<p>I agree with alamemom…USC is a great choice, especially given the financial difference. There are several other important advantages that you will have at a well-resourced private college versus a UC struggling with budget cuts: you will be more likely to get the classes you want, you will have more access to academic advising and you will have better support and recommendation letters as you apply to medical school.
I would not worry about USC being in a bubble…there are all kinds of kids there, and you will find a huge diversity of every sort.</p>