Hi all! I’m very confused between these two schools! I’m planning on majoring in the sciences (neuroscience most likely) but I also want to study business/economics to pursue an MD/MBA in the future. Pomona has a great Economics major while USC lets you minor in the Marshall School of Business. Both are great in the sciences and I have been admitted into USC’s Freshman Science Honor’s Program. I would be so grateful to hear your opinions! Thanks!
Is there a major difference in cost? If medical school is in your future it is important to keep undergraduate costs as low as possible. Usually, a student does best at a college where he/she is happiest. Go where you can earn the highest grades, MCAT scores and enjoy your experience.
Have you checked the SOAR and SURF research programs for Dornsife undergraduates? These are worth investigating as SC provides grants for the research opportunities.
It is possible to earn a B.A. in economics at USC College. Also offered is a dual major economics/mathematics.
If you go to USC, I would recommend studying Business Administration since economics programs tend to suffer at colleges that also have an undergraduate business school. Also, you’ll be competing with Marshall (USC’s business school) kids for the same jobs. Bear in mind that Marshall is very placement-centric, and you may not have the access to the same resources as an Economics student.
If you want to go to MD, I would recommend USC since grading is relatively balanced and grades matter a lot for medical school. For business school, Marshall’s placement could very well give you an advantage, but I doubt going to Pomona would really hurt you in any way.
I’d recommend USC Marshall overall but I’m obviously biased. You can’t go wrong with either.