USC vs. UCLA vs. Boston College

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
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<p>Hello everyone!</p>

<p>It's almost 5/1 and I'm still not even close to deciding which college I want to go to.
I've successfully narrowed down to these three colleges: USC, UCLA, and BC.
I hope current or prospective students at any of these schools leave comments and help me out! (why you chose your school, the pros&cons, social life, etc.)</p>

<p>I got into USC's Marshall School of Business as a Business Administration major, UCLA's College of Letters and Science with Pre Business Economics, and BC's College of Arts and Sciences. </p>

<p>Before doing extensive research last night, I thought I was almost going to attend USC, but then I saw some threads here that kind of drove me away.</p>

<p>The reason I first leaned towards USC is that I wanted to major in business and USC has a separate business school. I also feel very strongly about studying films (which is the biggest reason why I prefer California over other regions) and USC has a great joint program (BCA) between Marshall and Cinematic Arts School. UCLA, which was my favorite before finding this out, unfortunately has no joint program and I found somewhere in their website that you cannot double major in film if you weren't accepted into UCLA's film school. I also read in one of the posts here that minoring in film in UCLA is very competitive because it is so popular so there is a big chance that I won't be able to pursue my interest in films there. BC, I heard is nor art-oriented in the first place and although I'm in love with their Gothic architecture and the East Coast atmosphere, I don't think I will be able to fully develop my interests there. I have attended a Catholic high school in the east coast so I think I will find the atmosphere at BC more comfortable and familiar, but I am also willing to go somewhere new. Also, since I did not get into their business school, I also wonder whether the education will really be worth my time and money. </p>

<p>So, I thought USC was my ideal place until I looked deeper into it:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Party school?? -> I don't want my college experience to be more parties than academics. Although I am definitely looking forward to having fun and meeting new people, I read somewhere that people have hard time sleeping because of the loud party noises downstairs. Also, I know that it really depends on what I choose to do, but I don't want to be heavily influenced by the party atmosphere that will distract me from my studies--the reason why I am pursuing higher education in the first place. </p></li>
<li><p>USC = University of Spoiled Children??? -> I'm not surprised that USC has many wealthy students, but to be "spoiled?" Does this mean that students are more materialistic and fake than down to earth? As a middle class student, does that mean that I will have to feel insecure among the rich kids? Or will there still be many people like me?</p></li>
<li><p>"Beautiful" people go there. -> I read somewhere that if you're less sociable and average looking, you may have hard time fitting in. This deeply worried me because as an international student from Asia, I definitely don't fit the ideals of American beauty--tall, leggy, tan, blonde etc. I also tend to me relatively shy and introverted, so does this mean I will have hard time fitting in or dating guys? I truly value getting to know people in a deeper level, and if superficial attraction is more common, then I will have disappointing college experience. </p></li>
<li><p>USC = dangerous?? -> Ok, so I've heard about this before, but I think I need more clarifications since I've seen many conflicting opinions. </p></li>
<li><p>Reputation -> Unfortunately, USC is not as well known or highly regarded as UCLA or BC in my country. If I can't find a job in the states, I have to go back to my home country where reputation is major in finding jobs. In this case, going to UCLA or BC will guarantee a better future for me. </p></li>
<li><p>Marshall & Greek Life -> I heard that the majority of Marshall students engage in Greek Life. If this is true, approximately how much is the %? If I don't join one (I probably won't because of the $$), will I feel left out?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Please mind that I am not bashing USC or its students, but I just want to go to a school where I won't have difficulty finding my place. I am still willing to attend USC despite the less desirable aspects upon hearing more positive ones. </p>

<p>General Question:
- How are the international students there? Are Americans accepting of them or are they more segregated? Please be more specific than "our student body is very diverse!"
- Although I have mainly talked about USC, how do UCLA and BC compare in terms of the points I mentioned?</p>

<p>Thank you so much for taking your time to read my post. I really appreciate any helpful info & advice. </p>

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<p>Hi! first of all, congratulations on your acceptance to all of those three top top top universities - they are ALL amazing schools. </p>

<p>I’m answering a few of your questions because I myself am seriously considering USC UCLA and BC as well (along with university of Michigan)!</p>

