<p>Hey everyone.</p>
<p>I was recently rejected from my dream school, Notre Dame. I was admitted to some great schools, and I have narrowed them down to Vanderbilt and USC.</p>
<p>I think my decision would be easier if I knew what I wanted to do as far as majors is concerned. I am undecided at both.</p>
<p>I think it is important to know that I would like to live in Southern California after graduation, so you would think USC would be the obvious pick. I love USC's campus and the programs that they offer, but Vandy is hard to pass up. Not only is it ranked 19th in the country, but it also said to have one of the most beautiful campuses in the country ( im visiting next week ). But, Vandy would also be a huge culture shock. </p>
<p>So, I am really confused... and I was wondering if you guys could give me your opinions of these schools....objectively</p>
<p>Hey Tim,</p>
<p>I'm from NorCal (San Francisco) and I've chosen to go to Vanderbilt. Honestly, it never occurred to me to apply to USC. The kids who go there from my high school are generally not the students who could get admitted to Vanderbilt. Now, it's a fine school, just a little looser in its academic admissions. So my first impression was absolutely Vanderbilt, no question. But then, you said you wanted to live in Southern California, and of course, going to school in the area where you want to live is always something to consider. Hmmm-have you seen the USC campus? Lots of concrete, very urban, definitely got some crime pockets. Then you compare it to the genteel (and yet still urban) campus of Vanderbilt, as well as the fine way it treats its students... Are you planning to go to grad school? That needs to factor into your decision too. The academic reputation of Vanderbilt would be a plus later for grad school. I guess, ultimately, you need to see how you feel when you get on the two campuses. Good luck!</p>