<p>It's almost May and I just can't decide where to go! </p>
<p>I've been accepted into UIUC and USC (Haven't gotten into Mich yet but for comparisons sake I've put it in this thread).</p>
<p>I really want to go to USC because of the location, the whole really strong alumni network thing, the fact that it is a private school and since Viterbi's pretty advanced.</p>
<p>UIUC on the other hand has a really highly ranked Engineering school and it seems that everyone who goes there loves the place like crazy! (Also, Parents are totally for UIUC).</p>
<p>The primary factors I want to base my decision on are (In order of importance):
Prestige
Strength of Engineering School
Location
Social life
Job Placements</p>
<p>Can someone please please rank the above three universities based on the above factors?
Thank you!!!
...So much.</p>
<p>P.S: Almost forgot. Money is not an issue and I applied for Undecided Engineering both to USC and UIUC.</p>
<p>I think any of the three are fine choices. Since you say you want to go to USC, I’d probably listen to my gut and go there, but make sure to visit all three. </p>
<p>In my opinion:</p>
<p>Prestige (overall): UMich = USC > UIUC (UMich historically more prestigious than USC, but USC has made a big move up in the past decade)
Strength of Engineering School: UMich = UIUC > USC
Location: USC (weather + city) > UMich (nice college town) > UIUC (middle of cornfield)
Social life: depends on if you want more off-campus stuff or more on campus activity; having said that, I’d say USC > UMich > UIUC
Job Placements: USC (due to strong alumni network) > UMich (due to overall prestige and size) > UIUC</p>
<p>Personally, I’d pick USC or UMich, but that’s just me.</p>
<p>I wasn’t doing engineering specific job placement but more overall. It’s certainly possible (or even probable) that the OP wanted engineering specific job placement, though, and in that case, I’d agree they’re basically even (I’d say UIUC and UMich are ahead of USC with large engineering firms even). I don’t think there’s a clear better school. I’d choose based on fit and finances.</p>
<p>I am thinking of permanently relocating to Southern California. So I guess in that case USC would be a better option placement-wise.</p>
<p>As I said before, I have no issue with finances.
I’ll certainly go visit some time soon. I’ll probably not go visit UIUC though… I’m slowly ruling that choice out
It’s just USC and UMich now.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot bluedog and USBChemEGrad!</p>
<p>Oh and one more thing, how does the rigor of each one’s engineering program compare?</p>
<p>Epitome - I’d have to agree with Austrian. To tag along on this thread (if you don’t mind), my S has been accepted to both USC and Santa Clara (engineering). Financial aid is definitely a factor (haven’t heard from either about aid yet). S will most likely remain in CA to work after graduation. Any thoughts on which school he should attend? I think we both realize that USC is more prestigous than SCU, but he prefers NorCal and the smaller size of SCU.
He’s lucky to have good choices! I’m extremely proud of him.</p>
<p>I like the thought of being able to walk five miles in any direction off campus and not be threatened with loss of life or limb. You can do that within 5 blocks of USC!</p>
<p>I’m confused rjkofnovi. Do you mean that you ‘can’t’ walk within 5 blocks of USC without being threatened with loss of life or limb?
Because that would totally make sense with all those gangs around the place.</p>
<p>Anyway, back to the point: how does the rigor of each university’s engineering program compare?</p>
<p>Sorry for the confusion. My post was poorly written. The surrounding neighborhood at USC is UNSAFE. I meant to say:</p>
<p>Michigan>USC>UIUC</p>
<p>In Ann Arbor, I like the thought of being able to walk five miles in any direction off campus and not be threatened with loss of life or limb. You cannot do that within 5 blocks of USC!</p>
<p>I’m not sure what rjkofnovi is talking about, nervous to “lose a limb when walking off campus”. I’m currently a senior and have been living 5 blocks from campus the past three years. Can’t say I’ve ever felt unsafe walking around my neighborhood!</p>
<p>In terms of engineering, I’m completing a degree in Civil Engineering and feel completely prepared for the next step after college. I loved SC so much that I will be continuing my education next year at USC, pursuing a Masters in Structural engineering.</p>
<p>@ViterbiStudent: I plan to major in Civil Engineering too. How’s the rigor of the curriculum? It’s not too hard is it? I’m totally leaning towards USC now. Just waiting to find out more though.</p>
<p>@ucbalumnus: I see what you mean. I plan to live on campus for as long as I can so I won’t be as frequently subjected to the risks that you’ve shown exist in the USC neighborhood.</p>
<p>I personally think UIUC is a way better place than UMich or USC, seeing that way more awesome people are planning to go there this year…Some people going to USC this year seem like snobs, atleast the ones from my school are…Also, Good Luck on UMich…Hope You get in… :)</p>
<p>Way to judge an entire diverse student body by an outdated stereotype.</p>
<p>Anyways, USC and the surrounding neighborhood is hardly unsafe. I have never been stabbed, shot, beaten, robbed, or even threated or pickpocketed or anything, and I’ve been at USC for 3 years. The areas that most students are and most students frequent are heavily patrolled by campus security. Yes, the area is not as “nice” as some other schools, but what do you expect? USC is located in central Los Angeles, in what could generously be described as a “working class” neighborhood. USC prides itself on giving back to the community, and honestly the people who live and work around the school love the university and its students. I’ve had random strangers from the neighborhood walk up to me and thank me for being a student, and say things like it’s their dream for their little son and daughter to attend USC.</p>
<p>Anyways, on the topic of engineering… I think you will find that the connections you can make at USC, especially if you plan on working in Southern California, are extremely helpful and will assist you in finding an internship and a job later on (though don’t expect anything your freshman year). The curriculum is more theory heavy than other schools I’ve seen, but that is supplemented by the wide variety of student-run design groups.</p>
<p>And yes, people not at USC call us, among other things, snobs. Tis true, we tend to swagger when we walk, we will stand face to face with anyone, and we have pride in ourselves and our school.</p>
<p>I personally prefer UMich… cause its prestigious plus has an amazin engineerin college…
weather the onli problem… and well maybe gettin accepted…</p>
