<p>I know it's another one of those threads, but I'm confused, and I really want some opinions on this. I'm planning on majoring in International Relations (at Berkeley it would be Political Science with an emphasis, right?)</p>
<p>I'm leaning towards USC at this point, which is why I'm posting this in the Cal forum. I've heard that undergrad at Cal isn't that great (or rather, not as great as its grad programs), because of the general faults of the UC system: crowded classes, not being able to get the classes one wants, TAs teaching, and other things due to budget cuts and a large student body. USC I feel would give me more personalized attention, and a better ug experience overall. </p>
<p>I have a presidential scholarship at USC, so the costs will be about the same. </p>
<p>I'm planning on visiting Cal during the admitted students day as well.</p>
<p>Are my fears about the classes valid? Thank you.</p>
<p>I have never had any problems getting into the classes I need at cal, and so far I don’t think that my experience here could be better. Classes are big, but you get used to them, GSIs ( TAs) do not normally teach lectures, they teach discussion section which are a compliment to the lecture, and some of them are brilliant and teach you a lot. I think they might have TAs at USC too. You can get personalized attention at Cal if you want it. It is up to you. You have to be independent and know where to go for help.
If I were you I would visit both and pick the one that you like better.</p>
<p>USC I would say if money is not a program.It has like the best International Relations programme. Got a friend who turn down offers from other prestigious uni and went to USC for the International Relations programme, well it does mean something.But you really have to be very committed to the school, the sports and the Trojan thing.USC also got great environment too. Visit both and decide.</p>
<p>The cultures of the two schools are pretty different. Are you OK with living in LA? That’s a deal breaker right there for some people. My son also was deciding between USC and UCB and spent 2 days on each campus during Admitted Students week. He went into it pretty sure he was going to choose USC, but then found the students at Cal to be much more interesting and passionate, and in the end chose Cal without regrets. But there are many positive aspects of USC so it’s not an easy choice.</p>
<p>I turned down a trustee scholarship to USC for Cal last year and so far I don’t regret it for a second. Don’t buy into the myths either. Both semesters this year I had the absolute latest telebears time possible and still got into very high-demand classes. The two phase system allows you to get those 2-3 classes you really need during your phase 1. You may have to be a little flexible with your last couple classes if you have a late phase 2, but that usually isn’t a huge deal. </p>
<p>As for class sizes, what real difference does it make whether 50 or 500 kids are listening to a professor give a lecture? Professors hold regular office hours that are often totally underutilized by most students, so if you want personal attention it’s there for the taking. From my experience so far, most of the GSIs are top notch as well and very available for helping out students.</p>
<p>If you feel like USC is the better fit for you it is by no means a bad choice, but if your only doubts about Cal are the myths then come to Berkeley.</p>
<p>Also turned down USC Trustee for Cal with no regrets.</p>
<p>I think it’s great that USC is becoming a better school. Unfortunately, it’s nowhere near Cal in terms of academics or prestige. I interviewed at all the top graduate schools this past year (Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, etc) and met a lot of Berkeley undergrads who were also interviewing or were current students. Met a few people from other UCs, but nobody at all from USC. </p>
<p>As the people above said, you really shouldn’t take seriously all the myths about the UC system. I never really had trouble getting into classes and I could have graduated early even with a double major. I’ve been able to take a lot of classes with famous professors here, and they have all been incredible lecturers who make the lecture hall seem tiny. And they’re all really approachable and have dedicated office hours every week which are usually surprisingly empty. </p>
<p>And I’ve been here for four years. Budget cuts haven’t changed anything.</p>
<p>Alright wow. Now I’m thinking that Cal might be a better choice, just when I was getting excited about USC too haha.</p>
<p>In terms of the classes, is it difficult to get extra classes - like electives? Or not really?</p>
<p>Anyway, thank you… I’m definitely reconsidering. Also thanks berkgreek and flutterfly, since you can reject a trustee scholarship I feel better about potentially rejecting just a presidential.</p>
<p>Glad to help. It’s usually not too difficult getting elective classes during phase two at all, you just may not get an optimum discussion section time if you have a late phase two or the class is pretty popular. Usually the class registration woes come about when people try and sign up for a high-demand major prerequisite during phase two instead of phase one. As long as you’re smart about it you’ll get the classes you both need and want.</p>
<p>If you’re stoked on USC though really think about which school will make you happier. For me, I knew I liked Cal’s atmosphere way better, so the money was the only thing keeping USC in the equation. At the end of the day, you’ll be more successful at the school you’re happier at.</p>
<p>The only thing is that I haven’t visited Cal yet - so I don’t know what to expect, I’m only going off what I’ve heard so far. I can’t wait to go see it in person, it should definitely help me decide. I’m pretty sure I’d be happy at both schools, I just don’t want to make the wrong decision.</p>
<p>USC is a huge school as well… like 18k or something UG enrollment. Lower div’s at these kinds of schools are always going to consist of classes of 150+ kids. This personal attention stuff is really a myth at any large University- go to a small(er) private if it’s an important criteria.</p>
<p>Upper div’s at Cal generally range from 15-75.’</p>
<p>I talked to a friend who’s at Berkeley, looked some stuff up online, and came to the conclusion that I should instead go for the Political Economy major instead. Maybe double major/minor in Poli Sci/Geography afterwards, but yeah, that’ll come later. </p>
<p>If I took an econ class at a CC over the summer, I would be able to declare coming in, too. This would give me better registration dates, right? </p>
<p>@ArrogantBastard, I understand, but according to my friends in both schools, USC professors tend to be slightly more personal.</p>
<p>And overall it’s looking like Cal is the better option, so thank you :).</p>
<p>Berkeley is better than USC. I, for one, didn’t want to come to Berkeley as I wanted to attend other top tier school. But Berkeley is clearly better than Cornell or USC. People rarely even mention them. I for one didn’t consider them when choosing schools either.</p>
<p>If you had to pick in socal, go to UCLA. They are better than USC…in overall recognition.</p>