USC vs. CMU

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
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<p>Hey guys! I'm not deciding between these schools but my friend is. I already committed to USC Marshall so I'm not a troll, either. Please take my questions seriously :) I am posting this in both school's forums so that I can get opinions from both sides.</p>

<p>He was accepted to USC for Industrial and Systems Engineering, under which he would be on the 'Information Systems' track. However, he was also admitted to CMU's Information Systems program (one of the best in the country).</p>

<p>I'll break it down for you: The academics are comparable at both schools, but CMU probably has an edge over USC with regards to information systems. What are your opinions on the academics at each school? Class sizes should be relatively similar. CMU, however, has an accelerated IS undergrad degree + MBA program that he's interested in. Getting an MBA is something that he probably wants to do in the future. In terms of a career, he wants to manage and implement technology for companies. Which program is best for his career choice? I saw a ranking with Viterbi as 10th or 11th (can't remember) overall but how is the department he was accepted to in particular? </p>

<p>Now the main problem he has with CMU is the social life. USC has a phenomenal social life compared to CMU (at least from what he has heard). There are, simply put, not enough girls at CMU. Plus, there are a TON of beautiful girls at USC and CMU isn't so lucky. He likes the strong school spirit at USC and the opportunity to meet people through sporting events (football, etc.). He also likes the more relaxed atmosphere at USC as compared to the uptight, competitive atmosphere at CMU. Can anyone corroborate or shoot down these views? Which school has the social life he's looking for?</p>

<p>Thank you for taking the time to read through all of that and answer honestly! :D</p>

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<p>Just asked my ISE roommate about CMU, and he says he wouldn’t have gone there… He also says that the curriculum would be different. I’m sure both programs are competitive, though, and that’s just his opinion.</p>

<p>as for the social life, USC definitely blows CMU out of the water. If he wants gorgeous girls, a city with tons of things to do (come on, what’s there to do in pittsburg?), and a ton of fun, USC’s definitely the better fit.</p>

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<p>what he should do is come to USC and do the PDP for ISE, which is a program that you apply for during your junior year. it allows you to take masters classes your senior year so that you can get your BS/MS in just 5 years. USC’s undergrad ISE program is decent, but its graduate ISE is amazing.</p>

<p>MBA programs are primarily based on your work experience, so i think a masters in ISE from USC would land your friend a great first job. he would then get some work experience (maybe ~4-5 years) and then get his MBA.</p>