USC vs William and Mary

I am currently deciding between the University of Southern California and the College of William and Mary and would appreciate any feedback.

I am a Virginia resident whose parents both went to USC. I intend to double major in Applied Mathematics and Economics and would like to attend a high-level graduate program upon completion of my undergraduate degree. My parents are of good financial status and could afford to send me to either school.

I have been awarded a half-tuition scholarship to USC. I have also been accepted into their Thematic Option program. Given that my parents went there, I am also able to apply for related legacy scholarships. Transportation is somewhat of an issue given that I live in Virginia. My estimated cost of attendance is about 45k/yr.

I would pay in-state rates at William and Mary (about 34k/yr). While I have not been awarded any special scholarship/distinction, I remain eligible to apply to the Monroe program after my first year and they seem to have strong research programs and faculty connections, which seem beneficial to me for graduate school.

Thank you for your feedback,

–Brennan

It’s really where you feel most excited about and ready to do your best work. Off the cuff guess for me would be W and M for the major and the cost.

If cost isn’t an issue, visit and go with fit.

The two schools aren’t terribly similar in feel.

^^^. What pt said.

Very different environments. Fit should guide you.

Oddly enough, I’ve lived very close to both. As the previous posters indicated, they are pretty far apart in a number of ways, including feel, size, geography, weather, etc. This might help with you choose for fit.

USC is very large, about 44K or so (it is one of the largest private schools along with NYU), probably 1/4 of those are foreign. To put that in perspective it is about 2X UVA, and well over 5X W&M. It is in a huge urban area. It is well known due to athletics and is located close to downtown in the enormous LA Metro area with a west coast feel. The surrounding area has been known to be pretty tough, but has been getting better fairly quickly, aided by some of USC’s redevelopment efforts. There are a number of museums and attractions nearby, but don’t underestimate the size or travel times in LA (e.g. to go to the beach in Santa Monica). While the campus is pretty nice, it is definitely going to feel more urban and dense. I can’t say I liked that area per se (I would much prefer Westside LA to live), but there is a lot going on befitting a big city. There are a fair number of wealthy students, but also attracts less well

W&M is going to feel more like a large LAC in a town setting. It is much smaller, more residential, more undergraduate focused. It is historic and east coast. The areas couldn’t be much more different. The campus and surrounding area is lovely. It is less international and 2/3rds of students will be from Virginia. If you want that residential, community, LAC-type of environment, this fits the bill. I enjoyed living near Williamsburg more, but I’m probably one of those who don’t like all the big city complications. You may be looking for something very different.

Academically, I’d say roughly same level and you an fulfill your graduate ambitions through both. W&M is probably more intimate and intellectual in nature.

Good luck.

^^^ Great post! Really describes the differences well.

Hi! I’ve visited both, for different kids. Agree with the above posters, two very different choices in terms of size, culture, location, etc. Consider what appeals more to you: big or small, urban or small town. Is attending big athletic games something you enjoy? As for the travel, being a coast away is something to consider. The travel itself is expensive and living expenses in LA are expensive (I have a DD in LA, not at USC but we visited there). Getting around in LA is a BIG DEAL…traffic is tough and even though LA has tons to offer, doing things just takes way more time and effort there. Not trying to talk you out of it, just pointing out some things. Another aspect that hasn’t been mentioned is alumnni network…since you’re going on to grad school maybe that is less of a factor, but you will have a much larger network at USC.