<p>I posted this on the UCLA thread but want to hear both sides:</p>
<p>I got into both USC and UCLA and am also thinking of majoring in political science.
UCLA is covering all but $800 worth of yearly cost because I got awarded the Regent's Scholarship.
USC will give me half tuition if I list them as my first choice for National Merit plus whatever financial aid they give me. I'm pretty sure UCLA will come out to be cheaper.</p>
<p>Neither one is my first choice, but if I had to choose between them under these circumstances what do you think would be a better choice? The better poli sci reputation/better location/Regent's scholarship and perks makes UCLA seem like the obvious choice but I would love to hear some feedback. </p>
It is hard to offer opinions when you do not yet have compete information. If “cheaper” turns out to be $25,000/year cheaper, that is a big factor in favor of UCLA. If “cheaper” turns out to be $3,000/year cheaper, that is a different discussion.</p>
<p>My suggestion is to read an earlier thread about SC vs. UCLA. With the massive budget cuts hitting the UC system UCLA may not be less expensive for you if it is necessary to spend five years there vs. four at SC.</p>
<p>In general I think SC offers smaller classes, more individual attention, better reseach opportunities for undergraduates, more classes taught by professors, not TAs, huge number of majors if you change your mind, more international peers to add to your cultural education, more alumni interest and mentoring, stronger global point of view, tradition, better school spirit, less crowded dorms, more unified student body, better job placement, high participation of students in community service, stronger alumni organizations around the world and the Trojan family.</p>
<p>If you do not care for either of these universities why did you even bother to apply?</p>
<p>I’ve looked at several threads, I just wanted to hear feedback specific to my case.
I didn’t say that I didn’t care about either, just that they are not my number one choices. However, I could see myself happily attending either.
I don’t think it will be hard for me to graduate in 4 years because i get priority enrollment at UCLA and thus essentially get first choice in classes after first quarter of my freshman year.</p>
<p>My daughter was offered a Regents back in 2008, can’t remember exactly how much it was, but it certainly did not cover “all but $800 worth of yearly costs”. Has the Regent’s increased in value by that much, or are you not planning to live on campus? Just wondering.</p>
<p>As for USC, Georgia Girl gives a good synopsis of what USC offers. All I’d add is the flexible and easy opportunity to study abroad, and the higher diversity of students not only internationally but from other US states.</p>
<p>However, if the poly sci department is very strong at UCLA, that’s certainly something to consider.</p>
<p>Thank for that info…I understood that the Regents was a fixed amount award.</p>
<p>One more thing to add in favour of USC is the Thematic Option program, if this interests you. Known to be one of the best liberal arts honours programs of any of the top US universities. Very small classes with top profs, very challenging material and I believe particularly valuable for a poly sci major … breadth of knowledge and in honing writing skills. </p>
<p>With a very low EFC, and your 1/2 tuition scholarship, it’s likely you’ll get a lot of aid, possibly grants, at USC. It will be a difficult decision.
Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>if your EFC is low like that, then USC and UCLA will probably come out pretty even in terms of cost. wait until you get your finaid package before you decide.</p>
<p>If you want the experience of a lifetime, you can only get it at USC. Seriously, you wont understand until your here, but USC is in its own league as far as undergrad experience… You can go to college, or you can go to USC… the choice is yours.</p>
<p>If you are in SoCal, or if you can spend a bit of time here without financial hardship, it might be worth missing a couple of days of hs to spend a day at UCLA sitting in on classes and a day at USC doing the same thing. If you could organize overnights with students you know from your hs at each of the colleges and soak up the atmosphere even more, so much the better. Be sure to see if you can sit in on at least one TO class when you’re at USC.</p>