I need some advice on which college to choose I got off the Cal waitlist Monday (regular fall admission, not FPF or GEL) and now have to choose between there and USC. (was low key hoping that I wouldn’t have to make this decision) Some facts about my situation:
I'm interested in studying political science, which I know Berkeley has the better nationally ranked program for; USC's isn't that bad though.
I'm a spring admit at USC, which doesn't really matter to me because I talked to a bunch of people about it and it doesn't seem too bad. I also got some honors benefits there too.
Money isn't too much of a concern for USC relative to Cal, because I got National Merit plus some more money on top of it.
It really feels like I can’t go wrong either way, but I need to choose. Any help would be appreciated
@simba9 yes! both campuses themselves are pretty nice imo, but of course USC has the Village and is generally easier to get around because it’s flat which I like
@yikesyikesyikes I don’t really know about choosing colleges based off name recognition, and the spring admit program isn’t actually as bad as it seems! I get to go to community college for a semester in the fall so I can fulfill most of my GE requirements early
Op, congrats on getting into BOTH USC and Cal! You are indeed blessed. Love your question bc it’s so easy to answer: Go with best fit/follow your heart.
Spring admit deal is NBD. Take GE classes wherever you like, save some cash, then head off to Troy!
@USCWolverine AAAHHHH it’s so hard to choose because I have inner callings telling me both
people keep saying it’s a good situation to be in but I’m really really indecisive and can’t handle the prospect that I won’t be going to one of those two :(((((((
Just relax, sleep on it, and think about which of the two amazing schools you FEEL is your best fit. Forget about everything but your own, internal, subjective, senses here. In the end you’ll make the right choice.
As both are such excellent choices, I very much encourage you to not over-analyze this important decision. Take care, and let the board know where you land.
A good problem to have I’m married to a Trojan but my kid will be a bear this fall. Life is much easier at a private school, you don’t have to stress about not getting into crowded classes. Usually not much of an issue to change majors (unless impacted). USC has a beautiful campus. Where do you see yourself living after graduation? If it matters to you, UCB has more international name recognition than both UCLA and USC (saw a survey somewhere). USC is probably a little more fun and has more international students. At USC my husband became friends with a wealthy sheik who carried around 100 dollar bills like ones! Like I said it’s a great problem, congratulations! Let us know.
In the USA, not on CC where a 30 act means retest but the more general population (btw average act in us is 22 contrary to cc beliefs) USC is much better known. Rose bowl , football Trojans etc. Sophisticated employers and grad schools obviouly Berkeley has the big rep.
Name recognition is actually a stupid way for smart people to choose a school.
Major. Support. Feel of the school and costs.
USC is definitely is less of an activist protest culture too.
@Alexandre in what ways do you think Cal is better overall? I’m aware it’s better for my current intended major, but what do you think sets Cal above USC beyond that?
Excellent choices - but gosh they are so different - I really feel like you are dealing with the “where I want to go” versus “where I think people think I should go” dilemma. Follow your heart and your gut. You don’t have to apologize to anyone to attend USC or Cal. Top schools in so many things. Of course, I favor USC, but I am a private school fan - have several attending USC and all did/doing double majors, one even doing 2 majors and 2 minors in four years (and changed mind a lot too). So that is my pitch for USC - great flexibility, accessibility to classes and professors, and the perks of a beautiful campus and diversity that makes it the best student body ever - I think it is worth every penny whether full pay or a full scholarship. But hey - UCB is obviously fantastic too, so if your heart says UCB it’s also a great choice, wow - lucky you! This is your choice 100% - do what you want to do - it’s an important four years, spend it how YOU want to. Wish you well!
@CADREAMIN oh god hello! your posts on the USC Class of 2022 thread were so helpful, thank you so much for them :’) I’m still on the fence because I really do feel inner callings dragging me towards both but I think I’ll have a decision soon
You are welcome and thanks for the kind words! If you choose USC, reach out to the spring admits on cc (there’s a spring admit thread). I think someone set up a page or group somewhere. And try to catch a football game one weekend if time and travel allows. Good luck either way you go, great major btw.
I got off the Cal waitlist Monday (regular fall admission, not FPF or GEL) and now have to choose between there and USC. (was low key hoping that I wouldn’t have to make this decision) Some facts about my situation: