Aerospace Engineering

[Prashanth Natarajan]

Hey all..

I just got accepted at Purdue and UIUC for their graduate program in Aerospace Engineering.

UIUC has accepted me into their Non-Thesis program while Purdue for its Thesis program. Both have not mentioned anything about funding.

I just wanted to know which out of the two schools would be the better choice?

Thanks

Prashanth

[thefugu]

hi!

funny thing is I got the exact same offer ( no surprise since people tend to apply to both schools) !

depends on what kind of student you are.... I like deep heavy research so I'm heading to Purdue! UIUC somehow doesn't offer a thesis for MS students ( at least not me)

what's your specialization (or what do you plan to specialize in)? Systems/Structures/Propulsion/Aerodynamics/Controls ?

[xrsng]

Hi Prashanth and thefugu,

Congratulations on your offers, and I hope things are well on your side. I'm heading to UMich to do Aerospace. All the best in your studies and your careers...

[haypro]

Hello, I'm the midst of deciding between University of Washington, University of Minnesota, and Maryland-College Park for MS in Aerospace Engineering. They have all offered me a TA or RA but UW is the most generous and that's also where my heart is. However, I'm worried that UW is the least prestigious and lowest ranked of the three. I was hoping someone here could share there thoughts. Where they'd attend? Which school boasts the best AE program? Thanks.

[rieuk]

Hello, I'm the midst of deciding between University of Washington, University of Minnesota, and Maryland-College Park for MS in Aerospace Engineering. They have all offered me a TA or RA but UW is the most generous and that's also where my heart is. However, I'm worried that UW is the least prestigious and lowest ranked of the three. I was hoping someone here could share there thoughts. Where they'd attend? Which school boasts the best AE program? Thanks.

Is your username any reference to the SC2 player on team liquid? Oh and I would choose UMD in a flash. I think it's a much bigger department than the other two.

[m.giugno]

Go for the money and the heart. UW is always a great program.

What are you waiting for?

Prestige doesn't balance them at all.

[haypro]

Thanks for the responses. I am going to accept the UW offer. The decision is based on money but they are also the only program that has reached out to me. Minnesota has been unhelpful or non-responsive in their emails and UMD basically told me "There's no assistantships in your desired area, but you can work with so-and-so if you want."

And yes, my username is a reference to the sc2 pro hahah. Diamond terran here.

[rieuk]

Thanks for the responses. I am going to accept the UW offer. The decision is based on money but they are also the only program that has reached out to me. Minnesota has been unhelpful or non-responsive in their emails and UMD basically told me "There's no assistantships in your desired area, but you can work with so-and-so if you want."

And yes, my username is a reference to the sc2 pro hahah. Diamond terran here.

Diamond eh, props.

Are you sure that "you can work with so-and-so if you want" doesn't mean that "so-and-so" will give you a stipend?

[xrsng]

Thanks for the responses. I am going to accept the UW offer. The decision is based on money but they are also the only program that has reached out to me. Minnesota has been unhelpful or non-responsive in their emails and UMD basically told me "There's no assistantships in your desired area, but you can work with so-and-so if you want."

And yes, my username is a reference to the sc2 pro hahah. Diamond terran here.

I'm guessing it depends on what you wish to do with your degree (Job industry vs Academia), and if your selected school offers you research in your area of interest.

Sometimes the 'reputation' of your school doesn't matter... if you are happy with the department (prompt responses to emails by faculty) then that could be a good indicator of how they will treat you as their student.

Go with your heart, as I'm guessing you already have. All the best!

[AbaNader]

Some interesting recruiter rankings.

UIUC not offering a thesis masters means they expect you to pay. Do not expect a TA position in the first year either.

Purdue is the better school in Aerospace for sure. Again, do not expect a TA position in the first year (but try!). Since you are a thesis student, you may get lucky with an RA.

Getting funding at the MS level, especially at public schools, is usually difficult.

[Yifan]

Unsurprisingly, I am in the same position this year. Really confused. UIUC or Purdue, what should I choose?