USC vs. Stanford...I NEED MAJOR HELP!

<p>Actually, they improved the curve somewhat in response to the increasing quality of students. I think now the curve is that they "target" 3.0 (B) average grade in lower division courses and 3.3 (B+) in upper division courses.</p>

<p>Plus, that only applies to business courses - things like math and GE's are not subject to it.</p>

<p>And I don't think there are a set number of C's, D's, and F's. Someone else will have to confirm, since I'm not a business student, though. I've heard that the majority of grades end up being in the B range anyway.</p>

<p>yeah but the 2.75 curve included people who dropped the class. This new curve, at least for buad250a, doesn't include people who drop the class in the curve. So I think that it's the same</p>

<p>rizkaar07, if you got into UC, you'll probably be a top student in Marshall anyways</p>

<p>about transportation: i've heard that public transportation is a *****, but the good news is that USC has flexcar on campus.</p>

<p>people whine about the business curve (the most vocal critics are often not USC students, interestingly), but really, the business school is not the hardest program at USC, gradewise. If you look at engineering majors, for example, their average gpa is probably lower than the average business gpa.</p>

<p>note i'm not a business major, but engineering - so you can see where i'm coming from :)</p>

<p>As a current USC freshman, I am so proud to be here. </p>

<p>I am impressed by your interests in business and theater, and your aspiration to study both of these subjects or the joint business-cinematic arts program are academic possibilities available only at USC. You will find this to be the case with most programs at USC, and most students are here pursuing studies in a combination of highly acclaimed programs not available at other institutions. </p>

<p>My interest happens to be in real estate development. I am pursuing two bachelors degrees (one in Business Administration at Marshall and one in public policy, management, and planning in the School of Policy, Planning, and Development)-both with concentrations in Real Estate Development. I have been very impressed with the programs, students, and faculty at USC. It is so awesome to have professors who write the textbooks! In addition, class sizes are small at USC, with student:faculty ratio of 10:1. There are some large lectures of 100 students, but faculty are still readily available in these classes. </p>

<p>I saw you mention the parties. USC is not a party school. While it does offer opportunities to party, they are no more common here than they are at any other university. USC is one of the nation's most diverse institutions in every respect, and this diversity extends to student interests. </p>

<p>As a member of the Trojan Family, you are truly connected to an amazing group of students and alumni. While all USC-affiliated people share strong bonds, the notion of Trojan Family is perhaps strongest in the Marshall School of Business, and USC's undergraduate programs are so well respected, that our graduates end up with excellent jobs in addition to being students at the nation's most prestigious graduate schools. USC is definitely a superior choice for an undergraduate education. </p>

<p>After a year at this school, I continue to be impressed and amazed every day, and I am just as excited to be here now as I was when I first stepped on this campus. I hope to see you at USC in the fall! If you have any questions, email me at <a href="mailto:sswerdlo@usc.edu">sswerdlo@usc.edu</a>. </p>

<p>Fight on!
Shane</p>

<p>I spoke to a woman who is a business professional. She has several master degrees, one of them being a MBA. She is a Trojan Alum and is very proud of her school, and the USC network. However, she did tell me that, though the USC network is strong, especially in business, it is not stronger than Stanford's business connections. She said USC and their alumni tends to advertise their network a bit more, and thats why it may seem that it is stronger than any one else. She stated that USC network has gotten her many opportunities, but comparing to her friends/rivals from Stanford, it seems that the Stanford connection provides just as many opportunities as the USC network and Stanford alumni seem to take care of there own a bit better, giving fellow alumni better leadership positions and better pay.</p>

<p>It is funny to see so many students, who clearly are not Marshall students, commenting on the Marshall curve.</p>

<p>The Marshall curve was never 2.75. Prior to being raised this past semester, it was 2.85 (B-/B)for core business classes, and 3.15 (B/B+) for business electives. As already stated, it is now 3.0 (B) for core classes, and 3.3 (B+) for electives.</p>

<p>Also, students who drop the class after the first three weeks (those who will recieve a W for the course), count as 0.0 (F) in the curve, which boosts the average grades among those who complete the course.</p>

<p>Sure the Marshall curve makes the school more competitive, but thats a good thing. The business world is competitive, and Marshall wants to make sure you're used to working in a competitive environment. However, that isn't to say that the school is "cut-throat competitive" by any means. The vast majority of students are still extremely cooperative. Also, most of the business classes will include large group projects - which forces students to work with each other, rather than against each other.</p>

<p>You should post the same question on Stanford's post (if you haven't done so already) just to get more subjective answers.</p>

<p>Although people would tell you that it really depends on your personal pursuit of happiness, I know the general public would definately pick Stanford just because it's more prestigious overall. One's top 4 in the nation (top 6 in the world), another is top 27 in the U.S (top 101 in the world).</p>

<p>Yes, I do believe that 23 spots make a drastic difference, especially when you're considering top tier schools. </p>

<p>If you're comparing USC and UVA, then it's more of a personal preference question because those two schools are practically on the same level. </p>

<p>Otherwise, you'd be foolish to give up Stanford for Business. If anything, try Stanford for one year and transfer if you truly don't like it there. You will for sure regret the other way around.</p>

<p>It sounds to me like USC is a perfect match for you, and your internal conflict deals with the fact that Stanford, being ranked higher by US News and World Report and overall a more selective school, is hard to turn down. </p>

<p>I faced a similar conflict last year in choosing between a dream school, perceived to be ranked higher, and USC. Through campus visits (particularly Explore USC), a consideration of my academic interests, and through my feelings about the USC campus and Trojan Family in general, I evolved to realize that USC was the perfect school for me. </p>

<p>You mention your interests in business concurrently with cinema and acting. Your interests sum up USC. Being in LA offers many opportunities to be surrounded by those interests. USC has initiated an Arts and Humanities Initiative called Visions and Voices, which brings performances and famous artists to campus. This past year numerous acclaimed directors have visited campus and interacted with students including Spike Lee, George Lucas, and Hong San-Soo. </p>

<p>If you choose Stanford, I have no doubt that you will get a good education. If you choose USC, you will also get a wonderful education supplemented with your distinct interests and passions. I know the decision is hard and you can't go wrong, but really think about which campus is right for you.</p>

<p>You are significantly wrong about the courseload at Stanford if I understand you correctly. My son is at Stanford (soph) and my daughter will be going to USC in the fall. Depending on what your post-grad plans are (esp acting) you may be better served going to USC esp for a full-tuition grant compared to zip. You will be working much harder at Stanford. </p>

<p>Either way, there is no wrong decision.</p>