I have been accepted into the Marshall School of Business for USC and the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences for BC. Having two older brothers that chose to stay in California for college, I was already highly considering staying in California. A large part of my decision seems to be the fight between the proximity/comfort of USC and adventure/Having grown up nearby (Pasadena), as I know the area pretty well but still have a lot to explore. Currently, I want to major in Business Administration, but Economics (At the MCAS) in Boston seems interesting too. I have really enjoyed the freedom and everyday versatility of having a car and anticipate keeping this freedom if I go to USC. I have heard that having a car is both a blessing and a curse in terms of social life, so I’d love to hear about that if someone could speak to it. I recognize that USC is not in the best neighborhood and that BC is one of the best, if not the best, college towns, but I’m pretty sure I want to rush in the fall and BC doesn’t have fraternities. To speak more to the “comfortable” aspect of USC, I have gone to the same school and lived in the same place my entire life, so I feel like while moving into college is a big step, moving to a different state with little to no connections is even more daunting. Lastly, I know that these schools’ alumni have roots primarily on their respective coasts, so I understand the “where do you want to spend your future?” aspect of this decision. Anyways, if it seems like I am missing anything feel free to discuss it below as I still need help deciding.
Hi! I am actually in the same situation also admitted in the same school interested in business in USC and economics in BC! I would love to help you and have an answer to that question but I don’t even know it myself. I am an international student and it is also very hard to choose as they are all great choices. I’d like to know your decision at the end to see if we might be at the college next year.
I grew up in So Cal. I have lived on the East Coast for many years now. Those two colleges are quite different from one another, so it’s a bit like asking if you prefer apples or oranges. My two cents, I would choose BC. You will get smaller classes at BC, which means more interaction with professors. You will get to know people better. I don’t think you will miss the absence of Greek life. Grads of both colleges end up all over the country and world, so I don’t think you will have any trouble connecting to the alumni network.
The metro is next to the campus, so it will be very easy to get into Boston, which, IMO, is the best city in the country. It has everything. History, culture, good food, shopping, events, etc… Autumn is spectacular. Yes, it snows in the winter. Hey ho. I will take New England weather over boring Cali weather any day. It’s nice to not have to rely on a car. You won’t miss paying car insurance and filling up at the gas station. Trust me.
USC has the edge in diversity, unquestionably. BC is quite preppy. USC will have a bigger mix of all kinds of students. If that is important to you, that should be considered.
My relative went to law school at BC. I believe it is religious, unlike USC. I’ve never thought of the two schools as in any way similar, other than both being private Us.
Our kids are both USC alums and were very happy there. My relative was fairly miserable at BC but weathered thru it and got his law degree. BC law has winter exams right after you return from winter break–not sure about the undergrads–maybe worthwhile checking if that would matter to you. It weighed on my relative all his years of law school.