USC vs UCSD

<p>Hey, I've been accepted to the engineering schools of both USC and UCSD (Muir). I am having a hard time deciding between the two schools! I also do not know if I am going to be taking the engineering route or the medicine route in the future (I am considering switching out of the engineering schools if I decide to take medicine).</p>

<p>I'm kind of concerned about the amount of studying I'll get done at USC as opposed to UCSD, but it would be nice to have a sports team to cheer for (school spirit). I've heard a lot about some snobby people at USC, but I'm sure I'll be able to find a clique there. USC does have a smaller class size and I could probably talk to the teachers more, but UCSD is more renowned for their biology.</p>

<p>I don't want to tie myself down to a specific major or career right now, but I do know that I will take the science path. I've done some of my own research and I've come up with a list of pros and cons for each school, but what does CC say about the two universities and what should I base my decision off of?</p>

<p>Dude, I’m on the same boat as you! Would you mind listing those pros and cons? =] For me, I’m leaning towards USC because their class sizes are A LOT smaller…I hate giant lecture halls (UCSD).</p>

<p>There’s really three things you should base your decision off of in my mind.</p>

<ol>
<li>Is the price affordable.?</li>
<li>Is it strong in my major?</li>
<li>Do I see myself being here for 4 years?</li>
</ol>

<p>The large lecture halls have been a huge plus for me. If you’re in a 20 person class, and you have a midterm in an hour that you want to review flash cards for last minute, you can’t just hide in the back and multitask.</p>

<p>USC honestly is overrated. Besides the business school, it’s not as great in most of the majors compared to UCSD</p>

<p>@ucsandiego915 i guess it depends on each person’s preference</p>

<p>I feel that UCSD overlooks ChemE, since I can barely find any info on the site.</p>

<p>If money is no concern for you and/or you plan on going into industry directly after undergrad, I would say go to USC (better overall school by very slightly). If grad school, save some money. UCSD</p>

<p>“I feel that UCSD overlooks ChemE, since I can barely find any info on the site.”</p>

<p>Most of the information you can find if you go to the Nanoengineering Department website. The program does seem a little confusing since it’s all split up between that and the MAE department. I’m still not sure I completely get it.</p>

<p>USC for the better atmosphere/environment.</p>

<p>I’m not going to post up pros and cons because you can look at the other pro/con threads and then look at USC’s page where they should have some too</p>

<p>I would say look at your major, price, location, etc.</p>

<p>Are you guys bioE majors? If so, San Diego is the school to go, no matter what. We have the best (tied with Johns Hopkins) for BioE. But take a look at the majors you were accepted to, compare the programs, and take a look a the GEs that you’ll have to complete along with your major requirements.</p>

<p>Obviously USC is the more expensive school. Do you know if you’ll qualify for financial aid. Are you applying to scholarships. The main thing is you need to figure out how you’lll pay for school. If you’re taking loans, do you want to start off your working career (or go into grad school) with over 110K in student loans (if you dont have scholarships and fin aid)</p>

<p>Look at the surrounding location too. Do you want to live in that part of LA (where it is somewhat dangerous at night) or would you rather live in La Jolla where you can walk around at 3 in the morning without really having to worry about a thing. Also, La Jolla is expensive, so when you’re a 2nd or 3rd year, are you willing to pay a high amount for an apartment or are you willing to commute from Pacific Beach or one of the other surrounding areas, or would your rather live in an apartment in LA in, once again, a somewhat dangerous area.</p>

<p>I think that should be a good amount of questions to ask yourself for now</p>

<p>If you have any specific questions, you can PM me. </p>

<p>I attended UCSD for freshman year, and transferred to USC for my sophomore year (current year). </p>

<p>I transferred mainly because of being unable to graduate on time at UCSD & I’m an out of state student, so tuition at both schools are about the same.</p>