Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

Based on the quality of education (imparticularly health sciences), chances of getting more aid, campus life, location, quality of dorm rooms, and just an overall college experience, which would be the better college to choose? UCSD or USC?

By Nautical_2000 (Nautical_2000) on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 09:09 pm: Edit

bump

By Alex00087 (Alex00087) on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 10:08 pm: Edit

UCSD

By Spiffybrownboy (Spiffybrownboy) on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 10:31 pm: Edit

I don't know much about either, but I have heard UCSD is the place to go for sciences. I hear some really crap things about USC... there's a lot of negative feedback about it on this forum (you may be able to search for it). However, everybody has their own opinions... so as far as campus life and such, that's up to you and your feelings after you visit the campus.

By Nautical_2000 (Nautical_2000) on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 10:05 am: Edit

whoa, i was for sure everyone was going to say USC. anymore opinions?

By Alex00087 (Alex00087) on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 12:01 pm: Edit

well yeah USC is in a really bad area of Los Angles too..

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 01:41 pm: Edit

Go to USC. People here, and especially in PR, for reasons that aren't especially clear to me, never miss a chance to badmouth USC. I don't get it.

USC is not in a really bad area; it's not Westwood, but it's not South Central. USC prides itself on its relations with the local community and from what we've seen and been told many students volunteer to work with the school's neighbors. The crime statistics last time I looked, a year ago or so, weren't much different than UCLA's. It has a nice, compact campus. It has a great network of alumni. Undergraduate admissions are becoming more and more selective, and the average SAT scores are similar or exceed most (or all) of the UC schools. It has huge amounts of money from fund raising, and high performing applicants receive very large scholarships. There are plenty of jobs on campus for work-study students. It's a private school so it works hard at attracting and retaining students. By way of comparison: when we visited UCLA, my son had an admissions question. He had to stand in line to talk to a clerk located in a cage. At USC, my son had an hour interview with a senior level admissions officer.

I don't know anything about USC health sciences program. It does have a medical school and a whole campus devoted to health care programs so it is probably strong in those areas.

Finally, do not make anything but the most basic decisions on where you want to go to school based on the information provided here. Go visit; talk to professionals in the field; make up your own mind.

By Brown_Man (Brown_Man) on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 03:58 pm: Edit

and get to know the student body. people bash usc for being the University of Spoiled Children.
Both schools were on my top list, including berkeley and rice ( i chose brown for some other reason, not that i am a "prestige whore" or anything)
UCSD gave me a better offer. Besides, i wanted to major in biomedical engineering. if ur in to sciences, then go for UCSD. USC is a good school too, but there are other things you have to consider before choosing which one is right for you... for example: the number of students who actually graduate, or the number of students these schools send to good graduate schools.
Also, if u consider urself as low income, chances are that UCSD will give you a better aid. classes are much much cheaper considering the fact that its a public university. USC also gave me a decent one... but most of it were a bunch of loans... whereas UCSD, i only got a very small amount of loan for both the student and the parents (and i didnt have to do the federal work-study program, which is good for my part because then i dont have to work and i can focus on academics) .
its true that USC is more likely to give you more money... but in the end (if you are a very cost conscious person)u should choose the school where you have to pay less and the school that will give you the least amount of loans.

Im not familiar with the USC dorms.... but when i went to visit, the outside area was (honestly speaking) kind of ghetto (but i heard that USC is actually taking steps in improving the surrounding location). Also, most of the people i met have cars (most of them were rich kids).
When i went to UCSD's overnight admit program (space is very limited!), my host was really nice. people were very friendly... except that there really isnt any social life at all. my host said that if u wanna have a social life at UCSD, you have to go out and find it on your own. Overall, the people and the dorms are very nice (u even have a chance of getting a single room!). Actually, UCSD's housing system, where you have to be a part of one of the colleges for your whole undergraduate career is, i think, very unique. Harvard, Yale, and Rice all have the same housing/ residential system. Most of UCSD's students spend their time studying... especially the science people (i dunno about USC...)
the only thing i hate about UCSD is that there is an abundance of rabbits... hehe.

The dorm foods UCSD serve are also decent. since there are 6 colleges (i think), you have the option of going to different cafeterias.
I also liked the "small plaza" inside UCSD, right by the bookstore.

Honestly, if brown didnt give me the best offer, chances are ill end up at UCSD.... considering that i am a californian and i wanna major in bioengineering. AND I JUST LOVE TO BE IN SAN DIEGO (UCSD is located in LA JOLLA, a very rich neighborhood)!

In conclusion, both schools are pretty much the same... at least from the outset. in the end... it all boils down to you... how much research you have done will help you choose between these two good colleges.
hope these help!

