<p>Hi everyone,
I’ve just been accepted into Northwestern, Berkeley, Georgetown, BU and USC with Trustee Scholarship and am waiting on Columbia. I applied undecided to the College of Arts and Sciences at all universities but am looking to major in psychology, sociology, economics, mass communications or international relations.
Factors that matter to me are:
a) Academic Reputation/ Prestige- this is actually very important as I am an international and so the University has to be recognised on the international job market. Additionally, my parents are Asian and so reputation means quite a lot!
b) Sense of community- I’ve grown up in a city and wanted to have a campus life while still enjoying the attractions of a big city fairly close by. I will only be able to come home twice a year (and home is some 10, 000 miles away…) so a sense of community would be good, be it within my dorms, department, activities or just friendship circle.
c) Friendliness of the people
d) Diversity
e) Rankings of the relevant departments
f) Class size and quality of education- I realise Cal is public and so class sizes are much bigger, but will it be to the detriment of my education?
g) Possibility of receiving merit scholarships in the future- As an International, USC was one of the few schools that offered merit scholarships. My family does not need the money per se as we were not expecting any form of aid, but it would be graciously welcomed, and I feel bad turning it down if there is a low chance of receiving a similar opportunity elsewhere.
h) Any other comments/ experiences you have about the schools would be well appreciated!</p>
<p>Please give me your suggestions, all comments will be welcomed! Thanks :)</p>