Penn State (CSE) vs U of Florida (CISE)

[andy2010]

Hey,

I am applying to PhD programs in Computer Science, and have narrowed down my offers into these two: Penn State and U of Florida. My areas are information retrieval, text mining, and machine learning. Here're the pros of each school.

Penn State:

- Contacted by potential advisors to join their research group

- RAship of 20K/year, working 20hr/week during regular semesters, 40hr/week during summer

- Ranking, reputation

U of Florida

- Fellowship of 25K/year, working 10hr/week as a TA

- Lower living expenses

- Location and weather

I have to send my notice by April 15, and still cant finalize my decision yet. I would appreciate any opinions and/or suggestions.

Thanks

[42horsemen]

I'd say Penn State.

[hkmousey]

Hey,

I am applying to PhD programs in Computer Science, and have narrowed down my offers into these two: Penn State and U of Florida. My areas are information retrieval, text mining, and machine learning. Here're the pros of each school.

Penn State:

- Contacted by potential advisors to join their research group

- RAship of 20K/year, working 20hr/week during regular semesters, 40hr/week during summer

- Ranking, reputation

U of Florida

- Fellowship of 25K/year, working 10hr/week as a TA

- Lower living expenses

- Location and weather

I have to send my notice by April 15, and still cant finalize my decision yet. I would appreciate any opinions and/or suggestions.

Thanks

[hkmousey]

I'll vote for Penn State.

[mrjd225]

I would say Penn State. Have you ever been to Gainesville? I'm from Florida and personally I wouldn't want to spend the next 4-6 years there. Plus, PSU is a better school. Good luck.

[newms]

I agree with the suggestion to go to PSU. I wasnt successful this year and am reapplying next year - could you post or PM me your profile so I can see if I would be competitive at those places next year?

[andy2010]

I agree with the suggestion to go to PSU. I wasnt successful this year and am reapplying next year - could you post or PM me your profile so I can see if I would be competitive at those places next year?

I am an international student and have an undergrad degree from Michigan, with GPA 3.73.

GRE Q:800 V:520 A:4.0

1 summer internship

1 summer research assistant work

Average LORs

I guess the trick that got me into PSU is that the profs who contacted me were in need of people to work for their ongoing project, and I'm fortunately interested in what they are doing. So...it's a perfect match up.

[newms]

I am an international student and have an undergrad degree from Michigan, with GPA 3.73.

GRE Q:800 V:520 A:4.0

1 summer internship

1 summer research assistant work

Average LORs

I guess the trick that got me into PSU is that the profs who contacted me were in need of people to work for their ongoing project, and I'm fortunately interested in what they are doing. So...it's a perfect match up.

Thanks. Best of luck to you with your decision and your grad studies.