CofC, Clemson or USC

iksrtw · 02-14-2009, 08:25 PM

S accepted at all three, trying to decide which one. Any thoughts?

dudeguy · 02-15-2009, 04:48 PM

Out of state? I am instate and CofC was an easy choice over the other two for me. I talked to alumni from my high school to help my make decision. Clemson and USC are not bad, but they are huge schools. It really depends on major too. Clemson is a pretty good engineering school, USC is great in business, and CofC is strong in sciences and pretty rounded overall. Socially, Clemson and USC have football teams, but CofC is a party school. I would tour to help make decisions.

fendrock · 02-15-2009, 05:52 PM

We visited both Univ of South Carolina and CofC.

Living in Charleston (charming, picturesque, tourist filled) would be a different experience than living in Columbia (the area around USC is very much a college town). CofC seemed artsier, USC had more of the traditional university feeling.

It really depends on the atmosphere your student prefers.

lottagirlz · 02-17-2009, 06:09 AM

My D's has the same choice to make along with a few other schools. She fell in love with the town of Charleston (but hates the lack of a football program), wasn't crazy about USC, and thinks Clemson may be the best "college experience" place to be. So I think she'll end up there...

stillnadine · 02-17-2009, 06:01 PM

Same choice here. Totally different view point. S is pleased that sports aren't overemphasized at CofC, likes its size and its LAC acedemics, loves the traditional USC campus and the range of educational opportunities, and thinks Clemson is isolated and conservative. I'm glad that SC offers such distinctively different college experiences, some thing for everyone, even if he ends up OOS.

Lukester · 02-19-2009, 02:58 PM

Our DD was accepted at both CofC and Clemson. Did not apply to USC. From the git go, she was CofC all the way. She was never into the Clemson-football-isolated environment and loves the artsy, downtown Charleston scene. My DW and I both liked Clemson better. I personally think there is no better fall football environment than Clemson. The campus seems small for a large school too and the school spirit is strong. But that is me. I love walking downtown Charleston. The history, the harbor, the old buildings, etc. I can certainly see the draw there as well. Sailing is one of the most popular classes on campus. Clemson has the engineering, CofC has the sciences and a nice tie with the medical and dental schools. CofC has more of the LAC feel. I think ultimately it has to come down to fit and what feels best. Can't lose with either one. Sorry, I can't speak too much about USC

PA Mom · 02-19-2009, 03:39 PM

I guess I'll chime in since there hasn't been too much Pro-USC info LOL. My daughter chose USC over C of C partly because she decided that she wanted the big SEC sports scene and the school spirit that USC has to offer. She has had a great experience there so far ( she is a junior) and is happy with her decision. There is a ton of school spirit - they really love their Gamecocks. The Greek sysytem is amazing if that appeals to you and the student rec center is awesome. She has received great advising and has already had opportunities to travel to national conventions for her major, complete an internship, and was recently awarded a national honor for her major. We are all very pleased.
I really loved CofC as well though, so I can't deny the appeal there!!

DukeAlumnus2003 · 02-26-2009, 07:00 PM

I like Clemson's colors better than CC's and USC's (which are just downright ugly and depressing).

hawaiiboy15 · 02-26-2009, 10:55 PM

USC seems like a really cool, but I'm not thrilled about being known as a Gamecock for the rest of my life.

PA Mom · 02-27-2009, 07:07 AM

I think a lot of USC students actually love the name LOL. I was a little unnerved the first time we toured campus and I saw so many shirts with "*****" across the chests or down the arm, but you quickly get used to it. There is a tremendous amount of school spirit, too.
And to Duke....I have to respectfully disagree --- I would much rather wear garnet and black than Clemson's orange!!! To each their own. I also could not believe how many grown men were walking around wearing purple when I went to the LSU/USC game. Not that school colors should be a factor, but I do think some are more wearable than others.

iksrtw · 03-05-2009, 09:12 PM

Thanks for the info and input! S has decided on CofC. He really liked the set up of the campus and the new business building. He also loves to surf, so that was a big plus for CofC.