Grad School Decision Help

[deep112890]

Hello Everyone,

 

I'm an EE student and I've been admitted to the following schools:

 

ASU (MS)

UC Davis (PhD)

UC Irvine (PhD)

 

None of them have promised me funding. So, what are the pros and cons of each school? 

 

I noticed that ASU is a lot cheaper to attend than the other two schools. So should I just attend ASU or is there a significant difference in the quality of education and opportunities that the other two schools offer?

 

[TeaGirl]

I wouldn't go to a PhD program without funding unless you're sure you can afford it because California is not cheap to live in and a PhD is gonna last for 5 years. Unless you have specific interests in an advisor or topic, in which case you should check the strengths of each university, overall I think ASU is the better choice here, and in any case, if you want to do a PhD you can always apply after your MS. ASU is better ranked than UC-Davis and UC-Irvine in EE and I think you'll have good opportunities post-graduation whether you plan to look for a job or apply for a PhD. The downside is you get a few months of really really hot weather in Phoenix.

[ArizonaState21]

ASU! I'm just finishing up my undergraduate work here and have never found ASU to be limiting. There are so many opportunities that if you are self-motivated and seek them out you'll make it an incredible time here. Cost of living is much cheaper in AZ and the area is really really starting to pick-up again for jobs. 

[efh0888]

My 2 cents: go to ASU for the MS, do everything you can to get research experience while there, and then apply to PhD programs in your second year.

[deep112890]

Thanks guys! You've my decision a lot easier.