Santa Barbara vs. Northwestern for EE

[paridiso]

I've been accepted to both Santa Barbara and Northwestern for EE, could go either way on both right now.  In both schools the faculty member I would be working with are approximately equal in terms of accomplishments, although the NU professor is slightly ahead.  SB is ranked #16 and NU is ranked #31.  I'm interested in doing some work on the materials side in both schools, which are tied for #2 in materials.  I'm leaning towards SB because is strong faculty, record of entrepreneurship, and relatively close proximity to Silicon Valley.  In SB I'd be doing more theoretical work which I'd definitely be interested in, but am somewhat concerned about job opportunities afterwards.  In NU I'd be doing very experimental work and am very attracted to its strong business school, who I'd like to collaborate with in my entrepreneurial ventures.  

 

Any advice?

[ak48]

Beautiful California Beaches vs the Chicago winter....

 

Plus, SB seems to be more in line with your interest.

[jcperez]

Maybe both profs are more or less equal in terms of accomplishments, but which group's research do you like best? That would be a deciding factor for me. If you have the chance, you should really consider visiting both schools.

 

Overall, I would also lean more towards UCSB, but that's just me.

 

Just as you do, I am also thinking whether to do more theoretical or experimental work. I know I would feel totally comfortable doing theoretical work, but I would really like to have some experience in nanofabrication and optical instruments, for example. That's why I am giving priority to groups that let me do both kinds of work. I don't think your job opportunities will be heavily affected by that decision, though. I do have a feeling that UCSB would be a better choice when looking for a career in academia, but that doesn't seem to be your case.

 

Btw, which track did you choose at Northwestern EE? I am still expecting a response from them.

Edited March 13, 2013 by jcperez

[paridiso]

I visited Santa Barbara last month and my god that place is gorgeous.  I'm trying to leave weather out of the decision making process though since that's not the best reason to choose a grad school, although I would love to no longer have to deal with cold winters.

 

I'd still like to keep academia open as an option, in which case UCSB would be the better option.  I'll have both theory and experimental experience in both cases, but UCSB will lean more towards theory and NU will lean more towards experiment.

 

I chose the Solid State Physics & Photonics Track. I had a professor email me last week asking to talk on the phone.  I recommend taking initiative and trying to set up an interview with the professors you're interested in working with at NU.  Over there professors make the admissions decision, not a committee, so you should talk to them directly.

[Mecasickle]

UCSB is a great option! I was there interning at the ECE department last year. A great place with fine opportunities.

 

Another word about UCSB, it also has a growing tech start-up scene. I joined the NVC start-up competition and got second place with a software app me and my team created. I think UCSB for sure is the right place to be. Look for the professors though and try to choose which one is younger, that usually will give you a better future. When I was at UCSB the prof. I worked with was really detached because he was already chair and director of something really important and he wasn't really into mentoring.

 

Take out message from here:

UCSB has a great place for tech start-ups too. Check this out: http://tmp.ucsb.edu/nvc/

Choose the place with the youngest professor.

Regardless from weather and all the hots girls; you will never have a bad social experience at UCSB.

UCSB is ranked #1 in materials in the world I believe.

Edited March 15, 2013 by Mecasickle

[paridiso]

NU is offering me 200$ more per month and also has a lower cost of living.  SB is also much farther away from my friends and family which would make life more complicated.  However, SB is much more in line with my interests and I find the research much more interesting.  Do you think this is a justifiable reason to attend or should I go to the school that offers me more money? 

 

Thanks!

[tarrman]

$200 more isn't substantial. Don't let money rule your decision.

Being away from family/friends sucks, but you will meet new people and will be pretty preoccupied with school anyways.

Go to SB; I think you'll be happiest there.

[compiler_guy]

$200 more isn't substantial. Don't let money rule your decision.

Being away from family/friends sucks, but you will meet new people and will be pretty preoccupied with school anyways.

Go to SB; I think you'll be happiest there.

$200 is really nothing you should look into. It is just white noise.

 

If your interests are more in line with UCSB - go there!

 

You should also consider the POI in either schools - are they tenured, are they planning to retire? where do the alumni go and so on.