<p>1) Party school? = Definitely. Bad? no. Honestly, it’s 100% up to you what you make out of parties. You can either attend or you can choose to stay in your dorm and study, (which would be the smarter option for you in order to get a good start (considering GPA). Obviously, you can still attend every party you want, it’s just smarter, especially as a freshmen to hold back a little for the first year. Frats and sororities throw the sickest parties where everybody is invited to attend, go on youtube, you’ll se a few! :)</p>

<p>2) University of Spoilt Children = ■■■■■■■■. haha. Honestly, i don’t want to say that people are jealous that others can afford it and they can’t, but it might just be the way the people there act at USC. Maybe they think that just because they attend an expensive private university, it makes them better or something like that. I don’t think that you’ll feel financially ‘below’ others because there are tons of normal people just like you that attend - even people with financial aid! I don’t think that that is a severe thing to worry about at all.</p>

<p>3) “Beautiful” people go there = I’m sure that you will have no hard time WHATSOEVER fitting in because there are tons of clubs to join at every university. You can join them and have a lot of fun, simultaneously meeting a lot of different people, possibly from around the globe too! Also, its 300% stereotypical to say such a thing. I mean, obviously there’s gonna be tons of ugly people/nerds there, just like at every other university, and that’s completely normal. Don’t worry about being ‘beautiful’ to them, you’ll find a great group of friends, I’m SURE. </p>

<p>4) Dangerous = ummmmm yes and no. Obviously, everybody knows that USC isn’t in the ideal neighbourhood and the crime rates there are high in the area, obviously outside the campus. However, the campus is stunning and beautiful which (in my opinion) makes up for it. The campus is superrrrr safe and totally patrolled with guards 24/7. USV even offers car/shuttle services if you don’t feel comfortable getting in local transportation…but i guess that just takes a while to get used to.</p>

<p>5) Reputation = In America itself, USC has an amazing reputation, mainly because the rankings have risen extraordinarily fast which reassures their constant commitment and endevour for excellent academics. However, i gotta say that INTERNATIONALLY, BC and UCLA are just better known, as much a it upsets us. That’s because BC and UCLA have always been constantly amazing in their academics and sport and just all around. However, i don’t think that this should be too much of an issue if you’re deciding to get a job in the states. </p>

<p>6) Greek life = sorry, i have don’t have a lot of experience with greek life overall. You will have to look up statistics on that. </p>

<p>LAST BUT NOT LEAST, i’ll make a very valid point considering the West Coast. Basically, their economy at the moment honestly isn’t too great. You might really want to consider that because that’s where you’ll be looking for internships to create networks and connection with people you possibly work with in the future. Bad economy results in higher unemployment rates. I reccomend you think carefully about staying at the West Coast (as much as we love it because of it’s more relaxing vibe), but that’s the facts. On the other hand, Boston College is on the East Coast which is more culturally exposed which i like personally, and the economy there is a lot better, hence finding jobs/internships might be easier for you. In the end, you’ll have to think about whether this is a valid point for you. </p>

<p>Hope this somehow helped you clarify a few things.</p>

<ul>
<li>Cons</li>
</ul>

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<p>Demographically, BC has a heavily Irish American student body, UCLA has a heavily Asian student body (which accounts for its popularity in Asia) and USC is more ethnically diverse. You will likely feel more at home at UCLA (or Cal) than USC, unless you are open to a more ethnically diverse student body. If you’re inclined toward a more Caucasian student body, consider BC.</p>

<p>Crime: USC is a safer school than UCLA, per Clery Act statistics. BC is safer than both.</p>

<p>Greeks: UCLA and USC have strong Greek lives. BC does not, but it’s heavily Catholic, if you’re into that religious sect.</p>

<p>Party: all three schools have very social scenes, especially BC, a heavy drinking school.</p>

<p>Beautiful people: USC and BC are well known for attractive undergrads, however, USC is no where near as superficial as it was years ago. There’s a heavy geek/artsy factor at USC, which I find refreshing. You’ll find all kinds of different looks at USC, one of its strengths, IMO. BC is more cookie cutter white, UCLA, again, more Asian than both.</p>

<p>Spoiled: USC and BC are private, so they attract rich kids, however, the majority are middle class.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>Just fyi, the OP was made on 4/24 saying it was almost 5/1 (decisions due day) so this poster certainly made their decision long ago and has moved on…</p>

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<p>Yes, caught that too late. I wonder where she will end up?</p>

6

<p>I know, I wished everyone updated, but OP didn’t get any replies early on. And how people replied in May versus how they replied now may be different based on recent events.</p>