Program-Specific Info / Q's Wash U v. USC

[Husky19]

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Hey all! I know this is a question that many applicants probably ask, but I thought I would start a new thread and maybe get some new/different advice. I have gotten accepted to both WUSTL and USC and am trying to decide between the two. Obviously, USC is much more expensive and the cost of living in LA is very high (I would be moving for both schools). But, I absolutely love their program, including all the specific elective choices that you get your second year of the program, that I feel other schools just don't offer. But, Wash U is obviously also a very good program and much cheaper. However, their whole program is in the basement (??) and I didn't think their facilities (simulation labs, classrooms, etc.) were as nice as USC's.

Anyone have any input? Besides just go with the cheaper option haha? Any current students at either school offer pros/cons of the program?
Thank you so much, this is a super tough choice!

 

[filetmignon]

Congrats on your acceptances! I don't know much about either program, but ultimately the big picture is that you're going to be an OT. I think what you should consider aside from the costs of the programs are the pass rates, class sizes, living expenses outside of the program, and payment plan after graduation. If you feel strongly that USC is still the right fit for your educational needs and goals, then go for it! 🙂

Btw- I have a couple close friends who graduate from USC's OT program, I could always ask if they felt like it was worth it.

 

[Husky19]

Congrats on your acceptances! I don't know much about either program, but ultimately the big picture is that you're going to be an OT. I think what you should consider aside from the costs of the programs are the pass rates, class sizes, living expenses outside of the program, and payment plan after graduation. If you feel strongly that USC is still the right fit for your educational needs and goals, then go for it! 🙂

Btw- I have a couple close friends who graduate from USC's OT program, I could always ask if they felt like it was worth it.

Yes I totally agree! And if you could ask your friends about the program, I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you so much!

 

[filetmignon]

Yes I totally agree! And if you could ask your friends about the program, I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you so much!

From what I've gathered from them, USC is a good program overall and it is #1 in the nation. Its program is primarily focused on theory and research. The only consistent drawback I've heard from them is finding a good level 2 fieldwork. They also mentioned that if the other program you're considering is cheaper but offering good hands-on, practical experiences, then that may be better because they felt like USC didn't prepare them well for that.

I hope that helps!

 

[aspiringot96]

Hey all! I know this is a question that many applicants probably ask, but I thought I would start a new thread and maybe get some new/different advice. I have gotten accepted to both WUSTL and USC and am trying to decide between the two. Obviously, USC is much more expensive and the cost of living in LA is very high (I would be moving for both schools). But, I absolutely love their program, including all the specific elective choices that you get your second year of the program, that I feel other schools just don't offer. But, Wash U is obviously also a very good program and much cheaper. However, their whole program is in the basement (??) and I didn't think their facilities (simulation labs, classrooms, etc.) were as nice as USC's.

Anyone have any input? Besides just go with the cheaper option haha? Any current students at either school offer pros/cons of the program?
Thank you so much, this is a super tough choice!

Hello,

I think USC program is also in the basement as well.

 

[Husky19]

Hello,

I think USC program is also in the basement as well.

Hey, I visited for admitted students day and it’s not! It’s on the first floor!

 

[gonnabeot]

Did you end up making your decision yet? I'm currently deciding between USC and Boston, and the cost/clinical preparation is something I'm debating about too!

 

[Husky19]

Did you end up making your decision yet? I'm currently deciding between USC and Boston, and the cost/clinical preparation is something I'm debating about too!

Hey I haven’t made a decision yet! I’ve asked USC to consider me for a RA position, which would put tuition at about $37k for 2 years, so I’m waiting to hear back from that. They said end of April so I’ll probably ask again next week!

 

[gonnabeot]

Hey I haven’t made a decision yet! I’ve asked USC to consider me for a RA position, which would put tuition at about $37k for 2 years, so I’m waiting to hear back from that. They said end of April so I’ll probably ask again next week!

That would be awesome if you got that! I assume that means that RAships would be renewable for both years, is that guaranteed or do you know the likelihood of being able to keep it both years?

 

[Husky19]

That would be awesome if you got that! I assume that means that RAships would be renewable for both years, is that guaranteed or do you know the likelihood of being able to keep it both years?

I think it’s a pretty high likelihood as long as there is room in the lab and the professor likes you!

 

[aspiringrehab12]

I was in your position last year and I set on going to USC (I am from the West Coast), but couldn't start in June due to some other things. I ended up picking WashU and I don't regret my decision academically, though I would say to consider personal factors about your success in the midwest because it can be a lot to get used to. Though, there are a bunch of curriculum changes happening which might affect your decision.

Also- USC is ranked #3, while Wash U is ranked #1. I would say if you have a strong interest in peds, go USC. If you are interested in Adult Rehab / Stroke, go Wash U- they're opposites in that way. If you want more concrete mentorship and research, choose Wash U. If you want to stay in Los Angeles after graduation, choose USC. The reason though why I am happy with my decision academically is because not only are the professors top notch in their fields, but because I am getting a balanced education. We get exposure to research, hands on experience, and theory. There are also tons of student run clinics and opportunity for community involvement. Also, if you are in the OTD program you can pick electives!

I suggest also thinking about your environment and how that might affect your decision. There are seasons in St. Louis!

 

[Husky19]

I was in your position last year and I set on going to USC (I am from the West Coast), but couldn't start in June due to some other things. I ended up picking WashU and I don't regret my decision academically, though I would say to consider personal factors about your success in the midwest because it can be a lot to get used to. Though, there are a bunch of curriculum changes happening which might affect your decision.

Also- USC is ranked #3, while Wash U is ranked #1. I would say if you have a strong interest in peds, go USC. If you are interested in Adult Rehab / Stroke, go Wash U- they're opposites in that way. If you want more concrete mentorship and research, choose Wash U. If you want to stay in Los Angeles after graduation, choose USC. The reason though why I am happy with my decision academically is because not only are the professors top notch in their fields, but because I am getting a balanced education. We get exposure to research, hands on experience, and theory. There are also tons of student run clinics and opportunity for community involvement. Also, if you are in the OTD program you can pick electives!

I suggest also thinking about your environment and how that might affect your decision. There are seasons in St. Louis!

Thank you so much for your reply! I’m from NY, so def more used to St. Louis weather haha! Also, would you say that Wash U doesn’t do a good job of preparing students for pediatric work? I am actually interested in working in the birth-3 area, so pediatric experience would be very important to me!
And what made you originally choose USC, if you don’t mind me asking? Seeing as it is the pricier option of the 2 and everything.

 

[gonnabeot]

Also just another thing since I know you are looking into a research assistantship- I'm not positive if the same goes for USC but I read on another school's site that their tuition remission is taxable, so even though it would make the tuition much cheaper, I think you'd eventually have to pay taxes on it as well as the stipend