Dreadfulbard

Thanks for pointing out that UCLA requires you to find your own client--I didn't realize that. It sounds like we have many of the same concerns. For me, it boils down to the fact that UCLA is a better fit academically, but USC has more resources to offer.

Anyone considering UCLA? Are you attending the admitted students day on the 10th? What are your thoughts so far? I'm still deciding between USC (full ride) and UCLA. UCLA has the concentration I want to pursue and more courses/faculty/research centers that appeal to me, but I am concerned about their career services and, to be honest, the quant. curriculum. USC didn't blow me away at their merit scholars event and their courses/faculty don't really match my interests, but the full ride is tempting. I'm pretty torn right now!

Thanks for posting your thoughts about the USC event. I wasn't sure if I was imagining that the MPP students seemed kind of iffy about the program, so I'm glad to have someone back that impression up. I was kind of bummed afterwards (since I'll probably be going there due to the $$). The students and faculty just didn't seem that fired up.

No offense taken at all! I apologize if my impassioned defense came across that way--I just like to share my enthusiasm for the school and the experience I had there as an undergrad. What you said is all certainly true. There is an ingrained sense even at AU of GW being a superior school, despite many metrics that indicate they are on par. AU is my backup as well and I agree that's a happy position to be in! Good luck with your visit to Duke--I hope it works out!

Anthropology!

Full disclosure, AU is my alma mater, so I am biased, but... When people say AU is considered a lesser school than GWU, I feel the need to point out that GWU doesn't have an edge in terms of employment outcomes in the city, at least last I checked. Employers in DC have great respect for students coming out of AU's programs and the School of Public Affairs staff do a great job of supporting their students and connecting them with opportunities from what I've seen. As an undergrad at AU, found that I connected better with the students there than at GWU, where I spent a decent amount of time as well. The fact that AU offers more aid opens the student body up to a little more diversity of backgrounds. I found there to be less of a sense of entitlement at AU. That being said, it's probably arguable that GWU has more name recognition outside of the DMV area.

I'm still considering UCLA, but it's a tough sell given USC's generous offer. Also American (my alma mater). What about you?

Anyone else attending the merit scholars event on 3/31?

Thanks for sharing! That's too bad. It's my top choice program, but compared with a full scholarship to USC it's not looking so tempting anymore.

Same here--no word on funding. Also a little frustrated that their admitted students day is not until April 10.