<p>I was wondering how much consideration graduate schools give to the prestige of the undergraduate institution that an applicant attended.
In addition, I was wondering if you could help me decide between USC and UC Berkeley.</p>
<p>I am currently a high school senior deciding to attend either UC Berkeley or USC. I loved both UC Berkeley and USC, when I visited for their Admit Days. I am aware that although UC Berkeley is ranked slightly higher and has a "better" name value, it is MUCH more prestigious and competitive than USC. Hence, I am wondering if it is worth the trouble to go through this academic challenge at UC Berkeley--I'm not saying that I won't be challenged at USC. I'm just saying that UC Berkeley academics are known to be more difficult.</p>
<p>I want to major in Economics, and I know that UC Berkeley is a better school for my intended major. However, I ultimately want to attend graduate school in four years, and I want to know if the four cut-throat years that I spend at UC Berkeley will be worth it (in terms of what graduate institution I am accepted to, provided that I maintain good grades and whatnot) than spending four more lax years at USC.</p>
<p>In addition, I need to pay $8000 in loans to attend Berkeley, but only $2000 in loans to attend USC.</p>
<p>Furthermore, I have lived in Southern California all of my life, if this will be a factor in the decision.</p>
<p>USC is no longer (quite) the university-of-spoiled-children that it used to be. (Smile.) Meaning if you do well there, and do well on your GREs, you will be a highly competitive candidate for grad schools. Base your decision on your personal liking of each campus -- there is a difference between the two, physically and culturally -- and take money into consideration as well. (Little or no debt is best, trust us on this.) But don't try to look into a crystal ball to try to predict what will happen "for grad school." Life takes all kinds of turns and by the end of your sophomore year you may have totally different ideas what you want to do after graduation.</p>
<p>People talk about "grad school" all the time, but often I think they are just wi****lly dreaming about something without a hard grasp of what that means...</p>
<p>If you truly are hardcore into economics, if you live and breathe economics, you should go to Berkeley. But it doesn't sound to me like that actually describes you. In that case, go where you think you'd be happiest, especially since cost doesn't appear to be a huge factor. (assuming you mean $8,000 in loans over for years, not each year)</p>
<p>$8000/year for Berkeley wouldn't be too bad and it would provide you the opportunity to go away to college.</p>
<p>Don't worry about grad school stuff right now. Go where you think you'd fit in better and enjoy more...</p>
<p>Berkeley: go away to school, Norcal weather, more intellectual student-oriented city, don't need a car, renowned economics department, big classes, academically competitive, more expensive.</p>
<p>USC: closer to home, Socal weather, more school spirit, car needed (or friend with car) for off-campus entertainment, smaller classes, less intense academically, less expensive.</p>