UCLA vs USC: College Comparison

During my spring break I took the time to make a few college visits with my friends. Among those colleges were the two giants in the college world of UCLA and USC. Both these Universities have a fierce rivalry so I thought it would be interesting if I weighed in with my own unique view on the matter.

The first campus I visited was UCLA, and despite having visited the surrounding area of the UCLA campus, I quickly realized how little I knew about the University. This is in part because I am not naturally inclined towards big Universities and because I had not previously taken the time to do my research.

UCLA is a very big campus, and holds about 60,000 people, which is only slightly less than my hometown. The campus is sprawling with active students so privacy is a rare commodity. The campus is definitely an architectural marvel so it is no surprise it has featured in numerous movies. It is also the most applied to college in the United States so so don't think its mere size will improve your chances at admittance.

While USC is fierce rivals with their neighbors UCLA, the two are a stark contrast from each other in many ways. For starters, USC is a private university and one instantly realizes that upon stepping on the campus grounds. The college holds around half as many students but is still a giant compared to fellow private schools. The campus is still quite large although it is about 2/3's the size of UCLA. It is not uncommon to have several encounters with students using bikes and long boards as a means of transportation. The campus is also quite appealing.

Now that all the formalities have been covered, a proper comparison can be drawn. USC as a whole feels a lot preppier than its counterpart and everything feels organized and 'perfect'. The University seems to have a more unified goal. The students are taught to look at the world subjectively and relate every-day occurrences to classroom situations. USC students are encouraged to be outward thinkers and think about ways to further their society instead of acting selfishly. The populous seems much more affluent and contains a large minority of International students. USC does seem a little more conservatively minded although it does claim to be neutral. The students walking around always seem like they are going somewhere and one will rarely find students simply meandering around. 

The expansive UCLA campus

UCLA on the other hand is completely void of a clear theme and seems to have a more black and white approach in terms of education. The students around seem more laid back and the University does feel a little more liberally leaning. The focus does not seem to be about the university itself but rather the individual. The vibrant campus hosts many events from prominent speakers to live performers. UCLA has an abundance of resources which makes the student's job a bit more straightforward. 

Both colleges claim a host of well-renowned programs that range from engineering to psychology. UCLA is big on Psychology and the sciences among others while USC is for the most part a research school and is strong in Humanities, Engineering and Architecture. Both Universities contain a wide array of majors which gives the student an abundance of options. 

USC: preppy?

If you came here expecting a victor, then disappointment awaits. The truth is, both Universities are world-class and have their strengths and weaknesses. It is the students job to find the college that aligns the most closely with their ideals. Personally, If I were to choose between the two, I would go with USC because it seems better suited for the intellectual type. So, while making a decision, the student in question should definitely look to themselves before turning their attention towards the Universities being considered. Which college fits you the best? Although certainly you must make a few college visits before issuing the final verdict.