<p>Hi everyone, I was accepted to USC and plan on going there. The problem I am having, however, is accepting the fact that USC is a top school in the world. I keep on looking it up on google to make myself feel better about where I'm going. I know USC is the school for me, but I know I need to attend a school that is ranked highly for academics. Many of USC's departments are ranked highly in the nation, but when I start reading all these posts, people just attack the school with comments that make it seem like a bad place to go. I just want to know that I will be attending a school that will be regarded as one of the best but I cant make myself accept the fact that it is. Especially when I compare it to UCLA, I see that UCLA is ranked highly in the world. I feel like I should have picked UCLA over USC but I know I belong at USC. Outside of California, it doesn't seem to get any recognition. Any help on anything that could completely convince me that USC will provide one of the best educations out there would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>I am a new to USC (D will be a freshman this fall) and others will have much more to say, but I will offer my two cents. USC is know worldwide, otherwise it would not be able to boast the highest percentage of international students in the nation. USC and UCLA are comparable, I believe they are tied in USNWR. Even at the recent Bruin Day our student guide admitted that USC and UCLA are equals academically. If medicine is your course of study then UCLA might be a better choice, but otherwise USC is tops. Two things that you should also consider: the Trojan family and the opportunities you will have after graduation and that you will do better academically at the school you are more comfortable with. So, if you want to go to USC, then that should be all that matters.</p>
<p>Best of Luck…you will make the right decision for you.</p>
<p>Have you considered UCLA? Perhaps, based on your post, that is a better fit for you. :)</p>
<p>Running-USC, nor any other school, will provide you with a great education. They can only provide the opportunity for learning and growth. The rest is up to you.</p>
<p>Pretend you are in a NASCAR race. In all honesty, if your car is sponsored by USC or UCLA, you are not in the poll position. But, you are awfully close to the front at the start of the race. And, in a 500 mile race, you will have countless opportunities to distinguish yourself. Enjoy the ride!</p>
<p>There are all kinds of rankings. You referred to U.S. News. In the latest ranking SC was ranked #23 and UCLA #25. Faculty student ratio at SC is 1/9 and at UCLA 1/18.
Both have a freshmen retention rate of 97%. USC was ranked higher in financial resources and alumni giving. </p>
<p>Whatever decision you make it is up to you to take advantage of all the opportunites that await you as your university experience begins.</p>
<p>Oh shoot - You may have to work hard for a degree after all.</p>
<p>First it was U of Texas, now UCLA. If you don’t want to go to USC, you should contact the admissions office immediately so another student who does want to go can. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Yes. Although USC has a reputation for being a party school, many of its professors come from prestigious, and very rigorous universities, and i doubt that lower their standard’s simply due to USC’s reputation (in fact, their standards might even be more rigorous at USC in an attempt to combat the stereotypes.)</p>
<p>USC is a great choice. “Decision remorse” is common - once a student decides, or is close to deciding, the grass starts to look greener at the rejected schools.</p>
<p>The good news: the angst almost always vanishes in the fall when school actually starts!</p>
<p>USC is a GREAT school (take it from me- i’m not biased cuz i’m not there). UCLA might be slightly, slightly better, but the two are so close. It does have the reputation of having lots of parties, but i wouldnt call it a “party school”- thAt sounds like the only thing they do is party. It’s a great place, awesome students and teachers, and the trojan “family” really creates a very friendly atmosphere. Everyone i know who went there loved it. If you feel that its the best place for you, as you said, GO THERE!!!</p>