I’m a cs major from the Bay, which school should I choose?
ignore financial aid please
important facts…
diversity is important to me
I want to live in the east coast after college
I’m outgoing
pretty awesome choices. both have good east coast reps, although I might give a slight nod to Vandy for that. diversity wise, I gotta go with USC, by a long shot.
@joecollege44 It depends on your definition of diversity. According to their Common Data Set, USC is about 5 or 6% African-American vs. 11% at Vanderbilt. Also, about ½ the students from USC come from California (it’s a big state, granted). USC has a higher Asian and Latino population. Vanderbilt is more white. USC has more international students.
Reputation for both is outstanding, though I say that favors Vanderbilt in the East. I think someone outgoing would like both. From where I live, Vanderbilt attracts slightly stronger students than USC.
Nashville is an awesome city. Vanderbilt also is much smaller at just under 7,000 undergrads vs. USC at just under 20,000. That is probably more of a differentiating factor than anything.
I’d choose Vandy but either is great.
[quote=“Sunny66, post:3, topic:2089351”]
@joecollege44 It depends on your definition of diversity. According to their Common Data Set, USC is about 5 or 6% African-American vs. 11% at Vanderbilt. Also, about ½ the students from USC come from California (it’s a big state, granted). USC has a higher Asian and Latino population. Vanderbilt is more white. USC has more international students.
USC has much more non-white FACULTY as well.
Talking to people who have visited, even the whites are Vandy tend to cluster from a certain demographic (take this last statement with a grain of salt as it is both stereotyping and it is not from firsthand experience).
Vanderbilt isn’t known for its CS department. I know rankings don’t mean too much, but its cs program isn’t top 30 on Niche, as opposed to USC, which is #10. Would I not be getting as good of a cs education if I choose Vandy? Not just that but also college internship opportunities since USC is in Cali(where most tech companies are) and has a bigger alumni network. But then again, I feel like I’ll be one of the 1000s of USC students seeking opportunities. As a Vandy student, I feel like I’d be more unique(since it’s smaller).
Ahah back to my question, would I not be getting as good of a cs education if I choose Vandy? Or am I overthinking this and rankings are dumb?
I wouldn’t base a decision on Niche rankings of a CS department. I have not looked at other rankings, though sometimes even those are more based on the Masters and Ph.D. programs. I find Niche most useful for the happiness of students and general vibe of the school.
This. Go to the school you feel more comfortable at.
USC has a better CS program, no doubt. One of the internet companies I worked at had a bunch of USC CS interns. But I’m in silicon valley, and USC is very popular here. My advice is to select USC, and if you get an internship in the bay area (vs east coast), then network while you’re there with the east coast employees so you have contacts when you look for a full-time job.
“college internship opportunities”
If you want internships in silicon valley, then USC is the choice.
Okay so May 1st is very soon and I am most likely committing to USC, but I’m having second thoughts. Can someone please just tell me what to choose I’m so conflicted:,(
Vanderbilt vs USC for computer science
Vandy is slightly cheaper for me
I think you need to make a list of the top 3 things that are most important to you and then see which ones comes in first. For example,
- if major is the most important thing than most would agree that USC has a better computer science program.
- If diversity is high on your list than USC is going to be more diverse.
- If smaller class sizes and campus is important to you than Vanderbilt probably wins.
- If campus location is important to you, Vanderbilt gets the thumbs up.
- If alumni connections are important, USC probably gets the nod;
- Etc....
My 2 cents, if you were looking to have a career on the west coast than USC is probably the best choice, but since you want to reside on the east coast it’s probably a toss-up or slight favorite for Vandy.
The great news is that these are both wonderful colleges and you will have an incredible experience no matter which one you choose!
Two great choices. Which did you like better? (I hope you got to visit). If you really feel equal about the two, choose the cheaper! Or, there is always the old “flip a coin” method: Flip a coin, then check your initial gut reaction to the result.
PS: It can be hard to decide, but you really have two great options here and once you decide, look forward; you’ll be fine!
These are my concerns for USC…
Not viewed as prestigious in the east coast or in general really when compared to Vandy
Too big? will be hard for me to find my community since it’s not as close-knit
LA area isn’t very safe
Big school~larger class sizes? I learn better in smaller environments where I could actually get to know my teachers
Not as great of a well-rounded education?
housing not guaranteed all 4 years
Instate
My concerns for Vandy are
Yes, Nashville is a music city, but what else will I have to do for fun? Vandy bubble and all
Grade deflation in STEM courses?
Understaffed in CS
Terrible dining?
(based on information I’ve found online…Reddit, cc, etc…)
small alumni network
No spirit
I haven’t visited either of these schools, which is why this is so hard
virtual tours just aren’t the same:,(
Ex. I got into Cal, but immediately eliminated it from my list after visiting
I flipped a coin haha my heart says USC!!
thank you for all the help! 