Should I go to UPenn or USC?

maxchoate
Fri, 26 Apr 2019 22:56:38 +0000

I have not yet applied to colleges, as I am only a junior in high school, but am trying to decide whether to do early decision for UPenn when the time comes to apply. My top two schools are Penn and USC, both of which I have toured and loved. I live in northern California, and both my parents were UPenn undergrads.

In college, I am looking most likely to study business administration, but also considering management, marketing, and economics. Primarily, I hope to end up as a technology entrepreneur. I love math as well, but more applied and less theoretical math. This makes my decision even harder, as Wharton is the best business program for undergrads. However, USC isn’t far behind.

I would also prefer to be closer to home (in California), but also like the idea of experiencing a very different part of the country (like the East Coast).

I love these schools almost equally, with USC likely taking the slight edge due to their sports and spirit. I am a huge sports fan and have loved the idea of attending a college with a top football and basketball program.

To my knowledge so far, USC takes the edge on sports, spirit, location, weather, and finding a great job that allows me to remain in California.

UPenn seems to take the edge on academics, the ability to study a wide variety of business subjects, personal connection with the teachers, and the new experience I would gain from living far away.

The fact that these schools are so close in ranking for me, makes it challenging to decide whether or not to do Early Decision for UPenn. As a double legacy student, my chances are already much higher there, and with early decision, they would be significantly higher. However, if I do early decision I risk changing my mind or regretting the decision.

Do you have anything else you think I should consider in my decision? What do you think I should do? Is there anything you think would help me reach clarity?