Deciding between (USC+big merit scholarship) VS (???)

SoProudofMyChildren
Tue, 05 Apr 2016 18:34:42 +0000

@Hawkings @menloparkmom
here are the answers to your questions.

1. We have the money already saved so yes, the $20k/yr will remain for Medschool if not spent

2. Stamps provides FULL cost of attendance (room, board, fees, books, tuition, computer +$12K in enrichment funds.

Furthermore, it is a network of top talent across the US of ~850 active undergraduates in the program next year with
bi-annual meetings and enrichment. I don’t know how much this will help on CV for Med School vs Trustee.

3. Other school is University of Miami and yes has the Miller School of Medicine ( as well as early acceptance after
sophomore year).

4. Both schools have remarkable research and internship opportunities

5. Both schools have high and rich operating budgets, with UM actually being higher per student (operations). (I don’t this the difference matters much.)

While UM is ranked 51 and USC 23, we feel the academics and resources are much closer, especially for Premed path. If you look closely at USNews rankings, on a personal level you can adjust subweightings to align with your own priorities (breadth of national reputation, reputation affect on selectivity, alumni giving vs operating budget, retention etc)

There was something special about BOTH schools - oscillating daily, we just can’t seem to find the decision.
*Pros Miami - no TAs for break outs, full professor access. Honors program eliminates Core specific reqs. Possible early entry to med school (unless exclusivity required), decent neighborhood + Miami access. $80K less expensive.
*Pros USC - minimal (perceived) better: spirit, weather, campus, student scores . Honors freshman dorm. Pre-professional/gradschool Fraternities. LA access.
Just about everything else is on par with each other.
I am not sure anyone will have an answer for us but might provide something we overlook?
We agree 80K is cheap for USC; but it then comes with 80k more debt for Med school since the alternative is $0 cost.

Ranking references:
US News Criteria Summary: http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/ranking-criteria-and-weights
USNews Criteria Detail: http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-us-news-calculated-the-rankings