San Diego or USC: A Tough Choice

Hey guys, I've been fortunate enough to get into both San Diego and USC, and now I'm struggling with the choice. They're both so cool! Can anybody weigh in on their experiences at either school, or why they'd choose one over the other?

Congrats on your acceptances! A choice between the University of San Diego (USD) and University of Southern California (USC) can be tough, as both are highly-regarded institutions in Southern California.

Looking at the location, USC is in the heart of Los Angeles, a bustling and dynamic city. This places you within a network of diverse industries for internships, jobs, and cultural exploration. The Trojan Alumni Network is notorious for its strength and can provide you great networking opportunities. However, living in LA could also come with higher cost of living.

USD, on the other hand, is located in picturesque San Diego, a city known for its laid-back, yet active and outdoorsy vibe. San Diego's smaller size also means you might have less competition for local internships and jobs.

Academically-speaking, consider your major and the strengths of each school. For example, USC is known for its programs in Film, Business, and Engineering, while USD has strong programs in Business, Nursing, and Peace Studies. Another thing to consider here is the size of the school. USC is larger, which can be beneficial for more course offerings and resources, but might also mean larger class sizes. USD is a bit smaller, meaning classes might be more intimate, but there might be less variety in terms of course offerings.

Lastly, don’t forget about the financial aspect. If you received financial aid or scholarships from one school but not the other, that could be a significant deciding factor.

It can be beneficial to make a list of what's most important to you and see how each school stacks up. Remember, there's no wrong choice here; you should go with the option that feels right for you. Best of luck!