Charlyne

Weird! I was about to post this exact same thread in another day or two, but about robotics and for a master's degree.
 
All of my friends and parents are recommending that I go to Stanford because it's close, has a big name, has good weather, and will look great for finding jobs. On the other hand, all of the people from the robotics place I interned at last summer (who actually know about CMU) suggest I go to CMU, and that it is far better than any other school for CS/robotics. I've heard Stanford has some difficult quals (they aim to make it so that 50% of students pass their first time, and 70% of students pass by their second time).
 
After all of the research I've done, I'm leaning towards CMU because they have more professors dedicated to the topics I want to study, but it's really hard passing up the name, prestige, weather, and entrepreneurial spirit of Stanford.
 
In any case, this is the biggest 'first world problem' I think I've ever had.

Hi, I am getting a PhD in computer science but don't know what to specialize in.  I originally wanted to do machine learning but after taking some classes I realized I am bad at programming.  Then I wanted to do theoretical computer science, but after some reflection I thought I would not be able to find a job outside of academia.  What should I do?  Are there any fields of computer science that don't require you to be a Google level programmer but will still render you employable upon graduation?

Hi, I am getting a PhD in computer science but don't know what to specialize in.  I originally wanted to do machine learning but after taking some classes I realized I am bad at programming.  Then I wanted to do theoretical computer science, but after some reflection I thought I would not be able to find a job outside of academia.  What should I do?  Are there any fields of computer science that don't require you to be a Google level programmer but will still render you employable upon graduation?