<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>If you are unhappy with your choice, both Berkeley and USC are easy to transfer into. Berkeley might be easier to transfer into than USC since USC is a smaller school and probably accepts less transfers.</p>
<p>congratulations on the acceptances, but yeah, it creates a whole other problem. as for collegeperson12's comment, I wouldn't assume xferring is easy in either direction. Besides, you want to make the best/right decision now.
Not sure if you are a science guy, in addition to a math guy, but I think the science programs at CAL offer more than USC.
I'm a bit biased, but I think CAL is a great choice if you are interested in a large, excellent university.</p>
<p>go visit berkeley before attending. If you havent been there before it may be a huge surprise(alot of weirdos). Also dont count on transferring to either school because it isnt as easy as it sounds, especially if your trying to transfer from another 4 year university. (If you like girls attend USC)</p>
<p>Both are completely different types of schools. You'll have to visit. I personally dislike USC, but a lot of people love it because it has a close knit feel, almost like a big, private high school. I like big schools and big classes. It really depends on your preference. Berkeley is undoubtedly the bigger, better school, though.</p>
<p>I'd say go with USC if you like it. I came to Berkeley because of two factors -- huge pressure and guilt tripping by folks and peers (even if they deny it, the pressure was there), and secondly, it was the best school I got into, even though I REALLY REALLY wanted to go to USC.</p>
<p>I tried transfering in my second year, and when I found out that I was basically going to start over at Square One as a first semester freshman at the age of 20. (they wouldn't accept like 2/3 of my credits from Cal.) It boiled my blood to know I was going to be stuck here, but I decided to tough Berkeley out. I'm not particularly happy, but I live and I like my friends.</p>
<p>My personal theory for why depression rates are so high is that there is too much pressure to do what makes the most money/makes parents happy rather than what makes the students happy. I'd MUCH rather see students go to a weaker school, but be happy than come to a school like Cal and be miserable. There is a reason why they run an article on depression and the lack of help students receive every semester in the Daily Cal...</p>
<p>But go with what makes you happiest. Transfering is hard though between the UC system and USC, so keep that in mind. Just follow your heart, and don't let anyone try to sway your opinions.</p>
<p>Cal's math program will definitely be stronger. But it'll be harder too. Anyway, the only reason to pay twice as much money for a worse school would be if you really love SoCal.</p>
<p>"huge surprise(alot of weirdos). ... (If you like girls attend USC)"
damn straight. UC berkeley have nasty looking people. take it from me. i've been there. go to usc although it may rank a little lower, but a few rankings is not going to matter in the long run. Also you can hook up with some real girls at usc. and remember this is the berkeley page so they may dispute being soo "ugly" but i have seen them so take it from me.</p>