CS PhD (Theory focus): UMass Amherst or UC Irvine

[maa]

I really cant take any decision. Both schools are closely ranked and both schools have offered me guaranteed finance for four years. Both schools are good in my field. Being an international student, I cannot visit the schools physically. Any idea?

[router]

Irvine is in a nicer part of the world if you ask me. Not sure how much of a factor that is for you.

[router]

Also, according to Princeton Review, UMass Amherst students are not very happy there. Take a look at this (just put in anything that looks like an e-mail address; "asaklsdfj@aljksdfls.asd" works). If I were you I'd be leaning towards UC Irvine.