USC vs Berkeley: Help me decide?

Wassup peeps! I got accepted into both USC and Berkeley, and now I'm stuck between these two amazing schools. I'll be majoring in Computer Science. Can you guys share some pros and cons of each to help me make an informed decision? Thanks in advance!

Congratulations on your acceptances to both USC and Berkeley – they're both fantastic schools for Computer Science!

USC Pros:

1. Strong alumni network: USC has a powerful and engaged alumni community, often referred to as the "Trojan Family," which will be beneficial when it comes to internships, job opportunities, and mentorship.

2. Campus lifestyle: USC is known for its vibrant campus life, with many social events, clubs, and activities to engage in.

3. Location: Situated in Los Angeles, USC opens doors to various tech and entertainment companies for internships and job opportunities.

USC Cons:

1. Cost: USC is a private university, and the overall cost of attendance might be higher than in-state tuition if you are a California resident. However, financial aid packages may vary.

2. Safety: USC's surrounding neighborhood has a reputation for being less safe, although the campus itself is well protected.

3. Smaller environment: USC's engineering school is smaller than Berkeley's, which may affect the availability of certain resources.

Berkeley Pros:

1. World-class faculty: Berkeley is known for its top-notch computer science faculty, which includes multiple Turing Award winners.

2. Research opportunities: Being a large public research university, Berkeley offers access to a wide range of research initiatives, labs, and resources.

3. Prestige: Berkeley has a strong international reputation for computer science, which could potentially benefit you during job searches.

Berkeley Cons:

1. Large class sizes: Particularly in lower-division courses, the classes may be much bigger, which can impact your interaction with professors and teaching assistants.

2. Competitive atmosphere: Berkeley has a reputation for being highly competitive which may affect your overall academic and social experience.

3. Campus resources: As a larger public school, resources (such as advising and access to certain classes) may be more stretched compared to a smaller private school like USC.

For more information about these schools click here:

Berkeley : https://www.collegevine.com/schools/university-of-california-berkeley-uc-berkeley

USC: https://www.collegevine.com/schools/university-of-southern-california-usc

Ultimately, the decision should come down to which environment you see yourself thriving in and what type of college experience you prefer. Consider visiting both campuses if possible, and try reaching out to current students majoring in Computer Science to hear about their experiences. Good luck with your decision!