<p>haha… a little friendly banter is always fun! But I totally agree, threads like this really just rile people up and aren’t needed. On the graduate level, at least in an MBA, we definitely compete (think Anderson vs. Marshall Beer Pong tournmaent), but there is alot more collaboration and respect. </p>
<p>In fact, there is so much cross pollination between USC and UCLA. In my MBA program, the top three represented schools in order are USC, UCLA, UCB. All the comparisons and arguments are probably from undergrads (18-22) and probably their very supportive parents.</p>
<p>“USC has a very long way to go before it can be mentioned in the same breath as UPenn, Columbia, etc. much less Harvard or Stanford. There’s no shame in admitting that; it’s realistic. USC’s capital campaign will help, but don’t forget that the schools it wants to overtake are also fundraising aggressively.” (nmf1102)</p>
<p>Interesting you mention the quality of an undergraduate academic experience solely in a ranking by endowment totals. While largesse in endowments are the province of the Ivy’s and Stanford, like wealth and personal happiness, once you have enough to meet your needs, there is no correlation with happiness or in this case the academic and overall college experience. </p>
<p>There is a reason 46,000 students applied to USC, actually 46,000 reasons. If you review the USC vs Ivy’s cc topic you will see comments why students chose USC over admittance to Stanford and Ivy’s. Those 46,000 reasons seem to include a vibrant, dynamic USC administration clearly dedicated to academic excellence and absent the conflicts of promoting as a signature characteristic active entrepreneurial partnership with corporate entities. </p>
<p>Those 46,000 reasons likely would also include the comprehensive, innovative humanities program, Thematic Options, that exceeds the breadth and scope of most other universities and rival the best LAC offerings. Likely you will hear about exciting offerings in film, journalism and music programs, as a few examples. You will likely hear and see a remarkably engaged, happy student body who truly love their academic experience which is described with passion. A tour of the campus center would reveal a true central meeting area to share ideas and experiences. Increasingly, you will find little difference in SAT/ACT scores from Ivy’s/Stanford. </p>
<p>What seems to be unrealistic is the unexpected need for some to deny these realities and assert tired refrains with little true validity in an attempt assure themselves of their superiority–apparently reflecting understandable, significant, realistic doubt.</p>
<p>UCBChemGrad, I did not intend to slight UCLA in any way. I just have limited firsthand experience and familiarity with its programs and was responding to nmf1102.</p>
<p>docfreedaddy, I did not mention “quality of an undergraduate academic experience.” I spoke only of USC (as a whole) in relation to those that it wants to overtake. Again, these universities will also be growing and fundraising, and USC will have a very difficult time beating them. USC aspires to be the “best research university” of the century, but it doesn’t seem to realize that other universities have that same goal. They are already far ahead of USC. Duke is a shining example of one that has ascended the ranks, but has so far been unable to break into the HYPSM group.</p>
<p>Yes, there are students who turn down Ivies for USC. There are many reasons for such students to like USC. But those reasons are not why they chose USC. Face it: the reason is money. If USC and the Ivies they turned down cost the same, they would not have chosen USC. It isn’t a testament to USC’s quality if students are just being money-smart. When students turn down Ivies for another university despite no cost difference, then that’s a testament to the draw of the university, like Duke, MIT, Stanford. USC isn’t in that place yet. Again, no shame in being realistic; how can USC expect to grow if it isn’t realistic about where it is now?</p>
<p>I’m surprised USC’s endowment isn’t greater than it currently, considering the amount of students who actually go to USC and this mystical “Trojan connection.”</p>
<p>It is clear and realistic that some posting from universities of other than USC have perspectives, if not biases, radically different than the experience and knowledge base of the USC administration, student body and prospective students who chose USC over Stanford and Ivy’s without regard to financial considerations. As another poster has said, students posting from certain universities seem insecure with their own or their universities quality as evidenced from the nature and tone of their comments. I believe it was a Harvard or Yale student who made this observation, and I would have to agree.</p>
<p>There are lots of reasons to pick USC over Stanford. I met a few kids this year who turned down Stanford for SC for reasons other than money. If USC transformed into Stanford I’d shoot myself. Actually, I’d probably just transfer, but the point remains: most USC students wouldn’t really want to see our school turn into Stanford. Stanford’s like that one kid in your high school class who’s really “well-rounded” on his college application but not really that well rounded in real life. He has all of these accomplishments that sound really nice but it doesn’t add up socially. USC is that kid who does surprisingly well for himself academically but isn’t considered a nerd. Both probably have bright futures in front of them though. </p>
<p>What do I mean by this? Stanford might have “better” athletics, but that’s not really the case. Stanford might win more titles and have been better than USC at football recently, there’s not the same fan experience. USC students pack onto buses and into cars for the weekender; Stanford doesn’t exactly invade Southland. </p>
<p>All in all, I guess my point is just that USC seems more fun than Stanford. I’m not knocking Stanford at all by this: there’s plenty to do there. It’s a more mature learning environment for sure. But I like immature, stupid, fun. Frat parties and tailgates and invites and all that stuff. </p>
<p>Everyone’s dancing around this. I didn’t attend either school. But basically Standford kids are stuck up nerds. Completely bookish, and not well rounded. End of story. There are exceptions to every rule…of course.</p>
<p>From my top new england boarding prep school, most people see UCLA as a public school, Cal as great rowing school with too many asians, and USC as fun party school for intelligent rich kids. Many more go to USC than UCLA as a result…</p>
<p>"I didn’t attend either school. But basically Standford kids are stuck up nerds. Completely bookish, and not well rounded. "</p>
<p>I have attended both schools. The above statement is not the least bit true. If anything, Stanford students (except maybe those in business-related fields) are surprisingly normal and very well-rounded.</p>
<p>I grew up near Stanford and know a lot of Stanford alums. Spent some time there visiting friends while in college at USC.</p>
<p>Honestly, I find the USC and Stanford student bodies to be very similar. Lots of extremely intelligent, but down to earth kids, a variety of economic and cultural backgrounds. USC isn’t all spoiled rich kids, just like Stanford isn’t all bookish outcasts. I know a few Stanford kids who attended the school just based on legacy connections/money — and isn’t that what people try to pin on USC? Happens everywhere.</p>
<p>I think USC suffers a bit from it’s location. UCLA is in a nice part of LA, while USC is downtown. So I think that is a factor. Location aside, I agree that UCLA has a stronger academic heritage. It’s similar to USC’s football heritage. Even if UCLA’s football team happens to be ranked higher, people will always think USC is better in football.</p>
<p>Since both schools are really good, you should really approach it from what you are going to major in. For medical, life sciences and management, UCLA would be the stronger choice. For cinematic arts, accounting, journalism and engineering, USC would be the better choice. I don’t think it’s wise throw an overall judgement over an entire school. Long story short, if I’m a pre-med major, I’m at UCLA, if I’m a film major, I’m at USC. </p>
<p>I also think the Trojan school spirit and network is a bit stronger than UCLA’s. Both are great, but I USC does seem to take their school pride a tad bit more serious. </p>