USC v UCSD

College Search & Selection
#1

I’ve been lurking on this site for the past several months trying to alleviate the stress that comes with college applications and I just recently decided to actually make an account. I have narrowed my college choice down to USC and UCSD. I would really appreciate any input from you great people!

USC has always been my dream school, but I the problem is I was accepted for Spring 2018 not Fall 2017. I visited the school and I love the campus. It truly felt like it was my home away from home. I love the sports atmosphere offered and the Southern California location. Also, it is very easy to change majors within Dornsife, the college I was accepted into. This is very important to me since I am not completely sure what major I want to pursue in college (I was admitted for International Relations and the Global Economy), and the ability to change is very important to me. The only thing I have some reservations about is the Spring start. I am worried about what will happen over the fall semester and that I will miss out on important experiences. I just would prefer the certainty of a Fall 2017 admission. A little part of me feels like I am betraying myself if I let this stand in my way. I have talked to many former spring admits who say it isn’t a big deal.

On the other hand, I can start at UCSD in the fall. I was accepted into the school for a joint Economics and Mathematics major. I went to the admit day and attended a talk with the heads of the department and I was very impressed. It sounded like a major I would really enjoy pursuing; however, I am still worried that once I get there I will come to want to change to something different. If this happens, I know it is very hard to change majors at UCSD. Many students take longer than 4 years after they have trouble getting their majors changed. Another downside is that the dorms for Warren College were less than ideal. I had some anxiety once I saw how small and cramped a space that three people had to share was. The remedy to that is the location is great. I currently live only 25 minutes away from UCSD and my grandparents live 5 minutes away. I could easily escape for a little if I can’t take it anymore.

Note: I know there is a substantial difference between the costs, but my parents have told me to not factor USC’s costs in because they can afford it.

This is a very stressful decision and any help is appreciated :slight_smile:

#2

Fellow USC spring admit here! Like you, my final decision also came down to USC vs. UCSD. I ended up picking USC mainly because of the reason you mentioned: the flexibility to change majors once enrolled. Also, USC has a much better student to faculty ratio than UCSD and a great alumni network.

For me, initially I had reservations about being a spring admit as well, but after going to the Spring Explore tour I felt that USC definitely aren’t treating us as afterthoughts because they offer a lot of support and opportunities (inc. study abroad options) to spring admits. Plus, my parents reminded me that starting a semester late won’t matter at all when I graduate 4 years later with the same degree as everybody else.

Good luck in making your final decision! Both USC and UCSD are great schools.

#3

If you choose USC, you can go to a community college during Fall, 2017. Just make sure you check with USC to make sure your CC credits transfer. Missing one semester isn’t a big deal.

#4