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I am currently attending a Junior College here in California, and am enrolled in the Honors Program (my GPA is 3.87). Because of this, upon completing lower division requirements I have a Transfer Agreement with 13 different schools, the most notable being:

University of Southern California (USC)
University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of California - Irvine
Pepperdine University
Whitman College (Washington)
Pacific University (Oregon)
Chapman University

I also am considering some other schools, including:

Texas A&M University
University of California - San Diego
Whitworth College (A private LAC in Spokane, WA. NOTE: This is the only school I've visited, and I love everything about it. I love the location, academic programs, the small, private university atmostphere, etc. This school would be my #1 choice, if prestige was not an issue. However, I have concerns that getting a degree from a small LAC like this may not be as wise as getting a degree from say USC, UCLA, Pepperdine, etc. Can someone address this issue?)

Obviously there are floods of these types of posts, but I would sincerely appreciate any help. Also, if it factors into recommendations, I am an English major (looking into some kind of public writing or relations, perhaps international relations. Considering double majoring in English and Communications). I'm also looking for a school with a decent Study Abroad program.
Thanks.

By Reidmc (Reidmc) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 01:56 am: Edit

For your interests. . .USC, UCLA or UC-Irvine would be the best bets on your list, though I do like a smaller school for a writer - generally better access to faculty. If I was going that direction, I'd look into Occidental and prefer it to Pepperdine, Whitman, Whitworth etc.

If you are interested in Study Abroad programs, make sure you, as a transfer, can access them without needlessly extending the time it takes to get your degree. My guess is you'll be fine if you stay in the UC system, though check the requirements for your intended major(s).

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 10:24 am: Edit

Whitman would be my personal first choice as a straight English major and for overall academics and personal attention. Whitman is one of the top LACs on the west coast and a very supportive school. However, you won't get the communications side of things at Whitman.

Whitworth is a nice little school - I know two alumni who speak highly of their experiences there. I don't think it would be a bad choice overall. I would, however, check into what type of internship opportunities in communications would be available in Spokane.

If you really want to focus on communications, however, I think you have three main choices: UCLA, USC, and Pepperdine.

USC and UCLA both have great communications programs but you have to decide if you are ready for a large school atmosphere and all that it entails. UCLA would probably be your most cost-effective choice but double check and double check about whether you will be able to complete all graduation requirements within two years or it may not be such a bargain.

Pepperdine has a very good communications program. I generally tell people to be sure they don't mind a very conservative administration (they just lifted the ban on coed dancing a few years ago) and a Christian atmosphere, but since you are also looking at and like Whitworth, I suspect that wouldn't be a problem for you. Pepperdine is not quite a small school but it does have most of the advantages of a smaller school - small classes, individualized attention, etc. - and it's location opens up all sorts of opportunities for internships that are vital for getting that first job in communications.


So, I guess I'd suggest you go visit Pepperdine = I think you might find it combines some of what you liked about Whitworth with some of the benefits of USC and UCLA. However, if cost is an issue, you'd do well to also swing by UCLA on that visit. Good luck with your choice - you're lucky to have such great schools to choose from and you really won't go wrong with any of the schools on your list.

By Marcobiazzi (Marcobiazzi) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 03:31 pm: Edit

Sincere thanks to both of you. I am just getting into the decision making process of choosing a school for transfer, and indeed, there are many, many things to consider.

To ReidMc, Occidental College is on my list of Transfer Agreements, but I had never heard of it so I left it out. I will look into it.

Carolyn: I do love the small, intimate atmosphere of certain schools, and would probably prefer the LAC's over UCLA and USC in this regard. If it were a "wiser" choice though, I wouldn't mind going to a major university. Either way, I've heard great things about Whitman and will make plans to visit there in the future.

Any other help is appreciated, and again, thanks to both of you.

By Harpgirl27 (Harpgirl27) on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 12:14 pm: Edit

Whitman is really nice, and I know a lot of people who are very strong in english who go there