Hello everyone, I am a NYC cc student who has been accepted to UNC CS program for Fall 2018 and USC CSBA program for spring 2019.
I am having a very hard time to decide where to attend. My heart tells me to attend UNC because I think the college town lifestyle is better suited for me. But my brain is telling me to go to USC because I view it as the better option for me.
Assuming the cost of attendance is relatively similar which school should I attend?
Also I was thinking of attending UNC for a semester then move onto USC, is such scenario possible?
Why do you think USC is a better option?
No, it’s not a good idea to attend one school for a semester and then move to a different school.
Listen to your heart.
@bouders I just think USC CSBA program gives me a better education and I think USC being in LA is the better location for networking.
Both are good schools. The programs are different though. The USC CSBA program is a combined computer science and business program. It probably has less computer science coursework and more business coursework than a traditional CS degree. The UNC degree is probably just CS. Do you want pure CS, or do you want to mix CS and business?
@Corbett I prefer to study CSBA but I still have my doubts.
Well, there is no “wrong” choice here. You will get a great CS education from UNC (though without the business aspect that USC would offer), and I would expect that UNC grads do fine in terms of networking and job placement, even though they are not in a local market as large as USC’s.
@Corbett I know there isn’t a wrong choice but I want to make the best choice. I feel like this is the most important decision of my life and I want to do what is best for me.
It’s the most important decison in your life until the next important decision.
What people are saying is you are choosing between a Mercedes and a BMW. The quality is assumed. It’s now up to the individual features and personal tastes. Both vehicles and both schools will get you where you want to go.
I think the schools have a very different feel. Go with your gut and which location is best for you. I also think USC would be more rigorous and closer to the power internships, if that is what you want.
I agree with this. If a college town like Chapel Hill appeals to you, I’m not sure the size and intensity of LA will be as appealing. (That has been my experience as someone who moved from the Research Triangle to LA, at least. I adore Chapel Hill but have at best a love/hate relationship with LA.)
You’ll be just fine graduating with a degree from Carolina. There are UNC grads all over the country.
Two great choices and two great, though very different, schools. If money weren’t an issue I’d definitely go to USC, but that’s your call.
Best wishes and Fight On!
Yes, two great choices and agree with others to go with your gut and what feels right since there’s no bad choice.
Just want to add that Research Triangle is super hot with tech jobs right now. Rumor is that Apple 2 is headed here with announcement expected any day and it’s a finalist for Amazon HQ2. It’s a great time to be in tech in the Triangle with lots of opportunities for those in the pipeline!
And in light of post above, must end with Go Heels! 
Both good schools, at USC if you decide to go straight CS rather than CSBA, that is easy, it just takes a signature at an advisor’s office to change. But go where your heart tells you.
One of my kids graduated from Chapel Hill with a business degree and my other is at USC studying business as well. As an active member of both communities, I would objectively say that USC is the better option long term. LA is growing extremely fast in terms of businesses and startups; USC will give you access to more influential companies and is a great place to study. Chapel Hill is a great school, but CSBA at USC will set you up in a very good spot to succeed after school. Good Luck!
Thanks everyone! I appreciate your advice!