<p>Decision day's right around the corner, and I'd like some final opinions before I commit anywhere.</p>
<p>FYI, I've lived in Seattle the past 16 years. I also have interests in international relations and business, and I plan on attending grad school.</p>
<p>I got into USC's Viterbi School of Engineering for Computer Engineering and Computer Science. I've really wanted to escape from my hometown of Seattle for years, and LA seems like a wonderful place to be - sunny, warm, and dry. Although I've never been to USC itself, I feel like I'd enjoy LA weather more than Seattle weather. I like the fact that USC is a private school, and the Trojan Family network seems amazingly strong. The prospect of starting fresh is very appealing, too. Cost = $54k.</p>
<p>As for UW, I got direct admission into the school's Computer Science and Engineering department, which is one of the top 10 (?) in the nation. I'll be dorming at UW, so it won't be super unbearable. I'm really not a fan of the wet, cold, windy, gloomy, rainy weather though. I have many friends that will be attending UW. UW doesn't seem like an awful school. I know my way around UW and Seattle pretty well, but I'm getting a bit bored of Seattle. Cost = $18k.</p>
<p>So there you have it. If cost wasn't a factor, I'd choose USC in a blink of the eye. Although my family can afford USC, I don't want to unnecessarily use up more of my parents' resources than necessary.</p>
<p>flamingbirdy- i made a very similar decision this month, it was between usc (my dream school) uw madison, and usd. Ultimately, I picked usd, the cheapest school given my situation, because I just couldn’t justify spending about 220k on my undergraduate education (I plan on going to med school afterwards, which also isn’t cheap). It comes down to what you value, and it’s a tough decision! If you plan on going to grad school, maybe aspire to go to grad school at usc, my sister sacrificed her dream of going to Georgetown and ended up going there after her undergrad anyways! Either one is a great school though, and both will provide you with a great education, I’m sure you’ll make the right choice, whatever it is, and end up happy.</p>
<p>go to UW. A CS/ EE degree at USC is not worth 3 times the cost. Unless you parents have NO problem picking up the tab. But if you have to take out ANY loans to go to USC, then stick with UW. A degree in EE/ CS is a LOT of work, and you may very well appreciate having a ready made support structure close by. You’ll be out of Seattle soon enough.</p>
<p>I chose USC over UW but that was because Marshall >>>>> Foster for my specific career path. From the looks of it, you would have similar opportunities at either school. CS/EE at UW is top notch. I would go with UW because it wouldn’t put an undue burden on you or your family. Good luck!</p>