<p>Wait a minute. First off, there's no way to control the ratings. I could quite easily create a dummy account and spam the USC ratings to bring them down. I could create a second account, and artificially raise the UCLA ones.</p>
<p>You see why it's a problem now? No statistical control. I dunno, maybe because I work in government/NGOs this stuff matters more to me, but I'd be worried if I got something like this on my desk...</p>
<p>UCLAri,</p>
<p>Perhaps the reason why USC alumni are so "rah rah" is because USC is private, has much more money, and subsequently does a MUCH better job of fostering the private school experience.</p>
<p>I frequently encounter the differences between the schools as both my best friend and girlfriend attend UCLA. It wouldn't be an exaggeration in fact to say that I spend almost as much time over there as I do at USC.</p>
<p>Getting back to the aforementioned, USC has many decades old traditions that involve a large percentage of the student body that I'm unaware UCLA has an equivalent of (example: Songfest; a student run musical that involves a large portion of the entire school). UCLA even lacks a convocation ceremony! Isn't that the essential start to anyone's college life?</p>
<p>Furthermore, USC has superb PR. This is not to say that USC exaggerates its accomplishments, but merely that alums and students hear about them. Students are frequently bombarded with news of what multi-million dollar donation USC has just received, what school was just named, how much SAT scores have surpassed Berkeley, where we've gone in the rankings, etc.</p>
<p>Contrast this to UCLA students getting notices about which buildings will have the power shutoff on Sundays to save money on energy due to budget cuts. </p>
<p>There are many, many other private school pro's as well. For instance, if I needed academic advising, I could walk into the advisement department for my major, meet with an advisor who knows me on a first-name basis, map out course-wise the remainder of my college career, and hardly have to make a tough call ever when it comes to "do I need this class or that?" From what I hear, several aspects of this scenario would be unimaginable at UCLA.</p>
<p>The simple fact is, UCLA is too large, beaurecratic, and disjoint to foster the same kind of college atmosphere that USC does. I think many at UCLA would agree with the notion that they're "just a number." Obviously this will hold true at any large university, USC included, but USC clearly goes out of its way to show you (or at least give you the impression) they care. </p>
<p>Bear in mind these are just some of the arguments from a non-academic perspective, as I read previously that you weren't concerned with those. If you want to hear them let me know. This is a topic I'm not at all unfamiliar with, as I have many relations with UCLA, and before coming to USC, it was my dream school. Fortunately, I came here, and do not regret it at all.</p>
<p>Fight On.</p>
<p>This thread has nothing to do with anything scientific. I changed it later on the thread that I'm talking about a SOCIAL ASPECT, not their programs, or undergraduate statistics. Those can be scientific. Social life in college and the quality of life college students feel does not have to do with anything scientifically and theoretically thought up. It's simply a matter of who has what and how kids at each school feel about their social life there.</p>
<p>I was told by students at USC that UCLA has incredibly small dorms.</p>
<p>When I received my application from USC there was a sheet of stickers with barcodes and my student ID number and it said something to the effect of "we know you're not just a number, but please put these on all the papers you send us so that we can better keep track of them." I always thought that was cute, and it does make a point that although USC is large, it's still very organized.</p>
<p>Yea, UCLA dorms are very small. They fit three ppl in a room that is smaller than USC doubles. There housing however are very close to each other.</p>
<p>Keep it going! I'm deciding between these two schools!!! I'm leaning towards SC cuz I'm not sure that I want to be a number and I want to go onto graduate school. I've heard the exact same things above... </p>
<p>STILL CAN'T DECIDE because both schools are so amazing...</p>
<p>Just not sure if USC is world-class yet...</p>
<p>Keep the discussion going! Lots of fun.</p>
<p>I'm in Washington, DC right now doing some interning and courses, and USC's reputation is not quite up there still with UCLA's. I'm sorry, this is not me trying to be the "rah rah" Bruin, it's just my observation.</p>
