cicada2014

Columbia's MS in CS is not very well regarded (mostly seen as a way for foreign students to get Columbia name on their resume).
 
Both Umass and UoE are extremely strong in ML. Even if you got into Columbia PhD in CS you it's still not clear that Columbia PhD is better. Against MS it's a no brainer.

I've heard this year was particularly tough especially in areas like ML/AI which have gotten a lot of popular press. Many programs received record number of applications

For big data, UW PhD is better than Princeton PhD. For UW PhD vs Princeton Master's, this shouldn't be a question. Go to UW.

For big data, UW PhD is better than Princeton PhD. For UW PhD vs Princeton Master's, this shouldn't be a question. Go to UW.

Same. Had interview, no news. Looks like a reject. (Wasn't expecting MIT but the interview got my hopes up falsely...)

If you get the first author in ICRA and AI, then I am sure you will get in practically everywhere you apply. Actually even if you get one of those published as first author you will be competitive at all schools.
If not, I think you would still have a decent shot at top 5-10 schools

i think if you have a tier-1 publication you will be a strong contender. I've heard that they give MUCH less weight to lesser conferences/workshops (of course, it's better than nothing). You are also at a disadvantage because your LoR will come from professors who are not likely to be known.
 
Having said that, I would throw a couple of apps at the top 4 anyway.

Then MSCS makes much more sense. She would be miserable in a PhD program if she doesn't want to do research

Then MSCS makes much more sense. She would be miserable in a PhD program if she doesn't want to do research

Then MSCS makes much more sense. She would be miserable in a PhD program if she doesn't want to do research