Materials Science & Engineering - Fall 2014

[2Naqiy]

I got accepted to JHU this week. Still waiting to hear from Uconn, UMD College Park, RIT, UDel, and NSU

[starofdawn]

Received my Stanford rejection earlier today - I think my decision letter has been available online for a while, but it was easy to miss.

 

I've officially heard back from all my schools - and trying to chose between UCSD and USC. Both have highly ranked engineering schools (USC ranked #11, UCSD tied for #14), both in great locations (I love LA and SD for different reasons). UCSD has more professors available that match my research interests, but USC's alumni network is very attractive (and one of qualities that I felt was lacking when I graduated from UCSD for my BS). Thoughts are welcome.

 

Additionally - does anyone have a link (or a list) of US World News & Rankings for Mat Sci? Their website only shows top 10.

[Bruin4Ever]

Received my Stanford rejection earlier today - I think my decision letter has been available online for a while, but it was easy to miss.

 

I've officially heard back from all my schools - and trying to chose between UCSD and USC. Both have highly ranked engineering schools (USC ranked #11, UCSD tied for #14), both in great locations (I love LA and SD for different reasons). UCSD has more professors available that match my research interests, but USC's alumni network is very attractive (and one of qualities that I felt was lacking when I graduated from UCSD for my BS). Thoughts are welcome.

 

Additionally - does anyone have a link (or a list) of US World News & Rankings for Mat Sci? Their website only shows top 10.

 

I was also making a similar choice between UCSD and some other schools. I would ignore the US news rankings, UCSD seems to not be a priority for them for very business-like reasons (their goal is to make people happy with their rankings to they make money, not to be truthful in quality). UCSD's program is very strong and I find their faculty's research to be very promising, they definitely deserve a much higher rank (and will probably shoot up in the near future). And I love the campus .

 

My sister got an amazing job at Intel coming out of UCSD for an MS last year.

Edited March 28, 2014 by Bruin4Ever

[joker88]

No no no no no please don't tell me I got rejected at UCSD...I haven't heard anything yet!

   

[Tatty]

Star, first congratulations! You asked about the rankings, UCSD #35, USC #39 in Materials. Maybe look at the cost to help you decide.

[heisenb3rg]

Currently deciding between UFlorida, Duke and Rutgers.  All masters programs, but Duke's is a MEng.  I've been told that for PhD your advisor matters more, but for masters, program/institution is more important.  With that in mind, UF provides me the best option right?

Edited March 29, 2014 by heisenb3rg

[starofdawn]

I was also making a similar choice between UCSD and some other schools. I would ignore the US news rankings, UCSD seems to not be a priority for them for very business-like reasons (their goal is to make people happy with their rankings to they make money, not to be truthful in quality). UCSD's program is very strong and I find their faculty's research to be very promising, they definitely deserve a much higher rank (and will probably shoot up in the near future). And I love the campus .

 

My sister got an amazing job at Intel coming out of UCSD for an MS last year.

Wow! I noticed from your signature that you were accepted to great schools (Stanford, Berkeley), but chose UCSD. May I ask why you chose UCSD?

[lihui]

Anyone got PhD offer from UNC, UC-Davis and Vanderbilt? Please withdraw them if you decide to enter better programs. I am probably on the waitinglist and it is approaching April 15. So worried now. Thanks a lot and good luck to all.

[Bruin4Ever]

Wow! I noticed from your signature that you were accepted to great schools (Stanford, Berkeley), but chose UCSD. May I ask why you chose UCSD?

I never once looked at rankings until after I accepted UCSD (out of curiousity). I knew just from word of mouth and talk in class which schools were best for Materials Science and Engineering. I went to the visit days and was very impressed by both Berkeley and UCSD. I thought La Jolla was so beautiful and the professors were very kind. The research fit between the two was very comparable, but I liked the faculty at UCSD a lot more because they seem very motivated in an honest way (not that I'm saying there is a dishonest way lol).

