Hello! I’m a current junior researching colleges and need advice. I am almost 100% sure I want to major in computer science. For a long time, I’ve been pretty dead-set on going to the University of Southern California because it has many opportunities in the field I’m looking at, seems to have a good computer science program, and has a video game programming minor (probably not what I’m going to do with my life, but still interesting to me nonetheless). Recently though, I’ve been looking at colleges closer to me in case I decide I don’t want to make the move to California, and found Washington University, and it ended up making me question where I really want to go. Missouri is only 2 states away from me, and seems to have a student body I think I would fit in better with. But since admission rates are higher for that college with early decision, I’m not sure what I would want to do: bind myself to a college early, or have a bigger potential of not getting in. Which school do you think is better for computer science, and which school do you think is better overall? (I haven’t heard much about WashingtonU computer science, any info would be great) And do you think early decision with Washington University would be worth it?
@vl6432kl , Can’t go wrong with either one, but both are extremely difficult to gain admission. USC was 13% this year and WashU must have been close to 15% but not sure of the final number (S was waitlisted at WashU and got early admission and merit at USC). It is unlikely he will matriculate at either one though.
Neither is a guarantee for admission (no matter your stats) but WashU will be easier if you apply ED. There is an argument to be made for being closer to home, depends on overall family finances and whether you have had much travel from home and would feel comfortable being across the country.
WashU has a smaller student body so you would have smaller classes and better teacher/student ratio. WashU also has fabulous support and counselors, not to mention the tempurpedic mattresses. USC has the new village but you would only get to stay there freshman year if you have a scholarship. There are other nice housing options outside of the new university village. F
Food is known to be very good at WashU, not sure USC measures up but I’ve heard it’s decent. Weather, of course, is going to be better in Los Angeles and can’t beat the school spirit at USC. WashU would be quieter socially but it will be best for you to explore further. WashU takes expressed interest seriously so you will definitely want to visit and interview at WashU. Again, both options would be terrific for Comp Sci, and both would not be easy to get into no matter your stats. Make sure you have stellar extracurriculars and leadership activities senior year!