HI,
We just made that decision too and know how you feel. Please read the other SMU vs USC post on this page with the same question. Then it is answered again on the USC page.
My son just said No to what he thought was his dream school and it was surprising, but he is very calm and happy now.
USC was my daughter’s dream school; she went to SMU and is really glad she did.
USC is a thriller, no question. I went there and it’s a blast. SMU is smaller and you will have more opportunities to get involved and make a difference. Plus, Dallas is a great college town. Local nightlife, lots of young people. LA is more spread out and you need a car. In Texas you get some snow, in LA you don’t.
Re the Honors program at SMU…it’s great if you’re a liberal arts major. If you have taken lots of AP’s and can waive out of some of the English/history classes, you will still need to take these subjects anyway. If you would rather do a double major in something else, honors will get in the way. Good program, just be aware of the class requirements!
Good luck. Both good schools and good B schools.