UCB, USC, or NYU?

Colleges & Universities University of Southern California
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<p>I can’t seem to decide between these 3 schools. I initially favored UCB because of its perceived prestige, but after hearing horror stories of its draconian grading system, I am not sure anymore. From what I’ve read, it seems that A+’s are a dime a dozen at USC. How is the grade de/inflation at USC? How would a higher GPA at USC compared with a somewhat lower GPA at Berkeley for the purposes of graduate school (mainly thinking about HBS and SGSB, but I may go for law school instead)? I.e. a 3.5 vs 3.9? Thanks a lot!</p>

<p>EDIT: Also, if you could comment on the impact this would on internship placement, that’d be great. It seems that HSB is McKinsey heavy, and McKinsey seems to like UCB better than USC or NYU. Thanks again!</p>

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<p>Where did you hear that A pluses are a dime a dozen at USC? This is just not true, unless it is true for particular majors. Granted grades are an important consideration for grad school, but I don’t advise selecting a school based upon grades. What is important is the atmosphere/support to earn good grades (on campus tutors, kids who easily form study groups rather than a cut throat for me only atmosphere, etc.). The schools you mentioned are all so different. Go visit and see where you think the best fit. Obviously, I like USC the best of your choices because my son goes there.</p>

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<p>Ok, well, I am guessing that you are a business major, but it is not very clear, so correct me if I’m wrong.</p>

<p>NYU definitely has the worst campus, its barely even a campus, but just a lot of buildings in the city… If you like that, then that could be a great opportunity for you. You’d be close to real business places and stuff which could both give opportunities and inspiration.</p>

<p>Between UCB and USC I’d say they both have good campuses and it is up to you what type you like. USC is obviously a great sports school so football games and that kind of stuff are very common, but not limited to it. </p>

<p>I think of all of them, USC would be the most ‘fun’ school, while also giving a great education.</p>

<p>As for prestige, UCB has great prestige, but so do USC and NYU. I’d say UCB is higher though, but you can’t really go wrong with any of them!</p>

<p>I’ve heard intership placement and job placement at NYU is great as they have good conncetions to big companies etc. around the school.
UCB obviously has the prestige factor which will always help.
USC is said to have one of the most incredible alumni networks in the world. Even from friends who’ve been around the school, if you wear a USC shirt, you get a lot of pref. treatment, free drinks and stuff(which just proved how strong the school spirit is). I’ve heard that most Trojan alumni are more than willing to help other alumni get jobs etc and therefore in that general area, a USC grad would have a tremendous advantage IMO. Spec, if you also join a frat which will provide you with even more connections! :)</p>

<p>Now it is all about what you like the most in terms of personality.
I get the feeling that USC is the most ‘fun and crazy’ school.
NYU seems a bit more ‘disconnected’ in terms of frats and campus life. I’ve also heard the counselors are really bad, but I dont know about that.
UCB seems like its a bit more serious and ‘calm’, not saying parties dont happen, but most likely not close to USC…</p>

<p>Personally, if it were me, the choice would be between UCB and USC. My parents would want me to go UCB for the prestige and the fact that they actually know the school(I am international :stuck_out_tongue: ). But, I’d probably go to USC because of all the possibilities that are given by a big city, a great campus, amazing school spirit, superb connections and overall a great time that will most likely be some of the best 4 years of your life. + I wouldnt feel bad because my parents know that they cant make my decisions for me, and after I show them that they arent that far apart in rankings( thats how my parents decide which schools are good… :P), theyd be happy either way…</p>

<p>But as I said, you cant go wrong with any of them and congrats on being in such a good place so that you have these opportunities! :smiley:
Good luck!</p>

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<p>

Your assumption is incorrect, and if you choose USC because you think it will be “easy” to get a 3.9 GPA you are likely to be very disappointed.</p>

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<p>By looking at the number of Freshmen USC students who are inducted into the freshman honor society (Alpha ??) it appears that about 25% of this year’s freshman class had a GPA of 3.5 or above after first semester (which qualified them for that honor). Since the incoming freshman class came in with an average HS gpa of 3.8 UW, you can get some idea of how rigorous the classes are and how well the students do. Of course, some students take a little while to get their bearings in college and learn how to manage their time, it is still significant that around 75% of freshman may have more Bs and Cs than As in first semester. </p>

<p>Many high school students don’t realize how hard college classes really are. The great thing about a school like USC is that there are many opportunities to get help if you need it. For the student who is determined, it is certainly possible to earn solid grades. I’ve heard USC described as a school where students work hard and play hard. I feel that’s pretty accurate. While many do enjoy playing hard (great sports, parties, Greek life, clubs, L.A. nightlife, beaches, ski trips, shopping, theatre, concerts), don’t overlook the “work hard” aspect. It is real. But then, working hard and studying under great professors who care about your progress earns each student a first class education and that will serve you even better throughout your life than the benefit of a school’s alumni contacts and referrals to great jobs in the long run.</p>

<p>Good luck with your choice. All are excellent schools.</p>

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<p>I agree with ns89. It depends on personal preference. They are all totally different schools. I personally chose USC over UCB because I could not see myself at UCB. Not enough school spirit, or vitality.</p>

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<p>For MBA programs, it’s usually your work experience and not your GPA is what counts for admission. USC is not as cutthroat but not easy A plus either. Some teachers only give out A-.</p>

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<p>The freshman honorary is Alpha Lambda Delta.</p>