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Which of these three schools have the most "think-outside-the box" kind of students/faculty: UCLA, UCB, USC?

I want to be an English/creative writing major, and I'm looking for a school that encourages students to be creative and think outside of the box, look beyond textbooks and lectures, and that the process of learning is more important than getting a degree and getting into top graduate schools. I want the students to work hard but not be too competitive, and all school and no play, but rather, I am looking for a school where the majority of students work cooperatively instead of comparing grades, and who can balance their school life while maintaining a social life. I know that there might not be a single school that meets all of my expectations, and that it is more of an individual kind of thing, but I can't visit campus right now, and I need your help. I know that all three of these schools have stellar programs, but aside from their name and prestige, which school (UCLA, UC Berkeley, University of Southern California) has the general vibe that I'm looking for?

Public Comments

1. I'm not really sure about the English department, but usually, Ivy League school teachers usually have more radical left wing opinions in general. UCLA is historically a more "outside of the box," as you put, school. USC I have heard has a great English department (I don't know if it's as creative as you want it to be). One of my English teachers went there, and she loved it (she's also quite eccentric and passionate about her work). As for the students, I don't think you'll find that much of a problem anywhere you go. College is a big place, and you'll find people from all walks of life at any of these places.