 

I am pretty glad and proud I didn't look at rankings. None of the schools stood out as "superior" in any academic or professional sense. To be honest, this is why I know rankings are very biased and inaccurate. The top 5 schools didn't impress me any more than the others. The only reason people think this way is because of a webpage.

 

Assigning schools a number is just insane if you take a second to think about it. A number can't represent a schools true quality.

 

Lastly, UCSD has a great reputation (even amongst the kids who only fixate on "the rankings"). I know I would I would be happiest there, where as I knew I would be miserable at a couple of the other schools which other people would likely have chosen based on rankings. A professor I know got his PhD from Stanford and said it was the worst 5 years of his life and I know he really meant it. I knew it was a great thing for me to pick my own school (and UCSD is no compromise believe me).

Edited March 29, 2014 by Bruin4Ever

[Grads14]

I never once looked at rankings until after I accepted UCSD (out of curiousity). I knew just from word of mouth and talk in class which schools were best for Materials Science and Engineering. I went to the visit days and was very impressed by both Berkeley and UCSD. I thought La Jolla was so beautiful and the professors were very kind. The research fit between the two was very comparable, but I liked the faculty at UCSD a lot more because they seem very motivated in an honest way (not that I'm saying there is a dishonest way lol).

 

I am pretty glad and proud I didn't look at rankings. None of the schools stood out as "superior" in any academic or professional sense. To be honest, this is why I know rankings are very biased and inaccurate. The top 5 schools didn't impress me any more than the others. The only reason people think this way is because of a webpage.

 

Assigning schools a number is just insane if you take a second to think about it. A number can't represent a schools true quality.

 

Lastly, UCSD has a great reputation (even amongst the kids who only fixate on "the rankings"). I know I would I would be happiest there, where as I knew I would be miserable at a couple of the other schools which other people would likely have chosen based on rankings. A professor I know got his PhD from Stanford and said it was the worst 5 years of his life and I know he really meant it. I knew it was a great thing for me to pick my own school (and UCSD is no compromise believe me).

 

I absolutely agree with you!!!! First, I have heard a lot of positive recommendations about UCSD! Second, I have visited the campus and it was not that big like Stanford and UCB but it was such a great and friendly campus!  I would feel very comfortable studying on UCSD campus! US News website is more opinionated rather than based on fact!!!

 

[Cmom291]

Excellent response Bruin4Ever.  I think people get too caught up in the rankings and 'prestige' of a program and forget that this will be their life for the next few years.  It's important to look for a place where ALL of you fits, not just your career aspirations.  I tried to get that idea across in an earlier post but you've expressed it so much better here.

 

I applaud your thinking!

 

Congratulations to everyone posting their acceptances!

[oldmonk2021]

Undergrad: Mechanical Engineering
Applied for: MS

Accepted: USC, ASU, UC Boulder
Rejected: Rutgers
Waiting for UFL's decision.
Research Interests: Energy Storage Materials, Smart Materials

Intend to take up a job once I graduate.

Any suggestions?
 

Edited March 30, 2014 by oldmonk2021

[joker88]

Finally all my results are out:

 

I must decide between UC Davis and UC San Diego.

 

Since I live quite on the opposite side of the world right now and I have never visited these campuses nor the cities where they are located, I need to make what looks like one of the toughest decisions of my life.

I have read about this 'San Diego good vibrations' from different people here and I am starting to think that this university seems to really have an edge over the others in term of motivation and love put in what they work on.

I know that I am the only making this decision but words of suggestion/help/advice/warning are always welcome!

[lihui]

Finally all my results are out:

 

I must decide between UC Davis and UC San Diego.

 

Since I live quite on the opposite side of the world right now and I have never visited these campuses nor the cities where they are located, I need to make what looks like one of the toughest decisions of my life.

I have read about this 'San Diego good vibrations' from different people here and I am starting to think that this university seems to really have an edge over the others in term of motivation and love put in what they work on.

I know that I am the only making this decision but words of suggestion/help/advice/warning are always welcome!

