<p>Hey everyone! I was just wondering about any thoughts you have about these two schools, if you know anyone that has gone to either, etc.</p>
<p>Also, as a side note, because I'm a National Merit Scholar I got the Presidential scholarship at USC, cutting tuition in half and effectively equalizing the schools; price isn't a factor in this case.</p>
<p>Congrats on the scholarship to 'SC! UCSD and USC are both awesome schools, but have very different environments. UCSD is a "quieter" campus with a lot less emphasis on sports and school spirit. I suggest visiting to see where you'd feel most at home. </p>
<p>Your major should factor into the decision, as well. Some areas are stronger at 'SD than 'SC and vice versa.</p>
<p>Congrats on getting into both schools. It really comes down to what you are majoring in and what you want out of college. UCSD is more of a study hard atmosphere with lots of science majors and pre meds and such. USC has a but more of the frat/sorority and athletics scene but still has very smart kids attending. UCSD is located in La Jolla/San Diego on a cliff above the beach. USC is located near East Los Angeles. Both have excellent night life options, with UCSD having the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach directly down the freeway. USC has Hollywood down the freeway a bit as well. It really depends on what you want to major in. UCSD is stronger in the sciences and pre med areas and in most social sciences, while USC is stronger in the arts and professional fields such as business, communications and film etc. Both have excellent engineering programs, ranked number 8 (USC) and number 11 (UCSD). So let us know what you are majoring in and such and what you are looking for in a college. Best of luck deciding!</p>
<p>Thanks for the great responses so far!
I'm actually not sure what I'll be majoring in, but probably something less mathy. Perhaps PoliSci, or Communications? In that case, USC does seem more desirable. I got in Undeclared.</p>
<p>Also, about me: I am a perfectly friendly guy, and quite skilled in getting along with others. However, I'm not as driven to party as some of my peers. At USC I'd still be able to find kids that don't require copious amounts of alcohol, I hope? I'm up for a bit to loosen up, but blacking out really doesn't seem attractive to me personally.</p>
<p>UCSD's poli sci department is ranked number 7 in the country. USC is not ranked in the top 25 for poli sci. For communications USC is very strong, top 10. UCSD is not ranked in the top 25 for communications. For Poli Sci UCSD is one of the best in the country. For communications USC is one of the best in the country. Tough choice!</p>
<p><em>sigh</em> Quite a toughie, indeed. I'll be visiting each over spring break, which is good. I probably won't be able to pick 'till then.</p>
<p>
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USC is located near East Los Angeles.
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not quite...USC is on the edge of Downtown and belongs to South Los Angeles, not particularly close to E. LA. not that it makes that much of a difference hehe, but i just thought i'd dispel any misconceptions about the location of the school (of which there are many). aaaaand just to be sure (since i've heard it so many times before), Compton is about 12 miles south of here, no where close haha.</p>
<p>my decision came down to UCSD, UCLA, and USC, and i ultimately chose USC. i would say that in most cases, the two schools are comparable academically, with USC ahead overall and then an edge in many individual programs, with UCSD having an edge in a good few as well. but overall i would say despite rankings and all, the differences between the schools are in what you expect from your college experience, academic, social, and otherwise. to me, USC encompassed a more well rounded experience that could be exciting and stimulating as well as relaxed if needed. UCSD, well, you'd have a harder time calling it exciting (unless academic competition gets you all riled up heh). it just depends on what you want.</p>