<p>As most of you now, SIRs are usually due by May 1st. That leaves a little over a month left for this year's college bound high school seniors to make the famed decision on where they want to attend for the next two-four years. I've been accepted to most of these colleges, and for the rest, I'm waiting on decisions (all will be out within a week!).</p>
<p>My major for each of these colleges is either Business, Econ, or a mixture of the both (based on what majors they had available). My family's income classifies us as lower middle class. My question is, which college is best for me in terms of academics, location (I currently live in NorCal), financial aid, and opportunities both while I'm in school and after graduation. Opportunities to study abroad in or travel to a country in Latin America or Spain would be great, too. I know that USC and UCB are the best in my major, but what would be the best college for me at the best value?</p>
<p>University of Southern California: waiting
UC Berkeley: waiting
UCLA: in
UCSD: in (with Chancellor's scholarship)
UCD: in
Cal Poly: in
San Jose State: in</p>
<p>Haas > Marshall > Cal Poly Business School (forgot the name, Orchlea or something) > UCLA does not have an undergrad Business program.</p>
<p>Also another thing Berk and Cal Poly are the only 2 public schools in cali to be ranked in the top 100 for their business colleges. Berk is about 9, Cal Poly among the top 50 or 60. USC is a private and ranks about 24. Everything I said above is for if you want to major in BUSINESS.</p>
<p>For Econ
UCB > UCLA > USC > Cal Poly</p>
<p>I wouldn’t consider the other colleges for those majors.
These are just my personal opinions with some factoids thrown in. Remember you should visit each college and see which one you like the best and also which one offers good aid.</p>
<p>You can help others help you with your decision if you list the net cost after non-loan financial aid and scholarships at each school.</p>
<p>Check each school for whether you are:
a. In the major as a freshman, or
b. In as undeclared, but can easily declare the major, or
c. In as undeclared, but declaring the major is a competitive admission process.</p>
<p>For example, at Berkeley, the Business Administration major has a competitive admission process where one applies in one’s second year, needing a rather high GPA and holistic aspects for admission. The Economics major is another major that needs to be applied to, but is significantly less difficult to be admitted to. Many other majors are not restricted as long as you successfully complete the prerequisites.</p>
<p>Hmm, seems that several rankings list UCSD and UCD better than USC for Economics, although these seem to be mainly PhD program rankings (so no Cal Poly or SJSU).</p>
<p>All schools haven’t given me an award notice, so I can’t really post that info. The best grant aid so far is UCSD, but I read that a lot of the student body isn’t satisfied with the total college experience offered there (no football team?). I know Haas is like the best possible option, but the reason why I’m not so sure is because of the rumored (and fact-proven) grade deflation. How is the curving for business courses? Do job recruiters care more about the major or the GPA? Will they accept below 3.0s (not that I’m planning to, just that its a little intimidating competing with smartttt people)? One more thing, is it manageable to maintain a job/internship, club membership/leadership, community service and good grades at Cal?</p>
<p>Thanks for answering all my noob questions! :)</p>
<p>UCB, UCLA, and USC are all great for Business and Econ. Also, all are known very well in California, regardless if you’re in NorCal or SoCal. With that being said, go to whichever gives you the best financial aid package.</p>
<p>Reply to Anothergalaxy;
You must done your research well. I applied all the same schools as yours, accepted in all you’d listed, awaiting couple like you, and majoring in Business/economics. FYI. UCLA has minor in accounting, and the courses required helps you prepare for the CPA exam. The lower division B-Econ requires 2 Economics + 2 Accounting + Writing with about 3.3 gpa requires for entrance. I’ve checked out UCSC and surprisingly, they requires 2 computer-engineering courses in their upper division economics major which UCLA do not. In terms UCD, it has Agriculture-Mgmt-Economics since it is a school in that aspect of strengh. At last, I favor UCLA. The only question I have would be if it more difficult to get in Pre-Business econ at UCLA OR Business Admin at UC Berkeley. Which one requires higher GPA, or any statistic on acceptance % from those who apply in their sophmore year. Any comments would be appreciated.</p>
<p>USC has its unique holistic review process. From my personal experience visiting both campuses, USC has the best respected tour guide and treat ya well. The individual value is highly respected. I also felt the integrity from meeting some intl students during my visit, and I was attracted wanting to be a part of them. Hovever, I don’t think my SAT is within USC requirement and since UCLA emphasis heavier on GPA and mine is 4.6 - I think that why I got in. All in all, we did our best and shall leave to God. I just know that I want a life beyond academics like attend church service on Sunday. With that respect, I hope I end up to the right school by God’s grace.</p>
<pre><code> USC’s undergraduate Marshall School of Business is ranked#9 by U.S. News in the latest rankings. Majors within Marshall are ranked in the top 10.
</code></pre>
<p>Entrepreneurship-#3 Ranked #1 by Entrepreneur Magazine
Real Estate #5
Accounting #4
Marketing #10
International Business #4</p>
<p>Marshall also has some unique dual programs such as:</p>
<p>Business/Cinematic Arts
Business/International Relations
Business/Computer Science (Through the Viterbi School)</p>
<p>There is a big emphasis on global business with numerous oppportunities/programs which involve exchanges abroad, travel abroad and international internships.</p>