By Electricmonkey (Electricmonkey) on Thursday, August 14, 2003 - 02:21 am: Edit

It all depends. Each school has its stronger programs. But I think it is a stretch and an exaggeration to say that everybody at USC is rich or mostly everybody has a car. I've been at the school for two years now, and I've only met a few people who have cars, and they were mostly seniors and the cars were pretty beaten up for the most part. Not exactly showing the wealth. Plus, a lot of people I know are on financial aid of some sort, whether it be work study or scholarships or loans (I go there on scholarship). In addition, I know a lot of people who don't go there make fun of the neighborhood, which I personally find to be condescending and rude. Yes, it's not Westwood, but I personally prefer it to the "wealthier" areas (btw, how can someone call USC the University of Spoiled Children in one breath and then make fun of the urban neighborhood in the next? It sounds a bit hypocritical), because you get more of a feel for less fortunate people and it's not like you're living in a bubble. I've walked outside alone at night plenty of times and never have I once felt unsafe. The worst thing you have to deal with is maybe panhandling, which in the grand scheme of things, isn't so bad at all.

The previous paragraph isn't directed to anybody in this thread, but it's an attitude that I've encountered many times before so I'm hoping to cut it off before it gets here.

My friend's (who goes to USC) brother goes to UCSD and I think he's happy there. I believe he's also financially independent (read: not being supported by the parentals and therefore doesn't have a whole lotta money to spare) and gets help from the school, which would lead me to believe that UCSD's financial aid system is at least decent. I've only seen the campus a few times in passing whenever my friend would meet her brother, and I only saw it from the outside, but from what I saw it looks pretty. Unfortunately I can't say anything specific about the education, but I always thought of it, along with UCLA and Berkeley, to form the top triumverate of UCs, so I guess the classes are good too.

By Brown_Man (Brown_Man) on Thursday, August 14, 2003 - 04:47 am: Edit

Nautical 2000, post some stats so we can at least give u some idea on how much scholarship money u could get. Both UCSD and USC give out academic scholarships.... depending on your sat score.

"I know a lot of people who don't go there make fun of the neighborhood, which I personally find to be condescending and rude." Electirc monkey.... could u rephrase this, i dont quite understand what you mean. R u missing a word or something?

Also, thanx for the input. I do believe that UCSD, UCLA, and UC Berkeley form the TRIUMVIRATE of the UC system.

And by the way, im not exaggerating. as you can see from what i have written under my post, i specifically said that it is based on my visit to the campus. i made the claim that i am less knowledgeable of how things are at USC. I am just sharing my experience... no more no less

"The previous paragraph isn't directed to anybody in this thread, but it's an attitude that I've encountered many times before so I'm hoping to cut it off before it gets here." I think your first sentence is directed to my post. Why else would you respond then?

I really appreciate the input... and to further things a little bit, i want to clarify the "University of Spoiled Children" notion.
This is what i heard from my two professors in Berkeley and all the teachers i know from my high school.... They call it University of Spoiled Children because some people who go there are rich students who cant even get in to top colleges...
Oh, dont be enraged... This is what i have heard. Dont worry. I dont believe it. I think every school in this country, even the ivy league schools are on the same boat.
Fair enough?

By Uschicka (Uschicka) on Thursday, August 14, 2003 - 08:25 pm: Edit

I am definitely not rich, and I was not going to go to USC because of the price. However, I received an awesome grant ($17000 a year) that makes the cost of USC not much more than other schools I applied.

In terms of the college experience, I personally think that USC has a better one. UCSD doesn't really have any school spirit, and they don't really care. USC has tons of spirit and pride. The amazing football games filled with people in cardinal and gold, I think, exemplify the college experience- where fun and pride and excitement are all rolled into one.

Yes, USC isn't in the "best" area, but they are in good relations with the community. The campus itself is beautiful, and on-campus crime is really low- it is one of the safest campuses.

Don't make your decision based on these posts. People love to put down USC. However, you can't trust posts about either school because many of them are opinions- you need to research and visit each school extensively and form your own.

By Brown_Man (Brown_Man) on Thursday, August 14, 2003 - 11:16 pm: Edit

i didnt say u were rich....... and $17000 out of how much? At brown I only pay $6000 out of $40,000
with no student or parent loans and no federal work programs. I guess in my view u r richer....

Just because a school doesnt have a school spirit, it doesnt mean one will have a bad college experience... besides, UCSD does not have a school to compete around the area, like USC and UCLA.

People love to put down USC? Im sorry to hear this. but i do agree with you.... nautical should go visit both to decide which one is better than the other.

hey, i might be biased. but im not here to put down ur school. im just here to voice out my opinion.

Fair nuff?

