<p>So this is my first time ever using CC, and I am basically on here to get people's opinions of these schools. I've seen threads with Vandy v. Emory and even Emory v. Vandy but I havent seen one with Vandy v. USC. So basically I have narrowed it down to these schools, and I really like both of these schools for different reasons. I like Vanderbilt beacuse of its strong academic reputation, it's resources, it's campus size, and it's "work hard, play hard" mentality. Another reason why I like Vandy is that I have a better chance of getting into a top law/grad school (Columbia, Yale, Stanford, etc.) if I do well and graduate from Vandy. However, I also really like USC not only because of its location but also because of its programs that it offers. I want to get into the business side of the entertainment industry, and USC offers a program that specializes in this (I just found out that I was admitted into this highly selective program!!). Also, from what I have heard, the USC connections/ network is really strong and it would definitely help me if I want to get a job in the industry in LA. PLus, LA is where my heart is at and I really like the social and nonchalant, yet responsible atmosphere of USC. The only thing is that Im not exactly sure how the name USC holds up to the ivies/ top law schools as opposed to Vanderbilt. Plus, I am a little concerned that my decision to major in business would make it harder for me to get into a top law school.</p>
<p>Btw, I know his post may seem like it goes on FOREVER but on a side note, I visited both campuses. I visited USC for a day last year for spring break and I really liked the campus, but I also liked VAndy's campus when I had a diversity weekend trip. The only thing is that I HATE the south and LOVE California, so that causes even more conflict. I also had Emory and UChicago on the list but decided to cut them off.</p>
<p>So my main questions are: Does USC have a strong reputation across the country and with the ivies? & Will my decision to go into business affect my chances of getting into law school?</p>
<p>I know at least 2 people from USC who went on to Harvard Law School, and another who got into UPenn’s Law School. I don’t think you should have anything to worry about if you go to USC. All that matters is essentially your GPA and LSAT score. Law school admissions is very number pased. Having a high LSAT score and a high GPA almost guarantees you a spot in a top law school. Majoring in business will NOT hurt your chances of getting into law school - it just won’t help you stand out when competing against someone who majored in a less common major law school applicants major in.</p>
<p>As I have never looked at Vandy, I can’t give you a comparison, but I can provide you some insight into USC. Like MAgicalMalik, I know of 2 people also who are going to Harvard Law School. USC is a very reputable school and is on the rise. While it may not be as well known to the everyday person in the northeast, the Ivies will all regard it as a very good school. Likewise, Marshall is a very good business school. While not Wharton or Stern, it still is a top 10 business program which will not hurt in your Ivy desires.</p>
<p>As for majoring in business to go into law school… what you major in really will not hurt you. While business is a more “common” major, it shouldn’t necessarily hurt you. One thing that COULD hurt you though (if you choose to attend USC Marshall) would be the Marshall curve. Law school admissions are known to rely heavily on your GPA and LSAT and the Marshall Curve (a 3.0 in business classes) MAY hurt you. But it is possible to get a good GPA in Marshall and with a good LSAT score, you’d be golden. Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Thanks! Yeah this actually helps a lot! Btw, how harsh is the curve at Marshall? I thought I read that they got rid of the curve but is there still an implied curve? I know its a little silly to condiser grade inflation/deflation in with the college choices but after experiencing grade deflation at my school, I would like to have a school with some grade inflation.</p>
<p>Darn it lol! Well under this new curve shift, how hard is it to get an A? Does making an A require lots and lots of work with little to no social life, or does it allow for a social life while still studying hard during the week?</p>
<p>easier than before. obv it depends on the person to whether or not it is easy to get an A but it still remains that a small percentage will receive an A</p>
<p>a lot of classes ive taken so far (been here for 2 semesters) have to deal with memorizing powerpoint slides</p>
<p>I’m surprised that the belief persists that there is a curve at Marshall. Some professors still have a curve that they come up with on their own but I would say since the mandatory curve was lifted average grades have gone up to maybe a 3.1 or so? Had a class that was curved to a 3.25 by the prof, another than kept it at 3.0, really varies by prof. Also the Business classes in the beginning (especially OB) are complete crap and do involve memorizing powerpoints. I almost dropped business as a result of this but my classes from the second half of sophomore year forwards (especially senior concentration) were extremely valuable and I am thankful that I stuck with the major. </p>
<p>To the OP: I think if you like work hard play hard that quite accurately describes USC, although trending towards the work hard from perhaps 5 or 10 years ago.</p>
<p>Man, I am so conflicted as to where I want to go. I got into the Business/Cinematic Arts program, which was one of the main reasons why I applied to USC and the fact that USC is one of the best schools for trying to get into the entertainment industry, which is what I want to do. Then there’s also the Trojan family network, which is very strong and supportive from what I’ve heard. But then it’s also hard to turn down Vandy, and for some reason I think that if I were to choose USC I would be sacrificing prestige (which I know is a faulty conclusion and very shallow of me and partly attributed to the USNRW college rankings). AHH I’m so conflicted!</p>
