UCLA vs. USC (out-of-state)

[Anonymous]

Economics major, Psychology minor

Which would you choose and why?

[Anonymous]

Are both schools OOS to you? USC is private of course, so that doesn't matter.

[Anonymous]

OP

Sorry, yes - the parenthetical was intended to apply to both UCLA and USC (i.e., out-of-state for both).

[Anonymous]

UCLA will be slightly cheaper OOS than USC full pay.

USC has a more loyal alumni network.

UCLA may have issues with overcrowding (difficulty getting courses, etc.).

Ultimately the choice boils down to personal preference. Did you visit and which one did your student like best?

[Anonymous]

You have to visit both.
If money is no issue, I’d pick USC for the ease of getting all classes, switching majors or minors which is likely to happen, you basically submit a form and just Tell them what you want to switch to. And the alumni network for getting internships and jobs is incredible. Classes are smaller at USC too once GE credits are done.

[Anonymous]

OP

Liked UCLA campus better because it felt more expansive. Didn’t expect the USC campus to feel so confining, but it might be that we overlooked parts because we didn’t take an official tour.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have to visit both.
If money is no issue, I’d pick USC for the ease of getting all classes, switching majors or minors which is likely to happen, you basically submit a form and just Tell them what you want to switch to. And the alumni network for getting internships and jobs is incredible. Classes are smaller at USC too once GE credits are done.

Is this the case? I was at USC in the fall and was told the opposite. It is hard to get classes at UCLA so maybe check this claim out with a couple of sources. Campus wise I think UCLA is nicer and is definitely in a better part of LA.

[Anonymous]

Their sufficiently similar that I would let your kid pick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have to visit both.
If money is no issue, I’d pick USC for the ease of getting all classes, switching majors or minors which is likely to happen, you basically submit a form and just Tell them what you want to switch to. And the alumni network for getting internships and jobs is incredible. Classes are smaller at USC too once GE credits are done.

Is this the case? I was at USC in the fall and was told the opposite. It is hard to get classes at UCLA so maybe check this claim out with a couple of sources. Campus wise I think UCLA is nicer and is definitely in a better part of LA.

My DC is at USC and never a problem to get classes. For example, never worried about sequencing, pre reps etc, she has a major, an emphasis, and a minor. A strong advisor her first year set her on an efficient path. She’s on track to graduate early if she wants. Most of her friends are similarly situated.

[Anonymous]

UCLA has a housing crisis, all freshmen live in triples. Something to consider.

[Anonymous]

UCLA/Westwood is a nice place but USC’s campus might be even more functional since the USC village expansion + tons of downtown infrastructure projects happening due to LA 2028. In addition, USC has a very effective alumni network.

[Anonymous]

UCLA has some buildings that are breathtaking on the outside but just ok on the inside, reflecting the fact that it’s a public school with budget limitations. Every inch of USC, is highly manicured and impressive. Of course, it has a price tag to match.

[Anonymous]

UCLA. This isn’t even a choice. UCLA is in Westwood surrounded by Bel Air and Westwood with Santa Monica beach accessible by bus. There is no more an issue getting classes at UCLA then most other large schools. The school’s food ranking is #1 in the country. It’s the superior school on all fronts. Housing crisis is a drama filled term. The first years get housing and then for all other years you find an apartment with roommates.

USC is literally in one of the worst neighborhoods of Los Angeles and is full of spoiled rich kids who legacy status helped to buy their way in. Its ranking is far worse than UCLA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:UCLA has some buildings that are breathtaking on the outside but just ok on the inside, reflecting the fact that it’s a public school with budget limitations. Every inch of USC, is highly manicured and impressive. Of course, it has a price tag to match.

Who is picking schools based on how impressive the buildings are?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:UCLA/Westwood is a nice place but USC’s campus might be even more functional since the USC village expansion + tons of downtown infrastructure projects happening due to LA 2028. In addition, USC has a very effective alumni network.

Downtown Los Angeles is a pit.