MaverickB

Hello, I got funding with 1356 stipend from Villanova. What should I do? Go to Upenn or USC with full pay or choose Nova?

Jackbj, did u get any assistanship? I got full funding plus 1450 stipend from Villanova, what should i do?

Thank you for the input guys. liszt85 Both Penn and USC are ranked 20 by US news for CS. From my research, all CS programs below 8-9 rank to 30-35 rank look for money in MS program rather than students. So it is really a toss. But Viterbi (USC) engineering is highly recognized where as UPenn is not famous for its science programs. The prob with MS application is that, you have to follow the general grad rankings and reviews. So it doesn't always gives u full picture of MS as most of them are PHD oriented. About the loan, I probably have to take around 30-40K for the USC and UPenn. Belothree, Nice nick name. Also, you have been very helpful in gradcafe. Thanks I was talking relatively about the distance. Plus, CA is famous for start-ups and tech industry. Anyone knows, how Penn state CS students are pitted against the USC or UPenn student by the employer?

Hello I have been accepted from above mentioned programs (without funding). About my background - International student talking half the tuition as the loan to fund the university. UPenn : Pros: IVY. Well for any international student, ivy holds bigger attraction than for a domestic student irrespective of the program reputation. It is in Philly, so better chances of internship (assumed). Cons- no chances of funding, expensive USC: Downtown LA, near silicon valley better reputation that UPenn in CS and engineering field. Cons- damn expensive, higher living cost Penn State- Almost 20K cheaper than the rest of the two. Better chances of funding. Fairly reputed. Cons - middle of nowhere, Not as reputed as rest of the two (generally). **about reputation- i am just taking it as how people perceive and how they reacted to me. I know some rankings put Penn state eng/sci program higher than two. e.g arwu ranking Most of my family member are giving me pressure to join Upenn because of the ivy. Where as I want to go Penn state ( i am not comfy with big loan). UPenn is my third choice after USC. FYI - I do wanna work in US after my graduation. I am kinda in dilemma. Any thoughts?

Hello Folks, I have been accepted from these universities without any financial assistance. I am interested in AI and data mining. Which program would you prefer or suggest me to matriculate? UPenn and USC are bigger and more renown institutions, but there is no chance of getting any tuition breaks in other sems, where as I got this feeling that I might get assistanship in Penn State in coming sems. Also, If between USC and Penn State, which one would you suggest me to join? I dont care about weather and area. But I do care about internships and job prospect. PS: I am accepted in UPenn for MCIT degree, I have re-submitted my application for MSE/CIS degree. I haven't heard anything yet. Thanks Mav