UMD vs GaTech

[sakisBoulas]

What do you think guys?

I still haven't heard from UCSD, Harvard, Columbia, NYU, NorthWestern but I don't have much time...

[CountZero]

Which area are you looking at? I'm joining GaTech in the Fall for the PhD program in graphics, but I've been there for two years now as a Masters student so maybe I can be of some help. PM me if that's easier.

[ardi]

CountZero,

I am also interested in hearing about your experience at GAtech during your MS degree. Could you please PM me your story too?

[mnvovssn]

HI:

I am interested in your experience as a MS student in GaTech.

Could you please PM me your exp?

Thx alot.

[mo7aisen]

it depends on the area you will be working on but if you see the ranking only, GATECH is ranked a little bit higher than UMD

[finest_engineering]

Those are both great schools, congratulations!

No one can really answer this question for you. Here are some things to consider though:

- Which school has more faculty in your area of interest and how well are those faculty known in the research community?

- If you were offered financial aid, who is offering more money? Expect cost of living to be similar in those two places. Also, working as an RA really beats working as a TA. It will advance your degree faster and, well, TA'ing sucks.

- Do you have friends or family near either school? It isn't as easy to make friends in grad school as it is in college, grad students are older and busier. You will make friends though,but having a network around you is a plus.

- Both those places will have very hot summers, but Maryland has a lot colder winter.

- GaTech is ranked a little higher across the board.

- GaTech is an enormous school. Maryland CS/Engineering is a lot smaller. Size is good if you are not sure what faculty member or research area you want yet because you will have a lot of options. Size is annoying because you are relatively insignificant.

- Maryland is not as centrally located as GaTech. GaTech is right in the middle of Atlanta. College Park is sort of in between Washington, Baltimore, and Silver Springs. Both would be classified as suburban campuses, but GaTech is more urban.

- Athletics are gonna be pretty similar, both are strong ACC schools.

Most people would probably lean towards GaTech, as it has a little bit better reputation. Some of the more personal issues (money, professors) might sway you to college park.