 

Congratulations! I have been rejected by both universities. Personally I think UCSD is more attractive and they said the campus is quite beautiful. Congrats again and good luck ! 

[starofdawn]

Finally all my results are out:

 

I must decide between UC Davis and UC San Diego.

 

Since I live quite on the opposite side of the world right now and I have never visited these campuses nor the cities where they are located, I need to make what looks like one of the toughest decisions of my life.

I have read about this 'San Diego good vibrations' from different people here and I am starting to think that this university seems to really have an edge over the others in term of motivation and love put in what they work on.

I know that I am the only making this decision but words of suggestion/help/advice/warning are always welcome!

Hey there! I've also been accepted to UCSD. I also went to UCSD for my Bachelor's degree, I absolutely loved my time there. There definitely are San Diego good vibrations, but the university is also full of extremely motivated, intelligent students. Although I must admit, I became frustrated over the constant competition and lack of night life, but I'm going back for my Masters!

[joker88]

Hey there! I've also been accepted to UCSD. I also went to UCSD for my Bachelor's degree, I absolutely loved my time there. There definitely are San Diego good vibrations, but the university is also full of extremely motivated, intelligent students. Although I must admit, I became frustrated over the constant competition and lack of night life, but I'm going back for my Masters!

 

Hey Lizzie!

In the past days I have been reading a lot of opinions and comments on San Diego as a city and on one side I picture in my mind this stupid idea of an awesome city on the pacific coast with its mexican spirit filled with happy and tanned people who love their jobs, but on the other side I have discovered that in the last years crime and unemployment rates have grown, people are moving away from SD as crazily high housing rents and pollution are making living there quite frustrating for people who are not getting very well paid (let's say more than 50K a year).

My research topics and my match with professors would be greater at UCSD than at Davis and I can't get rid of this sensation within me that UCSD is somewhat more renowned thus allowing me to spend my degree better in industries after my Ph.D.

But I definitely would hate myself if I had to live the next 4 years in a s*#thole for which I am paying more than half of my monthly income being stuck on campus 365 days/year for not being able to save some money for Spring-break or vacations.

 

I do not know whether I am creating too many doubts in my head or not, but what I know is that an opportunity like this comes only once and this decision will impact my future in a way that almost scares me...

[Bruin4Ever]

Hey Lizzie!

In the past days I have been reading a lot of opinions and comments on San Diego as a city and on one side I picture in my mind this stupid idea of an awesome city on the pacific coast with its mexican spirit filled with happy and tanned people who love their jobs, but on the other side I have discovered that in the last years crime and unemployment rates have grown, people are moving away from SD as crazily high housing rents and pollution are making living there quite frustrating for people who are not getting very well paid (let's say more than 50K a year).

My research topics and my match with professors would be greater at UCSD than at Davis and I can't get rid of this sensation within me that UCSD is somewhat more renowned thus allowing me to spend my degree better in industries after my Ph.D.

But I definitely would hate myself if I had to live the next 4 years in a s*#thole for which I am paying more than half of my monthly income being stuck on campus 365 days/year for not being able to save some money for Spring-break or vacations.

 

I do not know whether I am creating too many doubts in my head or not, but what I know is that an opportunity like this comes only once and this decision will impact my future in a way that almost scares me...

UCSD, UCLA, and Berkeley have much more known names than UC Davis. San Diego has a ton of engineering companies like Qualcomm, Solar Turbines, etc. As an engineer you shouldn't be worried about the increased income and opportunities for engineers in San Diego (where as others who likely won't make much money should be worried). You won't find many engineers living in the middle of nowhere, just the same as you won't find many non-engineers living in an engineering hotspot.

