UCSD vs. USC - Materials Science - I've been thinking this through...

[starofdawn]

Hey all,

I have been accepted to two great schools for materials science and engineering (UCSD and USC). It will be a difficult decision between these two schools, but I have started to weigh my priorities, and am interested in hearing your opinion.

 

List of priorities, in order of importance:

1. Research interests

2. Prestige of school

3. Funding

4. Prestige of program

5. Alumni network

6. Location

 

It might seem odd that the prestige of the school is more important than the prestige of the program. I decided on this because a MS is my final degree, I do not intend to pursue a PhD nor an academic career. Most of the job postings I've reviewed ask for a graduate degree in engineering - electrical, mechanical, materials, etc. I only picked materials engineering because it best complemented by undergraduate experience(chemistry). Therefore, I see the name of the school being more important that the program rank.

 

After adding weight to my priorities (research interest score multiplied by 6, prestige of school x 5, etc) and ranking each category out of 10 for USC and UCSD, UCSD earned 155 points while USC earned 96 points. The clear winner is UCSD, but this could change on a number of factors:

 

1 - I ranked USC very low for research interests because there is only 1 (maybe 2) professor that matches my research/project interests. However, if that professor wants to work with me, USC's score would go up.

2 - USC is expensive, but I applied for a $30K fellowship... if I get the fellowship, it would help with tuition costs AND future employment opportunities (so they said in the fellowship application).

 

Long story short - my priorities are a little different than some graduate applicants, and while UCSD is currently ranked higher, USC might shine through, depending if a professor is available to take students and if USC helps with funding. Even then... I don't know. This is a tough decision.

 

If anyone has insight to offer to consider in my thought process, it would be greatly appreciated. And if you've read to this point - kudos to you!

 

 

[CJim]

UCSD's reputation is more than worth it in comparison to USC in both the university level and program level

 

PS: I like your point value system - people should start to do this more often

Edited March 26, 2014 by CJim

[Rantar]

As far as alumni goes, the advantage should go to UCSD

 

In addition, graduating from the UC system is a plus because it will have a strong reputation perpetuated by UCLA and Berkeley alumni too (who would be more likely to hire a UCSD graduate than USC).

[starofdawn]

USC's alumni network far outweighs UCSD's. USC is especially known for having a great alumni network.

[Rantar]

I meant that UCSD has a better reputation in CA than USC. I am not surprised that USC has a great alumni network though.