CS PhD Decision Fall 2007

[hwassel]

Please help me decide:

I got three offers from UCSB, UMD, and Purdue. I am interested in computer architecture, software systems and programming languages and their interaction.

UMD is 2 years TA

UCSB is 5 year support and first year is fellowship.

Purdue is semi-official offer of RA.

Thanks and tell me if you need details.

I want to work in Academia after graduation.

[FreakingOut]

I'd go with UCSB. They seem to offer the best support, and Cali is a better place to live than MD and Purdue. How are the programs ranked against each other?

[hwassel]

US News Ranking is as follows:

UMD: 13

Purdue: 18

UCSB: 34

BTW, other offers most probably will be extended upon satisfactory academic performance.

[FreakingOut]

Hmm..in that case, I'd probably go with UMD. MD (the state) isn't bad--you've got Baltimore and you're pretty close to DC and Philly.

[hwassel]

Have you decided that because of the ranking? Is it that much important?

[molly]

Have you decided that because of the ranking? Is it that much important?

Well, you say you want to work in academia after graduation. If that's the case, the academic reputation of the institution does matter a lot, although if you have really strong professors in mind that you could would with at UCSB, then go for it.

You've gotta figure out what's worth it to you. I applied to bio PhD programs, which generally offer full support for the entire duration of the program, but I didn't apply anyplace in California because I couldn't see myself living comfortably on a 25k stipend there. I personally would choose Purdue because they offered you a research assistantship (for how many years, though?) and because it's well-respected in your field. Basically, I wouldn't go for UCSB, and then I'd pick between the other two based on financial offers.