USC vs. Virginia Tech

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
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<p>I know, another one of those comparison threads! But I really am lost right now, and with less than a week left to decide where I'm going I was hoping I could get some good advice (alums??) on here.</p>

<p>I can either attend USC or Virginia Tech. I plan on going to medical school after college and as a career I want to get involved in research pertaining to global health and disease. I have visited both campuses, done extensive research, and talked to countless people about this, and hands down I like USC better. This is not a question of which school is "right" for me; this is a question of MONEY. </p>

<p>USC would cost me $53,000/year to attend, whereas Virginia Tech would cost me $25,000/year to attend. That does not include plane flights to and from LA. My parents have told me that if I go to USC, they will ensure that I come out of my undergraduate education debt-free. However, if I go to Virginia Tech, I would come out debt-free and they would also pay for half of my medical school tuition. I am not 100% positive I am going to medical school, but regardless I would need to get a PhD so I will be going to graduate school. There are other ways to finance this through scholarships etc., but I can't take that as a given obviously. </p>

<p>So now for why I like USC. USC has programs called Global Health and Health Promotion/Disease Prevention that fit my interests perfectly. I love LA, I have relatives in California, I love the campus, love the people, the atmosphere, and the opportunities I would have as an undergrad at USC in the way of research and intellectual stimulation in my classes. I love that USC is a large university that still manages to maintain the small student/faculty ratio and interaction. I was also accepted into Freshman Science Honors, so my class size in the sciences freshman year would be even smaller. Looking at the course catalog at USC, there are SO many classes I would be thrilled to take. I also just love the excitement of California; I am from CT, so it would be a huge change in a big city, which is what I want. There would also be more chances for me to volunteer/get involved in internships at USC. Also, with the Keck School of Medicine right there, I would have numerous chances for interaction with med students/research.</p>

<p>Virginia Tech, on the other hand, would be fine. Not great, but fine. The classes would be large, little student/faculty interaction, I'm not crazy about the location (I want a city!), it's not as prestigious of a school, and the campus just didn't have the same feel for me. I was accepted into University Honors, so that would help a little as far as class sizes go, but I have heard that it is difficult to get into honors classes because of the sheer number of students. Essentially, Virginia Tech is a practical choice. I am sure I would get by there just fine, but my heart tells me that I don't want "just fine". I want extraordinary, and the mental stimulation to explore. I have also looked at the course catalog, and while the courses are good solid basics, they aren't quite as interesting to me as the variety presented by USC. Tech does have a rising med school, but while at USC I KNOW I could get involved, I'm not so sure at Tech that I could. </p>

<p>So, alumni or even just adults in general, what would you do? Is the experience of USC worth the money, or would it be stupid of me to go there when I could get a perfectly acceptable education at Tech for a lot less? Oh, and just to clarify, this is not a question of "where will I stand a better chance of getting into med school". I am sure I will succeed no matter where I go, so I will get good grades regardless, and I know that the prestige of undergrad school is not a huge factor in med school acceptance.</p>

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<p>As much as I would love to vouch for USC, it’s clear that Virginia Tech is where you should go. You plan on going to medical school anyways, so the level of prestige of your undergrad school won’t really matter. It’s cool that your parents can afford to pay all 4 years at USC, but the fact they can pay all 4 years a VTech AND half of medical school is a dealbreaker. If that is really the case, I don’t think going to USC is worth the extra $28,000/year and no help with paying for med school.</p>

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<p>Always a very tough decision esp. for someone 17 to 18 years old. There are many, many articles about the value of an undergraduate education. Maybe try VA Tech for a year…then apply to transfer to USC if you really don’t like Tech. Kids who go there do love it. What do your parents think you should do? Whatever you decide just go forward without regret and congratulations on two great options.</p>

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<p>My parents don’t know what to advise. They agree the practical decision would be Tech. But at the same time, they want me to go where I’m going to be happy and they know the value of a truly exceptional education. While Tech is great, I just don’t see it being a “mind-blowing” experience, which after 16 years living in the same small town I really want. This is not because Tech is a bad school, it’s just too big and broad for me to get that close interaction and specialization. Also, it doesn’t even really offer courses in global health, which is what I’m interested in. But I know I could get those from grad school, too, so that shouldn’t matter as much.</p>

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<p>I always go for the daring experience. You only live once, do what your heart tells you.</p>

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<p>Go to USC. Based on how you described it, you seem like you’re in love with it. You seem like you’d spend 4 years at tech feeling sub par and somewhat miserable.</p>

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<p>I think you really want to go to USC. It is really a fantastic school. Did you look at the school of Public Policy at USC to see if you might be interested in a graduate program there rather than med school as another option? You are young and might change your mind about med school. Also, I heard (you would have to check this out if you decide on med school later) that there is a program for students who finish med school and work in remote areas (harder to find doctor places) for the public benefit and your med school loans are forgiven. There is also the military as another option to pay for med school. You might be lucky enough to get into your state school for in state tuition for med school. In your case, I suggest you go to accepted student days at both schools and see if you feel differently. I would also either start at Virginia Tech and transfer to USC if you can see yourself doing that, or just go to USC. I would not be so worried about med school unless you are 101% sure you are going to med school. You might find another path, less expensive than med school such as Masters in Public Health, Physicians Assistant, PhD, etc.</p>

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<p>I really don’t know that I can deposit at Tech with the intention transferring. Mentally I don’t think I could handle it. I know that’s the smart choice, but I’d rather almost go to USC and transfer from there if things fall through.</p>

<p>The reason I want to go to med school over getting a masters, PhD, etc. is that med school has just such a better return for your investment money-wise. Also, have an MD would open a lot of doors as far as research and career opportunities go. If I ever changed my mind, with an MD I could always switch into clinical practice. I could not do this with a PhD or a Masters. </p>

<p>I guess I’m saying I’m trying to figure out if I should decide with my heart or with my brain.</p>

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<p>HEART!!! YOU ONLY HAVE ON LIFE LIVE IT
no regrets</p>

<p>(by the way this is Joanne we met at Explore USC ^_^)</p>

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<p>You are obviously ridiculously smart getting into USC and Georgetown, so do what you want to do. I am sure you will make the right choice cough cough USC!</p>

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<p>Hey Joanne!! Lol, I love how college confidential unites everyone. :)</p>

<p>@pumpfake, haha thanks. I’M GOING TO USC!!!</p>

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<p>great choice, and best wishes to you!</p>

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<p>Chelseaaa217,</p>

<p>In this discussion there is a subject which has not been mentioned…merit scholarships for continuing students. Apparently, you have made the tough decision to become a Trojan, a university which offers the program you wish to follow in the future.</p>

<p>Merit scholarships were awarded to certain high achieving entering students. There are competitive merit scholarships for continuing students. After you enroll at SC check for notices and information regarding alumni and medical scholarships. If you earn stellar grades and achieve outside the classroom as well you will be in a position to apply for these scholarships. </p>

<p>I have no idea which scholarships are offered in the global health specialty. However, a program was sent to me from the Marshall School of Business Scholarship Luncheon. There were lists of competitive scholarships which continuing students received.</p>

<p>At least this is a possible avenue to investigate.</p>