WashU (Olin) VS. USC (Marshall)

palmalk
Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:14:28 +0000

Speaking as a parent - D1 went to USC; D2 to WashU. Both went to a private SoCal high school with about 100 in graduating class. From what I can glean from my kids (ha), the party scene is MUCH different at WashU than USC, with USC being more intense (although USC is trying VERY hard to temper their reputation in that regard). Read this forum for social life at WashU - seems very balanced and varied.

Somewhat echoing 2flipper2 - D2 said that if she stayed in SoCal she would never learn to be independent (from us) - WashU has truly helped her grow in that regard. The teachers, students, administrators are ALL nice, helpful, and readily available. D1 had “problems” at USC with almost everything she needed to do administratively-would be shuffled from office to office for the simplest of requests. D2 switched majors/schools the first day of classes - all was finalized 2 days later. That being said D1 feels like USC really prepared her academically (neuroscience & bio double major); as does D2 (Bio major; finance & psych minors).

As a parent, the inclusiveness I feel from WashU is amazing - although living within 20 miles of USC, I never felt that I was part of the school. I have done college fairs and volunteer to answer questions for incoming parents/students with WashU - no one ever asked me to do that for USC. If your parents have any angst about sending you out-of-state, they shouldn’t worry.

Not only are teachers nice and helpful but for many of the freshman classes upper classmen provide individual and small group assistance (many of these students have “office hours” in their dorm). It seems like a very supportive environment in every respect.

There is a gym.