and it looks like you’re looking generally in california.

this basically depends on what area of acting you’re looking to pursue.

broadway? film?

if you’re looking to get more into film, then california is a good place to look,

if you’re looking for a career in stage theatre and broadway, new york is your place (although there are alot great schools for film there as well)

California:

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts

California Institute of The Arts

(and both UCLA and USC as you both mentioned)

New York:

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC branch)|

American Musical & Dramatic Academy

Columbia University (very highly recommended, as far as I know)

New York University

I hope that was of some help to you!

Good luck!

There is also the opportunity to study in London for a semester. http://www.temple.edu/sct/Temple-London.html