Fair point - the publics do admit a lot of WL.
I just don’t like Spring - but that’s really up to OP and many have reported positive experiences.
In the end, door A or door B will get OP to the same place.
Another option is to take first semester course work at a community college, preferably one where USC has articulation listings (see USC:Transfer Planning Guide ). This may be a desirable option if you want to reduce the cost of your degree.
This is not a good idea, since CPSLO is on the quarter system, so course transferability may not work out too well (first quarter calculus will be like 2/3 of first semester calculus, for example).
Note that CPSLO will switch to the semester system, probably before you graduate if you decide to enroll there. But this coming academic year will be under the quarter system.
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If you are not sure of the major, then changing majors might be easier at USC than CPSLO. I defer to people with more knowledge on this subject.
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I suggest really visiting SLO to make your final decision. My daughter also got in to slo (engineering) last year and she chose to do the VPP instead of attending slo. It’s like comparing apples and oranges. The schools have two completely different social scene. I am not saying one is better than the other but the vibes are very different between the two schools.
My older daughter’s friend decided to go to UCSB instead of starting SC in the spring but she ended up regretting it and transferred in to SC as a sophomore. So if you decide on SLO and change your mind, you can take that road too.
They are both great choice. I wish you all the best.
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I agree that the campuses, culture and vibe couldn’t be more different.
OP was offered a large scholarship. If it is the scholarship that I think it is, I’m not sure they could turn it down and then expect to be offered it as a transfer.
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My original plan was to do CCC, but I just feel like I will miss out socially. I have decided to turn down SLO and look into studying abroad, as I will be able to make friends that I can hang out with at USC. The cost will not be a huge issue.
I just see Spring as being 2nd class. They didn’t want you right away but need you to fill a hole for drop outs, early graduates and those abroad or on co op.
@tsbna44 I feel the same exact way, which is why I considered SLO. Although USC alleges the process for spring admits is random I’m not sure I believe it. I was accepted to other universities that accepted me for the fall including SLO, Cal, UIUC, and Purdue, but the later 3 were not affordable, which was disappointing.
But after hearing @Westwoodusc story:
My older daughter’s friend decided to go to UCSB instead of starting SC in the spring but she ended up regretting it and transferred in to SC as a sophomore. So if you decide on SLO and change your mind, you can take that road too.
I do not want to make a hasty decision and turn down USC on this basis alone. I will try to make it work. Thank you all for your advice and help. Also @eyemgh, I did not accept the SLO offer yet, and will decline it.
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So you are lower than $40K or so I assume all in…as that’s Purdue’s price.
That you’ll be on campus studying is what’s important…even if it’s not exactly like you want it to be. But like you said, you could build a cohort in the fall - so that you all know kids come spring.
Congrats on your decision and best of luck.
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First, both are great schools but boy are they different. I have fam working at CP, had 3 accepted there (but none attended) and best friends 2 kids attend. So pretty familiar with it and looove SLO, there often. I have several that went/are going to USC.
Bottom line, where do you want to graduate from? Where do you want to tell people you have a degree from? “I have a degree in engineering from xxx.” What do you want to say here? For awhile you will say it a lot, then not so much, but it’s still a lifetime achievement.
The idea that spring admits are second class is just silly and so not relevant. It’s basing your life on a perception of people that do not matter (like us on here frankly, ha). 70,000+ other students weren’t even offered spring. And I bet most of them would have loved to have had the option. Does their perception matter? They would say it’s fantastic. It’s your life, don’t live based on perceptions that may or may not be relevant to you. I get that’s why you are searching for info. But if one hasn’t had students in both schools or been closely involved in both schools in some manner, the data may not be so valid, or at least skewed. With lots of USC grads, of course mine is skewed to what I like about USC & private schools, we all have a bias. So you have to figure out what you are getting and what you are really giving up choosing one over the other. So my big picture view is -
Private v. public is incredibly different - ease of getting classes, ability to change major, double major, major minor - all eezy breezy at USC. USC engineering is very highly regarded and the project opportunities for students are insane because it is such a small department that is very plugged into LA industry and government. Mine had some crazy cool design projects, were members of some very special CS clubs, and one was also a TA who formed great relationships with profs. Great experience all around. Insane network waiting when they graduated (actually started career senior year).
No one knows or cares you are spring admit once you walk in the door, you are just another Trojan. I get you feel you will miss social opportunities, but I can’t believe you can’t replace those with others. Move into Gateway (they have less than year leases) and take a couple CC classes, go to the football games, etc., start connecting early if you want - staying at home isn’t your only option. Get on social media and connect with other spring admits. They have a special orientation to bond spring admits and try to house them together.
Lastly, I will say, if being a Trojan isn’t that important to you - that’s absolutely ok - but then maybe USC isn’t the right place for you. The students that go there, really really want to be there and know they want to graduate from USC whatever it takes. If that’s not you, then maybe CP is a better fit. So give that some thought, you fitting in (or not) may have more to do with not being that keen on USC than the whole spring admit thing. Something only you can figure out. Good luck!
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My daughter will be at Viterbi in the fall so if you want to have a friendly face at school in the spring, I can totally hook you up with her. She is doing the CS/BA with a prelaw track. Honestly, USC will give you that college experience even if you start in spring. SC is what you make of it. If you want to be low key, you can be low key and if you want to let it all hang out, it can give you that too. You will love it at SC.
congrats on the awesome scholarship!! You must be so proud of you accomplishments!
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wow - getting deferred to Spring admit already has its perks.
Come on the CC and find a girlfriend!!!
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Oh, I assumed dreamysleepypanda is a girl as well. Should have asked, my daughter already has a boyfriend.
Well girlfriend works either way - ha ha. But yeah I don’t know. My engineering bias thought male - but you are correct and I was teasing.
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No worries.