Hello! I am between USC and UW. I was admitted to USC as a chemistry major and UW as a pre-physical science major. I’m having a tough time because UW’s chemistry program is better but USC has a really strong alumni network and it’s not like USC’s chemistry program is bad. And I’ve heard that it is very hard to get the classes you need at UW and the classes are HUGE. I don’t really know how to choose. I am not certain I will stick with chemistry, I may change to engineering and I know it is much easier to switch majors at USC.
What are some things I should consider? How big of a difference would a degree from UW or USC be in terms of grad schools, med schools, and employers? Which school has more opportunities for research or internships? What is housing like at each school? Any help would be great, thanks!
Pre-Physical Science doesn’t sound like Chemistry to me. Is that what your major/track would be? If you’re thinking about UW at all, examine that college catalog to see what types of courses you are taking. Is USC affordable for your family? If UW is your in-state school and financially doable, is there any way you could possibly change majors easily there?
In terms of grad schools and employers, the “degree prestige” from a college doesn’t matter. They care about your GPA, achievements in college, and possibly GMAT/MCAT scores. USC might have more opportunities research-wise but I’m not sure.
@TheDidactic I got the Gates scholarship and from my understanding, it will cover everything up to my EFC which would be $0 at UW and $2700 at USC.
From what I’ve heard, it’s fairly difficult to change majors because it involves an entire application process. I’ve read that in order to switch from chemistry to engineering for example, I would have to apply to the engineering school with no guarantee of being accepted while at USC, I would be accepted if I met the requirements. I hope I’m not mistaken here.
I don’t know how much you know about USC but do you know if it is difficult to get an increase in the cost of attendance? I was told I would need to submit a budget appeal and they will either approve or deny.
Thank you for getting back to me.
No problem @blankethour.
So it does sound like it would be complicated to change majors at UW. Increasing the cost of attendance? Do you mean get an FA appeal so you don’t have to pay as much? I don’t know the difficulty or probability of winning (it’s such a case-by-case thing) but depending on the strength of your appeal, you might have a chance.
Much easier to change major or adding a minor at USC.
@TheDidactic No, I am not requesting more financial aid. I would request the financial aid office to raise my cost of attendance from $67,000 to $70,000 (just an example) for a more expensive housing option or meal plan. Gates will cover my cost of attendance up to my EFC so if USC raises it, Gates will cover it. I need to be sure USC will raise it before I sign up for housing, just in case I get a more expensive housing option. I just want my official cost of attendance to reflect how much it will actually cost with more expensive options. I don’t know if it is their policy to approve all requests for budget increases except for little exceptions or the other way around. Is increasing the rule or the exception?
Might I recommend posting this on the USC board? There are several posters who will be able to guide you regarding financial aid.
You might want to start a new thread that makes it clear that you need help choosing between the two, just like you did here. The other thread didn’t convey a sense of urgency. Please try again.
@SeattleTW I’m no longer choosing between the two. I have decided on USC, however, I still need to know about the likelihood of getting my budget appeal approved. All I got from the financial aid office is it’s on a “case by case” basis.
Ask Georgia girl or alamemom on the USC board. They will at least respond. Best wishes and welcome to Troy.
Fight On!