By Uschicka (Uschicka) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 02:08 pm: Edit

First of all, I wasn't saying I wasn't rich because of what you were saying. I was just explaining my situation. $17000 out of about $32000 btw. I wasn't saying it was making it almost free, but it helps a lot. I do have a work loan, but I don't mind it because I should have a job anyways, and I can get discounts at the bookstore

Also, I wasn't saying UCSD would be a bad college experience. Not at all. I visited the school and it seemed great, and I know tons of people going there who love it. It's just in my opinion, I think school spirit makes school a lot more fun. I know tons of people who don't care about school spirit, no matter what school they are at, but for me- I love it. School spirit just seems to make up a huge part of the college experience for me.

I agree with you, though. Nautical needs to see first-hand the two schools and figure out which one is not the best school, but which is best for him.

And don't worry, I don't think you are putting USC down, just voicing your thoughts and trying to help Nautical.

By Chiangkaishrek (Chiangkaishrek) on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 03:46 am: Edit

You folks also have to look at the location of the campus and the surrounding area. USC is definitely located in a bad area. Read the USC campus police bulletin:

Crime Alert Bulletin CA2003-06 - ROBBERIES

Several robberies have occurred in the area of the University Park campus
since the beginning of the semester. Several different suspects have
committed these crimes. The common theme in most of these crimes is that
the victim was walking alone while carrying a wallet in their hand and the
suspect approached and grabbed the wallet. The time of occurrence for the
crimes ranges from 5:00 PM to 4:00 AM, with most of the incidents occurring
after dark. In all of the cases except one, the suspects used bodily force
to take the victims' property. In one case, the suspect brandished a small
knife and demanded the victim's property. None of the victims in these
crimes were injured.

Most of the suspects in these crimes were described as African-American
males. Their age ranged from the late teens to early twenties. The
suspects' average height was 5'8" to 6'2". Most of the time, they were
wearing a white or light color T-shirt, dark pants and tennis shoes. In two
of the incidents, the suspects fled in an unknown make red or brown SUV and
in another case, an unknown make white 2-door car.

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THESE CRIMES, CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC SAFETY AT 740-4321 OR LAPD SOUTHWEST DIVISION AT (213) 485-6570

------------

unless UCSD has LOTS of crime incidents compared to USC, then you folks should choose UCSD over USC. No debate here folks.

By Uschicka (Uschicka) on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 02:36 pm: Edit

OMG- you should not choose a school because of the crime rates. You have to choose which one will be best for you. Which one is best for your major, where you feel at home, the school you love.

By Juniper (Juniper) on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 08:31 pm: Edit

I am a rising junior and new to this college thing. i've always thought UCSF is a graduate school, but after i read ur posts it seems to me u are saying that UCSD is an undergraduate school also?

By Uschicka (Uschicka) on Sunday, August 31, 2003 - 09:46 pm: Edit

UCSF is only a graduate school. UCSD has a undergraduate school. All UCs except UCSF have undergrad.

By Juniper (Juniper) on Monday, September 01, 2003 - 12:13 am: Edit

i heard that USC has a pretty good pharmacy program that garantees a place in their graduate school of pharmacy if you can maintain a certain GPA during undrgraduate yrs. does anybody know about this program and have any more info on this?

By Highschoolda (Highschoolda) on Monday, September 01, 2003 - 01:23 am: Edit

USC tuition $25,000 UCSD 4,500. Need i say more

By Uschicka (Uschicka) on Monday, September 01, 2003 - 01:31 pm: Edit

Actually, you do need to say more. While money is an extremely important matter in choosing a college (believe me, it was for me), it is not everything. I wanted to go to USC but it was going to be too expensive, especially with a sister and step-brother already in college.

However, money does not need to be a problem, nor does it need to be the reason you don't choose a college. I've got USC paying nearly my entire tuition. Pretty nice, huh? While it may not be as cheap as other schools, the financial aid has made it entirely feasible for me to attend USC. What my family is paying is not bad at all. I feel blessed that I am able to attend such an amazing school in all aspects. I hope that others realize their dream of going to a great but expensive school is possible, and not let money stand in their way.

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 11:43 am: Edit

Uschicka:

How did move-in go? It was great for my son. We got there at 8:20 and parked in the garage right across from New and carried in his four bags. We only needed one trip to Target. My wife and I couldn't believe how much stuff some of the kids brought. I have no idea where they're going to put it.

We were suprised how many people we met from Virginia; three at least on the film floor.

By Uschicka (Uschicka) on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 05:10 pm: Edit

Move-in day was good, thanks! I got there a little before 8 am, and was fourth in line at the Radisson so I had to wait in line for an incredibly short amount of time. We got to park in the hotel's parking lot, so we were close to carry all my loads. I have to admit- I brought a lot, but then again I don't have a small dorm room. We went to Target that day, and then I went again a couple days later with some girls I had met to get a couple little things.

I've met a lot of people from other states, too. I don't think I've met anyone from Virginia, but a lot from Illinois and other states.

I hope your son is having a great time here, and that he goes to the football game on Saturday (I'm so excited)!!!