 

There are a lot worse cities to worry about for pollution than San Diego (LA for example) - UCSD is directly on the ocean. There are some parts of San Diego that are pretty ghetto (El Cajon, Chula Vista which are closer to Mexico than most of San Diego), but they are pretty far from UCSD. La Jolla is the rich part of San Diego and is very safe. Judging by conversations with people San Diego is a much safer city than LA. I think you're just being paranoid , San Diego is a pretty good place. Keep in mind you don't have to devote your life to San Diego, and that UCSD's name definitely won't restrict you from going where you'd like in the future. I talked to some of the current graduate students at UCSD and found the cost isn't an issue (sure it's not as cheap as Davis though).

 

I'd say go for UCSD because you seem to have a good research fit and it is a very strong name in industry. You're scaring yourself for no good reason lol - San Diego is definitely not a polluted crime ridden city like you're imagining (I personally prefer it after being in LA and San Francisco).

Edited April 3, 2014 by Bruin4Ever

[starofdawn]

... I'm sort of shocked that anyone can say San Diego is polluted and crime ridden. I grew up in Los Angeles, went to UCSD, now I live close to San Francisco. SD, especially La Jolla, is like paradise compared to those 2 cities.

 

The "everyone is moving away because of crazy rent prices" is not a new argument for any US city. If someone says that about Manhattan or San Francisco, I can understand. But San Diego? Hmm... I don't see it.

 

I'm someone who is not afraid to say: location is important. If you prefer a small town, Davis is the right choice. I've been to Davis and I loved it. It's a cute college town, very open, very centered around UC Davis students.

 

But I can tell you right now: San Diego is not a shithole. I can't wait to lay in the sun at La Jolla shores, to go beer tasting at Stone Brewery and Karl Strauss, and to visit museums in Balboa Park.

[Ceramist]

Anyone headed to RPI for MatSe ?

[Bhu_It]

Anyone headed to RPI for MatSe ?

 

Count me in.

[spectastic]

yea, location was probably my second highest priority in the schools that I've selected. I didn't pick UCSD because they had a small chem e faculty. proly should've looked up their mse faculty too....

[starofdawn]

yea, location was probably my second highest priority in the schools that I've selected. I didn't pick UCSD because they had a small chem e faculty. proly should've looked up their mse faculty too....

Most of the "MSE" faculty are faculty from other departments (chem, mech, etc). Really really small faculty, but also a small program (which would be a nice change from a huge undergrad population experience)

[youkabed]

Anyone waiting for Gatech?

I have emailed the graduate coordinator almost 15 days ago. Today, I received this email:

Unfortunately, we will not have a decision on your application in the near future. It could be as late as the first of May. If you have an offer of acceptance from another university, please adhere to their deadlines and be committed to your decision.

What does it mean? I am confused. I have already seen two rounds of admissions and a few rejects on the forum. I do n't know why it is taking them so long to decide? The deadline for this school was Dec 15th.

Please share yours. 

[heisenb3rg]

 

Anyone waiting for Gatech?

I have emailed the graduate coordinator almost 15 days ago. Today, I received this email:

Unfortunately, we will not have a decision on your application in the near future. It could be as late as the first of May. If you have an offer of acceptance from another university, please adhere to their deadlines and be committed to your decision.

What does it mean? I am confused. I have already seen two rounds of admissions and a few rejects on the forum. I do n't know why it is taking them so long to decide? The deadline for this school was Dec 15th.

Please share yours. 

 

Hmm, that's strange.  I think you're on the wait list.  They don't want you to wait if you have other offers, and they don't want you to change your mind on those schools.  They haven't made a decision in case they get less enrollees than they expected or get more funding than they expected.  At least that's what I got from that response.  I contacted UT Austin about my admissions and they basically said the same thing.  They can't make any additional offers until after the 15th, when they have a better idea about funding.  They told me to make a decision that's best for me given that information.

 

I think I've decided on UFL, the program is great and the weather should be pretty nice.  Anyone have any experiences with this program, either for undergrad or masters?  Anything I should consider before going?  I am also considering Duke for a MEng but it's really expensive and they're more renowned for their BME program than materials.

[kb1234]

I wonder why there isn't any buzz about Vanderbilt IMS. Their scholarly output is off the charts and for their size ,they are probably the best out there.