<p>There are many Trojans doing work out here, but on the whole UCLA is still seen as a more "on par" university with the local big boys. My two cents as to how far out of CA the degree will take you.</p>
<p>For those looking for the "college experience," however, the USC arguments are good. Still, I would say that one person once said it best to me about UCLA: "If you can succeed here, you can succed anywhere."</p>
<p>My two cents.</p>
<p>Yes, there are small triples at UCLA. However, there will be far fewer triples next year because the new Hedrick North will be completed, helping diffuse the incoming would-be triple victims.</p>
<p>UCLA dorm life is really really fun though, and most people in triples don't seem to mind.</p>
<p>Finally, if you are persistent enough at UCLA, people will know you by name. I guarantee that at least 8 professors here know my name, and my departmental counselor does as well. If you choose to be a number at this school, you'll be a number. If you're proactive and willing to work toward getting your name being known, you'll be known.</p>
<p>LOL UCLAri....is getting out of control...</p>
<p>haha, you had to go that low to change the rankings by spamming it up. SORRY BUDDY, even with statistical data like that, I dont think the numbers are going to change much, unless there were too many devious people like you. Even then, if they were Trojans, I guess they care more to do that. =)</p>
<p>Can you brag that the library is a few mins of walking distance from you? I like USC for its convenience as well. My sister is a Bruin, heck i've grown up with that notion that it would be mine too. I don't know, I fell in love with USc, and I know that you are an avid Bruin. =) Thanks for your arguments.</p>
<p>^</p>
<p>Wha? What on earth are you talking about? (in regards to "spamming it up")</p>
<p>I'm actually not that avid of a Bruin, I'm just opposed to bad statistics, and that one site was a grievous example of such.</p>
<p>There are many many reasons to go to USC instead of UCLA, but that stupid site is not one of them. Unfortunately, this talk has the effect of immediately galanizing people.</p>
<p>UCLA's main library is about a 10 minute walk from the dorms.</p>
<p>what UCLAri said about Campusdirt.com</p>
<p>Wait a minute. First off, there's no way to control the ratings. I could quite easily create a dummy account and spam the USC ratings to bring them down. I could create a second account, and artificially raise the UCLA ones.</p>
<p>You see why it's a problem now? No statistical control. I dunno, maybe because I work in government/NGOs this stuff matters more to me, but I'd be worried if I got something like this on my desk...</p>
<p>I didn't actually do that, for heaven's sake! I only said that it was a flaw in the sampling method!</p>
<p>I'm wary of statistics that are not in fact statistics. The students on this forum deserve an honest look at what each school has to offer, and sites like the aforementioned travesty are not a fair look at either school.</p>
<p>"There are many Trojans doing work out here, but on the whole UCLA is still seen as a more "on par" university with the local big boys. My two cents as to how far out of CA the degree will take you."</p>
<p>Delusional, and you really know very little about what you're talking about.</p>
<p>Have you worked in DC? If you have, was your take different?</p>
<p>ok ok. UCLAri, I do respect your opinion and that you are looking at this in observation. I will agree that UCLA has the better name than USC among the world. But USC is by far making its presence and slowly rising in rank in many aspects whereas UCLA has been stagnant where it has been at the top for so long but is not making news for anything (i may be wrong). USC's football has made USC a household name and people are slowly recognizing its prestige. My impression of UCLA was good but I think USC has the potential to be even greater over time.</p>
<p>Now there I agree with you. UCLA needs to start making headway again if it plans on remaining competitive with its crosstown rival. UCLA isn't really "slipping" in terms of quality of research or professors, but the ability to attract good grad students (which in turns improves the undergraduate experience) is declining.</p>
<p>But on a social aspect!!!, USC I believe has the better social scene and the student life is more active. UCLA has location but USC sure makes up for its location with lots more things. Students have tons and tons of pride at USC that goes on with them even when they graduate.</p>