USC MSCS (Scientists and Engineers) vs. UCSD MSCS

[nl92]

Hi! I'm aware that these are common schools to compare but I need some advice based on my specific situation. 

I went to UCSD for undergrad. It was generally a good experience in that I was able to find my academic interest, make good friends, and have a decent social life, but I have always yearned for a more complete college experience with the sense of community and pride that USC students have. However, I feel like I am overlooking important points of consideration because I'm blinded by USC's reputation - what do ya'll think? Here are my pros and cons for each school:

USC 

Pros

- Industry focused: From what I heard, UCSD focuses more on theory and USC on industry. I experiences as an undergrad at UCSD have all be research, and though that I've learned that I don't want to go into research. USC (from what I heard) offers better connections and industry centric classes

- Location: I'd like to enter a creative industry so LA is the best place for that. I'll also be able to diversify my connections! I'm originally from LA, so I can commute from home and stay near family.

- Different college on resume: I personally feel like there's a stigma against going to the same graduate school as your undergrad school. If anything, I think that it's a contentious topic. I'd rather just go to a different school if both schools are similarly ranked to avoid the potential negative impression

- Different college experience in general: It excites me to think about being in a different environment - especially one with a drastically different reputation! I feel guilty thinking about this given I am not an undergrad anymore, but I also want to be able to wear a USC sweater for years to come and root for USC's football team. 

- Scientists and Engineers program: This can be a pro or con, but I'll leave it in the pros section as I'll have a blurb about it below. I only majored in a subject similar to CS as an undergrad, so I don't think I have all of the necessary foundations for CS. Having a program tailored for students like me feels reassuring

Cons

- Price: Without any external considerations, I'd be paying a 10-20 grand more for USC if we factor in housing. The main difference is that I can TA at UCSD to lighten the costs. My family can afford USC, but just barely, so price matters but is not a dealbreaker if it's worth it

- MS Specific Reputation: I've learned from forums that USC is known to be a cash cow school that is easy to get into. Do people actually see it this way? 

UCSD

Pros

- Price: Lower tuition and the opportunity to TA to lessen the costs as stated above

- MS Specific Reputation: Posters from various forums with this topic nearly unanimously agree that they would go to UCSD. Not sure if people answering those forums are biased, so input on this would be great

- Specialization: The USC Scientists and Engineers program only allows you to get a general CS degree with no thesis option. At UCSD I could get a specialization (though, I'm not confident that I will succeed if I just dive head first into a specialization). Again, I'm not looking into going into research so I don't think the thesis matters to me that much, but it's nice to have the option

Cons

- Don't want to be more repetitive, so I'll spare ya'll the time and just say everything I listed as a pro for USC

 

Sorry this was so long; this was a good exercise for me to organize my thoughts as well. For those of you that got this far - I appreciate you! Thank you!

Edited March 29, 2021 by nl92

[Akanksh]

Hey. I know  it's been 2 years since you posted this but I would like to know where you eventually went to and your experience from UCLA or UCSD.

Thanks in advance