UCLA vs. USC (out-of-state)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We saw way more racial diversity, both among students and prospective students, at USC compared to UCLA.

But not more economic diversity.

Oh so idealistic. Most of us don’t live in suburbs of economic diversity.

Not idealistic just more knowledgable than you, obviously. The UC's mandate is to educate CA in state students from PUBLIC schools. And that is what it does.

While charging private school prices to oos students. Which is why it would be a likely no for us. It’s one thing to put up with overcrowding and limited ability to switch to popular majors when one is getting in state tuition, quite another when paying a premium.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We saw way more racial diversity, both among students and prospective students, at USC compared to UCLA.

But not more economic diversity.

Oh so idealistic. Most of us don’t live in suburbs of economic diversity.

Not idealistic just more knowledgable than you, obviously. The UC's mandate is to educate CA in state students from PUBLIC schools. And that is what it does.

While charging private school prices to oos students. Which is why it would be a likely no for us. It’s one thing to put up with overcrowding and limited ability to switch to popular majors when one is getting in state tuition, quite another when paying a premium.

Blah blah. No one cares about your kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We saw way more racial diversity, both among students and prospective students, at USC compared to UCLA.

But not more economic diversity.

Oh so idealistic. Most of us don’t live in suburbs of economic diversity.

Not idealistic just more knowledgable than you, obviously. The UC's mandate is to educate CA in state students from PUBLIC schools. And that is what it does.

While charging private school prices to oos students. Which is why it would be a likely no for us. It’s one thing to put up with overcrowding and limited ability to switch to popular majors when one is getting in state tuition, quite another when paying a premium.

Blah blah. No one cares about your kid.

I see I struck a nerve.

[Anonymous]

In most cases, is it a slam dunk in favor of UCLA for the in-state applicants who are considering offers of admission at these two schools (assuming the NMF 1/2 tuition subsidy at USC isn't in play)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

No, you are right. The UCLA campus feels more spacious.

People either love USC or don’t. I prefer UCLA campus whereas my kid prefers USC.

Regardless, if you are OOS, USC is the better choice.

More opportunities, better networking, more school spirit, more students from outside of California.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We saw way more racial diversity, both among students and prospective students, at USC compared to UCLA.

But not more economic diversity.

Oh so idealistic. Most of us don’t live in suburbs of economic diversity.

Not idealistic just more knowledgable than you, obviously. The UC's mandate is to educate CA in state students from PUBLIC schools. And that is what it does.

While charging private school prices to oos students. Which is why it would be a likely no for us. It’s one thing to put up with overcrowding and limited ability to switch to popular majors when one is getting in state tuition, quite another when paying a premium.

Blah blah. No one cares about your kid.

I see I struck a nerve.

If absolute boredom is a nerve then yes.

[Anonymous]

These are pretty equivalent schools. I see a lot of parents calling USC “University of Spoiled Children” when in reality USC offers more generous merit and financial aid than the UC’s. Every top school will have “spoiled children” and rich kids. And underprivileged kids.

As for the scandal that happened a few years back, USC was not the only school involved. Wealthy parents have been buying their way into top schools for a long time, it is what it is.

Because UCLA and USC are so similar, I would pick based on campus, culture, etc. No need to nitpick the little things at this level. Personally, at relatively equal costs I would pick the private school. More resources and attention per student. The UC’s are VERY crowded and it can be difficult to get the classes you need. I went to a UC myself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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?

I’m Team UCLA for an out-of-stater!
Westwood is soooooooo much nicer and safer than Downtown LA!
And it’s closer to everything good about LA. Life on the westside and near beaches is fun!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In most cases, is it a slam dunk in favor of UCLA for the in-state applicants who are considering offers of admission at these two schools (assuming the NMF 1/2 tuition subsidy at USC isn't in play)?

Definitely echo this for in-state.
It’s true that OOS it’s different, but just know that the in-state kids tend to view USC as the UCLA you had to pay to get into if your academic record wasn’t competitive enough to get into UCLA.
I don’t think OOS people view it that way. And both are excellent schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In most cases, is it a slam dunk in favor of UCLA for the in-state applicants who are considering offers of admission at these two schools (assuming the NMF 1/2 tuition subsidy at USC isn't in play)?

Definitely echo this for in-state.
It’s true that OOS it’s different, but just know that the in-state kids tend to view USC as the UCLA you had to pay to get into if your academic record wasn’t competitive enough to get into UCLA.
I don’t think OOS people view it that way. And both are excellent schools.

It's also different for in-state affluent families. Just like OOS, they are willing to pay more for USC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In most cases, is it a slam dunk in favor of UCLA for the in-state applicants who are considering offers of admission at these two schools (assuming the NMF 1/2 tuition subsidy at USC isn't in play)?

Definitely echo this for in-state.
It’s true that OOS it’s different, but just know that the in-state kids tend to view USC as the UCLA you had to pay to get into if your academic record wasn’t competitive enough to get into UCLA.
I don’t think OOS people view it that way. And both are excellent schools.

It's also different for in-state affluent families. Just like OOS, they are willing to pay more for USC.

So, overall USC has higher stats, for example, average SAT.
UCLA being a state school has broader range.

[Anonymous]

UCLA embodies what, in one essential way, every college/university ought to be: an intellectual smorgasbord where curiosity and academic achievement are not inextricable from economic privilege and its accompanying entitlement.

So my vote is for UCLA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:UCLA embodies what, in one essential way, every college/university ought to be: an intellectual smorgasbord where curiosity and academic achievement are not inextricable from economic privilege and its accompanying entitlement.

So my vote is for UCLA.

Does this vision included dozens of impacted majors limiting students freedom to change majors over the course of their undergraduate career?

[Anonymous]

I am a OOS UCLA parent and I vote for UCLA- it is an incredible campus and surrounding area, great mix of academics and school spirit, and it is probably as close to a meritocracy that exists today. Plus, even OOS, it is about 70-80k less over 4 years. And for those where prestige/selectivity matters, USNWR ranks of the best (or tied) public school for the last 7 years, it has less than a 9% accept rate, and is the most applied school in the US. It is ranked 15 by us news (and for those who critize its new ranking, it was 20 last year) It does have triples but I wouldn't say it's overcrowded, and guarantees housing for 4 years. My kid doesn't always get into their first choice class, but either does my kids who go to small private schools. I have nothing bad to at about USC. The campus is supposed to be stunning and it's networking has an amazing reputation. I do know students who were there in the 90s during riots and the area of LA it's in gives a lot of parents pause. I would say visit both, learn about their programs, consider the cost, but don't take any advice from this forum, including myself!