<p>I agree with Sam that there are real circumstances where it would make perfect sense to choose USC over an ivy. Cinema School or Popular Music Performance programs at USC are more selective than the ivies. Any one who plans on med school and that large cost with diminishing earnings opportunities in medicine shoulld seriously consider the undergraduate costs. If they get the Trustee scholarship at USC and the parents are middle or upper middle class, USC would be a great choice. If you have no EFC or college costs are covered by family members who don’t have a concern for cost, then the ivy might be a better choice. If you want to go to Harvard Law or Business School, going to the ivy school probably improves your odds. Have a friend whose daughter turned down Princeton to go to Northwestern for Theatre. Right choice for her. Lots of smart kids think things through more logically than just what school is ranked higher generally.</p>