What do you think for comp sci. Parents / Alum feel free to speak up. It is a $30K a year questions. Thanks. And congrats to all you Pres/trustee winners...
Location: In an island of idealism and 77.21 square miles surrounded by a hostile reality.
Posts: 2,622
Virginia
We had to make that decision two years ago. Not only was UVA our in-state school, but we also had the prepaid tuition plan, so it certainly was the $120,000 question. We chose USC because my son was accepted into the film school. Had he not been accepted it would have been a tough choice. Actually, he probably would have wound up at UNC where both his mother and I went to grad school.
USC is a great place, and my son is very happy there, but it is not $120,000 greater than UVA unless you're going to one of USC's world class programs. UVA is right now a better overall school than USC especially for the price. But considering how the state is starving its academic institutions, and USC's determination to climb the academic ladder, who knows in five to ten years from now which school will be better.
Thanks tsdad, would you consider USC's computer science/ eng. programs on of the world class programs? My son likes comp science, physics, french language and filming. No possibility he would switch to something like Poli Sci or Government or Prelaw or, god forbid, economics -- which is UVA's strong suits (FYI, I am an economist)... Also, did your son do the IB program in HS, I have not seen many people mention it or weather colleges give a lot of credit for the program.
Location: In an island of idealism and 77.21 square miles surrounded by a hostile reality.
Posts: 2,622
IB and USC
My son has a bilingual IB from the Washington International School. He received a total of 24 general education credits from USC coming in: 18 for his three highers; four for his Spanish AP score (APs only get four credits from USC); and two for scoring over 30 on the IB exam. USC likes the IB, but like many schools only gives credit for highers.
They also want to be loved so make sure your son goes to the regional meetings in Alexandria, makes friends with the regional rep, visits SC, if that's possible, and schedules interviews on-campus or regionally.
I don't know about USC's computer science program, but I do know their engineering program is absolutely outstanding-- number six in the country. UVA has engineering, but I have read on CC that VT has a stronger program.
We were out there last summer for a visit to USC, UCLA and Stanford. He had an paid summer internship at a small software company in LA, made enough money that he didn't need to work this fall -- taking 5 ib classes and AP cal and physics. I hope he does get the credit, has 7's on th SL test last year. Do you think your son can graduate in 3 years? Oh, that football game was interesting -- my d is a senior at Va Tech -- getting out in 3 years and going to pharmacy school. These Va school systems in NoVa and Richmond do offer a lot of opportunities for a child that wants to learn. I look into the Alexandria item... Oh and he has been selected to apply to Techs honors program but he still believes USC's Eng program is better and is focused on that... Thanks again.
Location: In an island of idealism and 77.21 square miles surrounded by a hostile reality.
Posts: 2,622
We are not interested in having our son graduate in three years, well maybe 3.5. Actually my wife is very firm on this. She wants him there for four years so he can take advantage of all the opportunities offered to him.
USC usually visits Alexandria in December. They also hold separate on-site interviews at a hotel in Crystal City, and maybe in the DC area schools, during the winter.
I don't know about USC's computer science program, but I do know their engineering program is absolutely outstanding-- number six in the country. UVA has engineering, but I have read on CC that VT has a stronger program.
Actually that's the grad program. USC engineering for undergrad is tied for #22 with Duke, UCLA, UCSD, Maryland, and UW.
I will say that the Engineering school is by far the fastest rising program at USC. They are pouring a LOT of money into that school and enrolling a lot of top kids. I wouldn't be surprised to see the school in the top 15 in 4 or 5 years.
I'm also considering between USC and UVA. Intended major would be math. We're ALSO talking about money here - it's a difference of more $40k over a period of four years. Which one is better in math/science&tech?
wow i'm deciding between these 2 colleges 2. Really tough choice for me b/c i like both of these colleges. I'm majoring in EE but i don't know if i really want to to do engineering in the future. Maybe business, so i don't know where to go. ARRR!!
