So I have recently gotten into several schools and after a lot of research, I have cut my choices down to two schools: USC and Cornell. I’ve taken a look at several other forums and while some of them are close to my situation, they didn’t exactly fit mine (if anyone knows a forum question where someone was in my exact situation I would love to see it so I could look over replies ) I have been considering several pros and cons of attending each of the schools, but I still feel stuck! I also get overwhelmed and stressed easily so that’s also something that I’ve been considering when looking at my options. Any help, insight or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Pros of USC:
(My major would be Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Climate, Earth and Environment)
-It’s close to home; about 2 hours away
-I plan on minoring in Cinematic Arts and their film school is top notch
-I qualify for their free tuition program
-The weather
-The expansive Trojan network
-Vibrant student life
Cons of USC:
-Environmental science program isn’t as well known as Cornell’s (Is there a major difference between the programs?)
-Bad surrounding area
Pros of Cornell:
(My major would be Environmental Science and Sustainability with an emphasis in Environmental Biology and Applied Ecology)
-Ivy League
-Great environmental science program
-Beautiful campus
-Lots of outdoor activities to do
Cons of Cornell:
-Far from home all the way on the other side of the country and tickets back home are pricey
-Cold winters
-Rigorous workload
-Isolated
-Film program isn’t well known
USC still seems to be the better, and far less costly, option. USC’s film school is among the best in the world.
There is a bit of a risk in travelling too far as coronavirus may appear again in the Fall according to US health officials. This could result in school closures & possible loss of all or some tuition & other costs. Better to take the free option at prestigious USC.
Congratulations @KeegsM, on two GREAT offers! My S19 also was choosing between USC and Cornell last year, but for History. One exercise that helped us to decide was to do a draft 4-year plan for each school based on your major’s and college’s requirements for graduation. You will likely see how there are a TON of GE or “Distribution” requirements to graduate from Cornell and it is very difficult to satisfy them with AP credits. There is a reason why there is a saying that Cornell is the easiest Ivy to get into, but the hardest to graduate from given all these requirements. It leaves less time for the classes in your major and any minor that you love. It would be far easier to double major in Environmental Studies and some Cinematic Arts related major or minor at USC. And if the money is better at USC, then that would really be the clincher. My sister who knows a number of kids who went to Cornell also chimed in that it is too remote and isolating.
Good luck to you on your decision, and congratulations again!
Congrats on being accepted to both schools! Ill choose USC - free tuition and its closer to home (which is a huge thing as of now because of the crisis)
Hi @KeegsM. You should have gotten your FA package from USC by now. How does it compare with Cornell’s, which is very good at only $2700/year? Also, how are the 4-year plans looking? Two great choices here. But two very different locations. Have you been able to visit both? I think the concern about USC’s “bad surrounding area” is somewhat overblown and outdated with the light rail metra stop right on campus. On campus and walking distance, it feels very safe. Congrats again on two outstanding offers with considerable aid and let us know your final decision, okay?
Hi, thank you for the congratulations @CollegeOdyssey2001 as for USC’s FA I received my complete offer and I would have to pay $8,000 a year. As for the four year plans, one issue arose with AP credit. If I were to attend Cornell I would only be able to place out of one class even if I pass my two exams this year. While at USC I would be able to place out of three courses and if I pass my two exams this year I would place out of five courses total. As for the courses between the schools they are similar and at USC I would need to take 19 courses required for my major and at Cornell I would have to take 20 (if i counted correctly and these numbers do not include GE requirements).
Unfortunately I have only been able to visit USC as our plans to visit Cornell were cancelled due to COVID-19, but when I did visit USC the campus felt very safe and the surrounding area didn’t bother me too much.
) I have been considering several pros and cons of attending each of the schools, but I still feel stuck! I also get overwhelmed and stressed easily so that’s also something that I’ve been considering when looking at my options. Any help, insight or advice would be greatly appreciated! 