision regarding the mechanical engineering program at both schools? He’s from the east coast and has a half off tuition merit award at USC. USC will still be slightly more expensive per year.
Thanks.
If it’s slightly more expensive I’ll go with USC, if you in state I would go with Cal Poly. Your kid might have a better college experience with USC.
I’d go with USC. You can’t deny the connections available with an elite school like USC. Besides USC has one of the best engineering schools in the country. For just slightly more expensive, I’d go USC.
I don’t know about connection because even my USC kid received none. However, she only hires USC grads, even though she received no help from the network.
It is almost the May 1 deadline. S is a national merit scholar finalist and it has come down between the mechanical engineering programs at Northeastern and USC. Merits awards for both are generous but it will be 10 k a year more at USC plus transportation costs from the east coast. Is the USC brand worth that?
How does your kid feel about these colleges? And what’s his preference? I would go by that.
@star233 Will the extra $10,000/year at USC be loans? withdrawals from your retirement fund? or will you be able to write out a check for the amount without blinking?
That $40,000 over 4 years could provide your S with some extras at Northeastern.
I love Northeastern, with the co-op experience and excellent engineering program. i told him the 40k gap between the two school if he chooses SoCal will be from loans, but I’m sure over the four years I will be in a position to narrow it with some blinking. Just not sure he has to incur the extra.
Those connections are largely overstated. I asked some USC students about these connections. They essentially amounted to being put in touch with USC alums who could make hiring decisions. Sharing an alma mater can certainly give you an edge over other applicants. One of my previous interviewers cited the USC-UCLA rivalry and how a lot of people got into it around football season. But that was just one of the things we talked about. And ultimately, they gave me an offer due to several other factors.
FWIW, going to a good school can help you get your foot in a door that might otherwise be closed. And that’s something that can be really valuable depending on your situation. But once you get your foot in the door, it’s up to you to interview well and get the offer. USC is probably prestigious enough these days that it’s able to get a lot of doors open for its alums.
I know a UCLA alum who does the same thing. I’m not sure how prevalent the practice is among alums at both schools. But in the areas I’ve worked, there’s been a strong UCLA presence and a small USC presence.
Post #47, what about your son’s preference? I think we that major he maybe able to get summer internships down to less than $40k. Mine is a sophomore and will be able to earn about $20k for 12 week internship.