UPenn vs. Boulder (EE - Semiconductor devices)

[FunkyMonkey]

Hello there, expert!

I got admits for a Master's degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and from UPenn. I'm interested in semiconductor devices materials and fabrication, a branch of electrical engineering.

I've visited Boulder and all non-academic factor are near-perfect (the best I can realistically imagine), academically: not-so-fancy, yet serious. Great Physics dept they got there. Met with a super kind interest-related Professor and is happy with their offering, but not wowed.

UPenn, on the other hand, is nonetheless Ivy League. The name has much more weight here, but not in Electrical Engineering as much as business and arts I guess. I'm still evaluating coursework and research relevant to my interest, although it seems that what I want in not straightforwardly offered. Will visit hopefully soon. Geographically it's better for me, but in Philly (a big city), and I fear it's one of those very old big loud cities (like Boston).

Funding will not be a problem, as I got blessed with a full-tuition government scholarship from my country.

Any input/suggestions/guidance massively appreciated! :wink:

[Stories]

CU is one of those schools that you move to because Boulder is so awesome. Well, that's all I can contribute to this topic.

[teaganc]

Personally, I love, love, LOVE Philly, so I would pick UPenn. Penn is not in center-city, and it's super easy to live in the suburbs and commute via regional rail if you are uncomfortable with cities. The areas surrounding Philly (except Chester) are great, plus they have wawa, which is basically the best thing ever. And if you want to go to Wilmington/DC/Baltimore/NYC/Boston for any reason, it's very easy.

[noojens]

At this point in your education, I think the reputation of your advisor and your department are far more important than the reputation of your school. CU may not have the Ivy League panache, but it does have a fantastic condensed matter physics group (with plenty of semiconductor expertise) and at least one researcher who's interested in working with you.

Bottom line: go where you'll be happy. The tone of your posts suggests you already know where that is.

[FunkyMonkey]

Stories: I hear you loud and clear!

teaganc: I understand your input, will take it as great advise from a local. Thank you.

noojens: Your words cannot be more useful and personal. You have rocked my thinking. I appreciate your input.