Hi all, so I was accepted into USC Viterbi and of my acceptances, its definitely the frontrunner. However, I got waitlisted by Northwestern McCormick and it was originally my top choice.
I’m kind of kicking myself for not applying to Northwestern ED (I went for a mega reach instead), but the more I read about SC the more I’m really warming up to it.
I’m an undecided engineering major but I have some interest in electrical/computer engineering as well as business. Finances are not a factor at all.
I don’t want to be scrambling in the event that I get off the waitlist and would prefer to have a decision in mind already so I can decide whether or not to rush a visit NW. I’m visiting SC later this month and I’m sure I’ll love it. Does anyone have any insight into this? From my research and what I’ve heard, both schools seem really similar in terms of their programs and campus culture. Again, I’m not at all expecting to get into Northwestern, but I don’t want to miss out on anything if I do. Thanks.
Less than 3% of those offered wait list spots at Northwestern AND accepted a place were admitted last year. It could happen, but the odds are certainly stacked against you.
@Kkyle16 I think your visit will tell you all you need to know. Evanston and West Adams/University Park/South LA could not be more different. My guess is the academics at the schools are similar.
I have a D at Viterbi and her good buddy (male) is also there. Very challenging, but both are really “enjoying” it (well, it’s the week before/of finals, so actually they are both in psychic pain, but at Thanksgiving they were enjoying it).
I was skeptical about the USC “brand” hyping that goes on in SoCal but have been pleasantly surprised by the support there. In contrast to her friends in some other programs she feels that USC goes out of their way to admit “well rounded” engineering students and she has lots of friends from outside of engineering as well.)
Our S is a BEE Viterbi graduate. He was amazed at the opportunities he had–in engineering and even developing new interests. He was able to do paid research and help write several papers in his field as an undergrad.
He also started a rock climbing club and presented a geography poster on rock cores of Sierra Nevadas at a national conference. Viterbi has its own placement office and career fairs, which S attended from early freshman year.
Our friends’ two kids and S who attended USC Viterbi all had job offers in their field from early in SR year of college.