this is my pros and cons list for usc and ucsd so far-
USC pros
- well established/great reputation
-more retailed focused (that's what I have heard; great for people who want to go into that area)
USC cons
- city (personally I don't want to live in the city after living in sf for 4 years)
- traffic
-pharm school is at a different location from undergrad/ isolated with med school
-crime/ not the healthiest environment (a lot of pollution)
-nothing near by; need a car (this is what I got from the day I went to my interview)
-need to maintain a 3.0; letter grades
-private school; expensive
UCSD pros
-LOCATION!!! (I love the beach)
-weather
-a lot of opportunities; great city for health career
-new facilities
-safe
-everything is near by; don't need a car
-pass/fail system (so less stress)
-30 k tuition; public school
-classes with med school (I really think the health care is going in a direction where health care professionals are going to working together to provide the best care for patients..by going to ucsd you really learn to work with other professionals...great school if you're interested in clinical practice)
UCSD cons
-not as established as USC (but keep in mind that UCSD has made A LOT of progress in the few years its been established compared to other schools)
-curriculum is integrated with med school (stressful); quarter system
* if you're trying to go into retail only, its not the school for you (not worth the stress)
bottom line for me is I want to go to a place where I will be happy. And for me living in sd = happiness! also the weather. I lived in sf for last 4 years. im so sick of the UNPREDICTABLE weather (thus i wont be attending ucsf). And this may sound silly but when my friends talk about ucsd...my face really lights up. when they talk about usc...my face doesn't light up as much. Keep in mind, at the end of the day, it's what makes you happy!! (a school's reputation is not going to make you happy)
I hope this helps! best of luck