<p>Hello all,
I am from Orange County, CA and got admitted to both Vanderbilt and SC but am a bit unsure. I would prefer to stay in California after graduation and major in business or a related major where ever I attend. USC has the Marshall school, and, while Vanderbilt does not have an undergraduate business major, they do have a Human and Organizational Development major which I have heard good things about in the business world. I am currently leaning towards USC, so my question is as follows: Given my California ties and ambitions to keep it that way in the business field after graduation, is Vanderbilt prestigious enough to overlook these aspects and attend there, i.e. is Vanderbilt on the same level as Duke or the weak ivy league schools?</p>
<p>If you would like to work in Southern California after graduation, there is hardly a better choice than USC for networking, career fairs, internships in SoCal, visits by distinguished business leader in L.A., professors with ties to all the local companies, etc. etc etc. The education you will get and Vandy and USC Marshall will both be wonderful. However, the USC connections you’ll make are priceless.</p>
<p>As you can see from the name I live in Georgia. Instead of writing about Vanderbilt I will comment on Marshall. At this point you wish to remain in California. The Trojan family is not a myth. Here are some aspects of a Marshall education you should consider: </p>
<p>Marshall has a network of their own alumni clubs throughout California which not only supports the school, but also provides social and business connections.</p>
<p>Marshall has a global outlook with alumni working in over 90 countries.</p>
<p>The school offers the progressive degree program for high achieving undergraduates who can earn both a bachelor and advanced degree in five years. AP of IB units MAY enable a student to achieve this in four years.</p>
<p>Large numbers of international students broaden the educational experience.</p>
<p>Marshall offers the CAP (Career Advantage Program) which links sophomore and above with an alumna/alumnus mentor who assists in the transition into the working world.</p>
<p>Faculty at Marshall are ranked 10th in the world for published research.</p>
<p>Programs at Marshall reflect the global outlook of the school, notably Global Leadership Program. Learning about International Commerce, International Exchange Program, Global Summer Internship Program and the International Experiential Corporate Learning Program. These are in addition to USC’s study abroad opportunities.</p>
<p>The location of Marshall at the doorway to the Pacific Rim and a huge metro area provides internship opportunities in leading industries in the fields of aerospace, entertainment, technology, trade, fashion and pharmaceuticals.</p>
<p>Your classmates outside Marshall provide an eclectic mix of students with interests in music, art, drama, engineering, sciences, cinema and journalism.</p>
<p>Thanks to a major contribution the Marshall School will have a new state of the art complex.</p>
<p>Students at Marshall are active participants in USC community service projects.</p>
<p>Top hiring companies at Marshall are: Merrill Lynch, Cisco, Citigroup, Accenture, Raytheon, Kraft Foods, CBS, GE, Apple, Bank of America, Duff & Phelps, Southern California Edison, General Mills and others.</p>
<p>More information…
facebook-----USCMarshallUndergradAdmissions
website-----<a href=“http://www.marshall.usc.edu”>www.marshall.usc.edu</a>
<a href=“mailto:e-mail-----busadm@marsahall.usc.edu”>e-mail-----busadm@marsahall.usc.edu</a>
phone-----800 352 5719</p>
<p>'Hope this helps!</p>
<p>anyone else? </p>
<p>My best friend did her UG at Vanderbilt in chemical engineering, at that time it was called the Harvard of the South. Not sure if that is still said, regardless, I wouldn’t be concerned with prestige and would be more focused on what you want to do after graduation and what helps you attain the best. In that regard, what madbean and Georgia Girl said are spot on, the benefits to USC in socal are endless. Now if you want to go to Vanderbilt to try a different lifestyle and experience the midwest/southern culture before settling back in CA that is a different reason and actually more valid than going where someone perceives prestige, which is very subjective. Truly and honestly, I believe I get a bigger bang saying my student is at USC than if I was saying Vanderbilt. But I am not from CA originally, so USC still holds an awe for me personally. Even if Vandy was considered Harvard of the South, I still think Duke gives me more of a wow response. Am I right, who knows, prestige is my opinion, that’s all. Possibly, you are so close to USC it has lost some of its wow factor to you. My kids aren’t impressed with Stanford and actually dislike many aspects of it after spending a lot of time there. Lost its magic because of familiarity I suppose. Go where you are happy and what meets your goals, both are prestigious enough.</p>
<p>News Update from Marshall…</p>
<p>William J. McMorrow, USC Marshall alumnus, has made a major gift to Marshall. The gift will establish and endow a new program in global real estate. Mr. McMorrow’s contribution will help to train leaders of the future in global business/ real estate… </p>
<p>At present McMorrow is serving on the board of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate.</p>
<p>similar situation here - live in southern California - son admitted to both USC & Vanderbilt - using the same financial information provided to both schools - USC financial aid is $0 - while Vandy financial aid is $32,000 a year need based grant???</p>
<p>wow- that’s a huge difference-- maybe check with USC and see if they have everything correct. If so, Vanderbilt is a great choice!</p>
<p>Do check with Marshall on their financial aid response. Did you receive this information in writing saying your aid package is complete? </p>
<p>Go where you will be happy</p>