<p>Technically, Marshall doesn’t have an “official” curve anymore. However, many of the professors (especially the main, core business classes) still abide to the 3.0 Marshall curve (which as others have stated, was raised from a previous 2.75 curve). It seems to me that professors who have, or are trying to obtain, tenure generally are the ones who have the whole grading to the Marshall curve policy. So yes, it’s not mandatory and not all professors use it anymore, but still a lot of the Marshall professors still use the Marshall curve.</p>
<p>But really, you can definitely still do well in most of your classes despite this curve.</p>
<p>While I’m not trying to bang on Vandy’s status of prestige, you should probably realize that USC isn’t exactly that much inferior…if at all. I’m from the Southeast so maybe I’ve just gotten so used to Vandy that it isn’t such a big deal. I’m not saying it’s not a big deal, because it is, but practically everyone I know from my school has gotten in (then again I’m from an IB school) so it’s one of those situations…But what I’m trying to say is you shouldn’t place Vanderbilt all that much above USC in terms of prestige. Remember that USC is still rising and will likely keep rising in the rankings in the future. IMO, the only reason V might be regarded more highly is because they’ve been considered a top school for longer than USC has.</p>
<p>And in my honest opinion, if you’re really interested in business/entertainment there’s really no other school or program that can provide you with the best in this field/combination of fields. And obviously if USC kids can get into HLS…that means it’s possible to get into a top law school from SC. So just because you go to Vandy over USC doesn’t necessarily mean you have better chances at law school. Despite any of this talk surrounding Marshall’s “curve” or lack of “curve,” whichever it may be, most pre-law students are of the high-achieving type who are capable of doing difficult work. Since you’ve got these ambitions, I’m assuming you’re one of them. Look forward to a challenge!</p>
<p>Being an Asian kid, I know it’s really hypocritical of me to say this, but…US NEWS rankings aren’t everything
Proof? Even if I get off of Harvard’s waitlist, I’m looking forward to being a Trojan next fall 26 > 1, lol (to me anyway)</p>
<p>yohaha123! did you find out about the business cinema thing by mail or online? Cause I have been waiting for that program for ages to come out? I’m hoping you found out by mail cause that might just mean I’m getting it a day later or something…(or a different time for the list of rejection messages could be awaiting me if it was via online…) PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!! And by the way I totally feel you about the situation with Vandy except I’m debating between USC (and that program if I get in) and Duke’s pre-business program. In my opinion, if you really want to get into entertainment business, USC is the best choice in the country if you are in their business/cinema program. If you’re looking for another career, then pick Vanderbilt. Prestige of that program and the connections you’ll get with USC will be much more fruitful specifically for the entertainment business endeavor. Plus something to think about is where you plan on living the rest of your life? It is my understanding that USC’s degree means much more in California than Vandy’s in the rest of the country. Those are the things I’ve been thinking about this whole month myself…</p>
<p>Usc is for the most part just as renown as Vandy is nationally these days for academics. Law school admissions is about GPA & LSAT primarily unless you go to HYPS etc. which might give you a tiny soft factor boost. Go to whichever school you will be more happy at and therefore be more likely to get a higher GPA.</p>
<p>If you go to a law school admissions forum like top-law-schools.com you see the “Does my undergraduate major or school matter?” questions being posted constantly and the answer is always the same. High GPA + Lsat from a respectable school = A+</p>
<p>I didn’t peruse it, but it says
27. Vanderbilt (20)
28. USC (20)</p>
<p>I remember there was a thread about Harvard Law enrollment from each undergrad schools years back. USC should fare equally with Vandy. Someone may have that link, but I don’t. Considering USC has a much relatively smaller pool of law school applicants, Trojans have really done well. </p>
<p>Marshall just announce huge change to its curriculum, which allows much more selective from other majors. I think that is a plus if you want a top law school and still want the business/entertainment concentration. I don’t see how Vandy is a much better choice/</p>
<p>Ya and I’ll chime in to say that I know two people off the top of my head who got into Ivies. One got into all the schools they applied to include Yale and Harvard, and another to Penn.</p>
<p>USC has the program you want in the city you want. Unless you plan on going into the Country Music business how can Vanderbilt possibly have an advantage over USC when it comes to entertainment industry contacts? </p>
<p>Prestige is a personal perception, not an absolute. If you think that law schools are falling to their knees, weeping in joy when they see Vanderbilt applicants but throwing USC applications in the trash unread, then you are buying into your own hype, not into any reality. I see no difference in the prestige of Vanderbilt vs USC or BC or Emory or Michigan or any number of equally strong undergraduate programs. You will get into a “prestigious” law school by scorching your LSATs and doing well studying something you love, not because you think one school is more prestigious than another.</p>
26 > 1, lol (to me anyway)</p>