UCSD vs. USC

[nms005]

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UCSD or USC? Which school would you pick if you get accepted to both schools? Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[RaginCajun]

I think both programs are great and there isn't a true answer to your question from a general approach. You have to determine what will make you a better pharmacist.

Although SC is extremely better and I am not being biased.

 

[chessdude2]

If it matters to you, UCSD is much cheaper and located in a better area.

 

[confettiflyer]

USC = ghetto ass area, better program, more expensive
UCSD = REALLY nice area, newer program, dirt cheap

better school? depends what you really care about.

 

[RXsocal]

I'm an Los Angeles County resident that attended UCSD. I would definitely pick UCSD over USC for many reasons. USC, though a nice school, is surrounded by ghetto neighborhoods. UCSD on the other hand, is located in La Jolla, and upscale city in San Diego county that is home to million dollar homes and beautiful beach cliffs, etc. The weather in San Diego is also perfect all year round. The air in Los Angeles is so dirty and annoying for people with allergies. Finally, UCSD's pharmacy school is new so their building was just built. I'd definitely go with the $20,000 cost of UCSD over $45,000 for USC any day. Good luck!

 

[AbsoluteEthanol]

i think both programs are excellent, i liked UCSD a lot more though. Everything that people said above me is true, USC is a better program, but UCSD is a hell of a lot cheaper and in a much-much-much-much better area! But keep THIS in mind, UCSD is a much newer program, but i think by the time you graduate (2013) UCSD will be rankedin the top 10 FOR SURE. why am i so certain? because UCSD was ranked the #1 overall graduate school IN THE NATION, which means top notch faculty, great labs and loads of money invested into the school by the government.

Advantage UCSD, and I'm extremely jealous of anyone who gets to attend pharmacy school there

 

[confettiflyer]

loads of money invested into the school by the government.

Surely you're not talking about the State of California, which probably will miss mailing out my tax refund anytime soon due to a bank account that's about as dry as my scalp.

 

[Code Gray]

I used to be a UCSD student and I love the general area. However though, I started to read articles about how the school is declining in quality. The faculty to staff ratio is 1:20? Also, they are not raising enough money to support the school as well. Just google it to see for yourself.

I truly love UCSD but the construction of the pharmacy school was not well planned as it could have been.

 

[jmcfa002]

How far away is campus from close housing? Are there walking distance apartments, or do would you have to drive?

 

[Dysic]

Well, I have the dilemma of choosing between USC and UCSD. I'll go through the Pros/Cons for each school (for me). Also keep in mind, I go to UCSD for undergrad and I will graduate this spring.

USC Pros:
- Established / Strong program
- Exceptional networking ---> leading to future jobs/ opportunities
- Good sport teams to root for! (I'm a huge sports fan.)
- A new area and lifestyle for me to experience. (I've always lived in rural areas, never in the city)

USC Cons:
- ~$40k+ tuition ( I think?)
- very ghetto area
- slightly more extreme weather (hotter and colder)

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UCSD Pros:
- ~$20k tuition!
- New facilities / New Program
- Great weather, Beach
- Soccer (I love soccer, and if there is a field in La Jolla--there will be people playing soccer)
- I'm familiar with the area

UCSD Cons:
- not established program
- school is underfunded (read a recent article about this)
- Class of 60 (too small in my opinion)
- Classes with medical students (ewww)


So yeah, I guess this post was just to help me organize the pros/cons of each school. USC was my top choice school (before the application process), and I'm still heavily favoring going to USC.

Anyways, I would love to hear other opinions or PROs and CONs for each school!

 

[Dysic]

How far away is campus from close housing? Are there walking distance apartments, or do would you have to drive?

Housing is very close. Also, public transportation is really good. You can use the San Diego buses, or the UCSD buses.

 

[WurangBlang]

I think both of them are excellent. For me, I decided to go to USC and declined other offers(UCSF, UCSD) for a very personal reason...

I recently talked to this girl who goes to UCSD Pharm. She congratulated me, yet she bragged about how UCSD is better/higher ranked than USC and so on. I thoroughly disagreed, but I didin't say anything...

Ultimately, it's up to you. I guess.

 

[eerees]

I personally am leaning more towards UCSD than USC. The environment is a big issue for me--I went to UCSD for undergrad so I'm already familiar with the area. The campus at USC is alright, but the health sciences area of campus is located in the middle of nowhere. Personally, I just didn't want to have to worry about traffic and the dangers of LA. I just don't like being in areas with tons of crime. Also, the costs at UCSD are much lower which will be less of a burden for me in the future. Most of my friends that got into both chose UCSD and are really happy there. I think both schools are good in their own ways. If you eventually want to work in LA or in neighboring areas, USC is probably the better school for you just because of the networking.