joiemoie

Given that I've only done 2 years of undergrad before graduating, I'd like to take an additional year to have flesh out areas I've been lacking in some more challenging courses at a better ranked school.

Looking for industry, but would like to start my own company in the future. I've been accepted to those 3 so far. I'm still awaiting on UCLA, UC Berkeley, CMU, and CMU SV (all masters). I applied to BU Phd since I reasoned that the only way I might pick BU over the others was if I was accepted to its Phd program. Background: I'm 19 receiving my CE degree from BU this May. I'm graduating in 2 years due to my high school AP credits. I have no work or internship experience. Due to my unique circumstance, I have some knowledge and experience gaps, although I'm a quick learner. Here are my current thoughts so far: Phd vs Masters: 1. Fully funded + 30k stipend each year for 5 years for Phd vs Masters would cost 50k for 1 year. 2. Relative life stability knowing what I will be doing for 5 year (Phd) vs 1 year I will need to reevaluate what to do next (Masters) 3. Phd's are required for certain industry positions vs Masters where I can work for 4 years in the time it took to get a Phd. 4. Phd has a higher pay ceiling vs Masters where the 4 additional years of experience could match that. 5. Phd Stability + labs means I could use ideas for a company in the future vs Masters I could have more money initially to start a business. 6. I can pursue internships during a Phd vs Masters I can work right away. 7. Boston could get dull after 5 years (Phd) vs Masters is only 1 year. 8. Since I'm 19, a Phd could give me time to mature before working vs a Masters where I would be thrown into it right away. 9. I could still apply to a Phd after my Masters at a higher ranked school, but if I do a Phd now, I'm committed to it for 5 years. Specific School thoughts: LA seems incredibly fun, so USC and UCLA (if I get in) would be great. USC is in a more dangerous area. Cornell is an Ivy league so prestige name, but it is in a relatively small countryside area. CMU SV is located 10 minutes from a house we own and I could live nearby cheap. Also it's in silicon valley. UC Berkeley is top ranked (if I get in).