<p>On March 18th (I'm such a dork), I found out that I got into USC. You have no idea how estatic I was!! UCLA and USC were my two top #1 choices, so I was very thankful that one had accepted me and one rejected me (makes the decision process SOOO much easier). So anyways, I was all set to go. I had pretty much made up my mind on where I wanted to go, even though I knew I still had to wait for Berkeley admission decisions on the 31st. Of course, I figured that since I didn't get into UCLA, my chances of getting into Berkeley were even more unlikely since some say that it's harder to get into Berkeley than to get into UCLA.</p>
<p>Anyways...</p>
<p>On March 31st, I was COMPLETELY dumbfounded when I found out that Berkeley actually accepted. This became such a blessing, yet a curse at the same time. I just got into one of the most difficult and selective universities in the nation! But I began to wonder whether I should reconsider USC. I mean, it's Berkeley! It's world-renowned! This really began to bother me because I was so set on going to USC, but then when I heard from Berkeley, it just totally messed things up. Do I pass up on the opportunity to go to Berkeley, one of the hardest universities to get accepted into, or do I go to USC, which isn't as selective?? If I ultimately decide that I don't like USC, I may regret not deciding on attending Berkeley. This just may be the only time I'll ever be considered to attend Berkeley. It's really buggin' me!!</p>
<p>To help me, I was wondering if you guys could help weigh my decision. Pro's/ Con's between Berkeley and USC. </p>
<p>FYI: I'm majoring in mathematics, going to join the Marching Band for whatever school I end up applying to, and I'm hoping to make a decent standard-of-living after college is done.</p>
<p>My advice to you is don't get too caught up in the name, just go where the mathematics department is best (I honestely don't know which) and where you feel most at home. Goodluck!</p>
<p>USC sent me a postcard saying they have "The Best Marching Band in the History of the Universe" or something to that effect... but I doubt the band's claims will make your decision. :)</p>
<p>Berkley's class size is quite large compare to SC's... so in a math enviorment, wouldnt it be nicer if you can have more interaction with you professor?</p>
<p>I also have a question- If you're a spring admit at berkeley. Does that mean that you'll have to do a semester somehwere else and THEN enroll at Cal, or do you just have to wait til january 2006??</p>
<p>I decided on USC, of course. I felt that I would be more comfortable there than at Berkeley (plus, livng in Nor Cal my entire life, I DEFINITELY need to get out of here!) So, it's on to LA for me! What's kind of weird is that about 35 students from my school were accepted into Berkeley, and about 30 of them are going... I'm a minority!! But nonetheless, I have no regrets about my decision.</p>
<p>Seriously, just an added opinion.... well, Berkeley's Mathematics dept. is very highly respected... otoh, you might instead wish to do Graduate work at Berkeley later on, after USC.</p>
<p>Berkeley sucks. I got in there too, but I chose SC, and I love it! They are soo much friendlier here, and they gave me a lot more scholarship money as well.</p>