No problem. Thanks and good luck with USC
I'm an international student, so take everything with a grain of salt.
I've read both that it helps a lot and also that it doesn't matter as much (as long as you put in the work).
My personal opinion is that between two people with the same amount of work done, a R1 degree might be the deciding factor. But I personally would go for the stronger department, where the faculty can prepare you better.
