<p>The decision has pretty much been made, and I guess I'm really looking for confirmation that it is a good one.
My son plans to major in electrical engineering and would like to do a music minor. He has a strong passion for both engineering and music.
He has merit scholarships and was accepted into the honors colleges at Arizona State University and University of Arizona.
We received good financial aid (large grant) from USC, but it still makes it about double the cost of attending the in-state U's.
Family financial situation is pretty lousy right now, but thanks to grandfather, my son has a decent college fund, and should be able to get through debt-free.</p>
<p>USC has advantages such as the best engineering program, an encouraging attitude toward music minors and great music programs, the best overall academically, and the renowned USC alumni network.</p>
<p>How does your son feel about the Arizona schools? If he is positive about them I would recommend the honors college at U of A, and using generous grandfather’s money for a semester abroad, exciting summer programs and graduate school.</p>
<p>I think your choice makes perfect sense if your son will graduate debt free and USC is a better fit academically (which certainly seems to be the case).
It would make sense to me even if it resulted in a small debt.</p>
<p>My H is on the math faculty at USC. USC definitely makes an effort to ease the process for students who desire to double major, or major/minor, even if the areas are across colleges, as in this case. FWIW, the incoming USC president was the Dean of Engineering, before he became Vice Provost and then President. I’ve heard he looks out for the College of Engineering.</p>
<p>Oh, and my H knows a bit about the Thornton School, since he takes lessons there (he’s a member of a community orchestra.) The school is highly regarded.</p>
<p>Arizona Universities are going through difficult times. A friend was complaining that his son was having problem getting classes, sections are getting larger, services are getting worse etc. Also remember, Arizona Universities admit just about anyone, so classes may not be challenging unless he is in the honors sections. </p>
<p>If your son can get through USC without loans, I think that will be the best choice. Your son can work a little bit so that he can keep some of the trust money for other activities or graduate school.</p>
<p>USC is a nobrainer for a student who wants an Engineering degree from a great college and is also interested in a music minor. HOWEVER, whcih I will tell you that trying to fit the required music classes into a schedule that will be packed with science classes , which all require afternoon labs, may be very difficult. He will be able to take many music classes at USC, even if he can’t end up doing the music minor. My son had hoped to do a music minor in addition to his science major, physics minor,[ he loved the idea of the Renaissance Scholar program] but just meeting so many students [ including many engineering students] who also play instruments or love music, and taking lessons and a few music classes has been enough.</p>
<p>I don’t think I’ve ever met an engineering student who graduated saying “boy, engineering was sure easy at this school.” I think students find it a challenging program at any ABET accredited school.</p>
<p>It pains me to say this, but I would recommend USC over the Arizona schools. (Trojies, you can’t say I’ve never said anything positive about USC.) Their engineering school is good (though, note, they got caught gaming some stats to manipulate their ratings…I now forget whether it was US News or Princeton review) and they have strength in Music as well. </p>
<p>Graduate school aura doesn’t necessarily transfer to undergrad but I have a client with a USC PhD in Engineering who is managing part of an impressive project that many have read about in the newspaper now and then. A friend who has her undergrad from USC in Engineering has had a very nice career she is retiring from next month.</p>
<p>The Arizona schools…well, as BT says, ABET-accredited engineering is never not challenging. Forced to choose between them, I personally regard Arizona more highly Arizona State, an opinion for which you’ve paid nothing.</p>
<p>BT: I’d offer even odds on the Engineering or Music being dropped.</p>
<p>I agree even odds on changing out of engineering. If the OP S graduates in engineering, I will keep with my 10:1 that the music minor will be dropped.</p>
<p>Music is fun. A lot of high school seniors think they have to minor in something or think they need the minor to label a hobby. By third year of college, they realize that most students don’t minor and they can enjoy music without having to get formal university recognition for it.</p>
<p>Of course, there are students who do it and the OP S just may be one of those.</p>
<p>You don’t have to give up music. If son is a musician there are opportunities to join ensembles even if you aren’t a music major. I believe that the single most represented major amongst members of USC’s Trojan Marching Band is engineering. For students who sing there are choral and acapella groups.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone; I really appreciate the helpful comments!</p>
<p>We understand that electrical engineering is a very demanding major, and it’s no big deal if he chooses not to do a music minor as long as there are good opportunities available to study and participate in music.</p>
<p>katliasmom, He likes the AZ schools, but likes USC better, and, of course things can change (he’s 17!), but he has no interest in semesters abroad at this time, but does have an interest in going out of state. Out of curiosity, why would you recommend U of A honors over ASU?</p>
<p>I think we will be committing to USC this afternoon.</p>
<p>Inspired - congrats on your son’s accomplishments; I’m sure he’ll like USC. </p>
<p>My initial comment about ASU honors was based on two ideas:
engineers generally get jobs, whether they go to state u or an elite school (though no doubt the elite may offer better initial connections)
the money you save in tuition can be put toward grad school or to allow for some exciting post-grad options</p>
<p>That said, I do believe that “feel” is very important and that if your son likes USC more and since the extra tuition won’t be a burden – that’s probably where he should go. Isn’t it great when things turn out?</p>
<p>Looks like the decision was made, but just to further encourage you: my son was sorely tempted by ASU, as it would have been free thanks to the generosity of the great folks at Barrett Honors College. He chose to attend USC instead (film major), and I can honestly say that he has been ecstatic about the choice since day 1.</p>
<p>Thanks! We just put in our deposit, and it is scary making that final commitment. It’s great to hear some reassurance. Enthusiasm for USC seems to be widespread and far-reaching.
Thanks again to everyone!</p>
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