USC versus UCLA Forum

[James Bond]

So there are a number of schools that I really don't know how one would chose between. Just for the hell of it, either with no money from either or full rides from either, which one would you pick and why?

[DOOM]

i really don't think much has changed recently in the debate over USC vs. UCLA. so i think previous threads on this subject are reasonable sources to check out.

That being said, I would personally pick UCLA for the better (safer) location within the city and probably for better clerkship/academia placement.

Personally, I think USC is a better bet in terms of biglaw placement, i think its better for LA, and its better for many other major legal markets including Silicon Valley and Chicago. (I did my own number crunching to come to this conclusion, but in the end, its just an attempt at an educated guess).

UCLA still comes out cheaper if you can manage to get in-state tuition during your 2L and 3L years. I think a combination of the westwood location and typically lower tuition is what keeps UCLA ahead of USC in the rankings, but USC has kept up despite its shortcomings.

[bk1]

They seem to be peers. For the past few years of available NLJ250 placement, the winner bounces back and forth between them (one year USC is ahead, another year UCLA is ahead) so I feel that it is hard to definitely say one is stronger for biglaw than the other. If somebody has trend data for a 5-10 years that definitively gives one an advantage then I might lean towards that school.

In the end, if scholarships don't sway you one way or the other, I think it comes down to visiting both of the schools picking the one you feel better with.

[cardinalandgold]

USC!!! I'm not biased at all though

[forty-two]

I'd pick UCLA for its location, atmosphere, and all around awesomeness. I didn't particularly like USC when I visited, but I can see why people do. They're both great schools, so I think it really just comes down to personal preference.

[im_blue]

UCLA - more prestige, more portable degree, better location, lower cost

[NoleinNY]

UCLA for location and lay prestige; USC for the rich alums and the oddly ego-saving rejection letter they sent. Bonus points for not having to buy different color clothes for sporting events (Garnet & Gold = Cardinal & Gold). Tough call.

[World B. Free]

USC (just barely.) I think the alumni network is a bit better... just a non California resident's opinion.

[lennonist]

UCLA, hands-down. Have acquaintances, friends, and relatives at both.

UCLA>USC because of:

1) Better education
2) Better peers
3) National job opportunities (as opposed to predominantly So-Cal at USC)
4) Better campus
5) Inhabitable periphery (brentwood!)

P.S. U$C incentivizes you with more $, but their tuition is also higher.

[NayBoer]

USC edges for biglaw. UCLA for portability. UCLA for vanity.

[Hopefullawstudent]

UCLA for better academics, better neighborhood, better prestige, tougher admissions standards, better basketball.

USC for football.

[Mr. Matlock]

NLJ 250 data from 2009 grads:

http://www.law.com/jsp/nlj/PubArticleNL ... hbxlogin=1

From the main article:
http://www.law.com/jsp/nlj/PubArticleNL ... hbxlogin=1

[djgoldbe]

UCLA for the surrounding area alone - not that there aren't other reasons.

[DerrickRose]

USC for football.

For the class of 2013, I wouldn't take that as a given.

[tru]

.

[MusicNutMeggie]

USC for football.

For the class of 2013, I wouldn't take that as a given.

x2

Lane Kiffin is the beginning of failure.

Come BAAAAACK, Pete!

[World B. Free]

USC for football.

For the class of 2013, I wouldn't take that as a given.

x2

Lane Kiffin is the beginning of failure.

Come BAAAAACK, Pete!

THANKS ALOT, Peter

[crossingforHYS]

uhmm football? USC just lost 14 of their wins because of the investigation and has to cut back 10 schollies a year for three years plus cannot compete in any bowls for the next two years and has to severe contact with bush and mayo.....
so I would not go there for the football

[Shot007]

I pick UCLA because I like their TLS profile better

[Shot007]

uhmm football? USC just lost 14 of their wins because of the investigation and has to cut back 10 schollies a year for three years plus cannot compete in any bowls for the next two years and has to severe contact with bush and mayo.....
so I would not go there for the football

Not to mention they will most likely have to forfeit the BCS championship from 2004....definitely wouldn't go there for football.