<p>I already posted this in the UCLA section, but figured there'd probably be a different set of people looking at threads here than there. So here goes:</p>
<p>SIR deadlines are fast approaching, but I'm still unsure about where to go. I'd appreciate any input on the two choices. I'll be an Electrical Engineering major at both.</p>
<p>I'll try to summarize the whole situation:
At USC, I've been chosen as a trustee scholar (full tuition), as well as a research scholar (I can start research when I start school and get paid a stipend). I've also been selected for the undergraduate engineering honors program.
At UCLA, I've been chosen as a regents scholar ($2000 + priority enrollment).</p>
<p>For my family, the money situation isn't a make or break deal. We aren't rich, but we can afford UCLA.</p>
<p>Also, overall I got a better vibe from UCLA, if that means anything. I was drawn more to the energy there, and to the tight-knit group that was the regents society. Then again, the USC deal is hard to turn down, and I'm thinking I might be making a stupid move. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>I’d say go to USC, but that’s personal bias, and they are giving you a lot of free money. However, you should go to the campus that you feel fits you best. If that is ucla, then go there, because you don’t want your next four years of life to be miserable. The two campuses have a completely different vibe, and if you can’t imagine living at USC, you probably shouldn’t make yourself.</p>
<p>Both are such good schools with great reputations, so I feel like it’ll come down to which campus is a better “fit”? Do you live close by? If so, I would try visiting both campuses again, because you may have come to USC on an off day. What I love about USC is that it’s the perfect size for me. It’s large enough to be very diverse and I meet so many new people but small enough to wear I see familiar faces all the time when I walk to class/to get food. There’s also no school spirit that can compare to the “trojan family” and pride that we have. I obviously don’t go there, but I imagine UCLA has many more things to be involved in and a lot more people. That, to me, would be overwhelming, but I’m sure it’s heaven to some people. When I came to usc, i KNEW it was for me, so just trust your gut :)</p>
<p>With the California budget crisis, I wouldn’t encourage ANYONE to enroll at a Cal State or UC. It’s causing students a lot of trouble in the way of canceled classes, limited resources and the like. Less money at UCLA means more people squeezed into classes; my best friend from HS said most of her GE classes had 300+ people in them and she couldn’t get to know any of her professors. She really resented attending UCLA for this very reason.</p>
<p>USC gave you a full ride. You’d be guaranteed to get into the classes you want. You won’t be a drop in a bucket. It’s not like it’s an inferior school, so the decision to go to USC would only be in yr favor. Just a thought!</p>
<p>Also – UCLA is a big commuter school. It’s pretty dead on the weekends. Something to keep in mind.</p>