Help choose a school for Operations Research

[sn717]

Hi all,

I'm looking to pursue masters in the area of operations research and optimization. Pretty keen on doing research and will mostly move into academia (or a research-based job at the least).

I've been accepted into the following schools:

1. Purdue MSIE (Thesis track)
2. Columbia MSOR
3. NCSU MOR
4. UIUC MSIE

Waiting to hear from UC Berkeley (MS Program) and UMich (MS)

I'm extremely confused about which to pick. I've more or less narrowed it down to Purdue and Columbia from my current admits. Purdue seems to have a clear research orientation (but not in optimization), while Columbia has a very heavy focus on quant/applied math (research focus seems lower). The other aspects to consider are the location and cost. In summary,

1. OR / Optimization - Columbia
2. Research - Purdue
3. Location - Columbia
4. Cost - Purdue

I'd be grateful for any inputs you can provide! Do I accept Columbia ($4000 tuition deposit) and wait for Berkeley and UMich to make a decision?

Oh, and FYI, I need to confirm my decision with Columbia by this Friday! 

Thanks!

[gbl]

Purdue is definitely a better choice if you are research & industry oriented. Go for it. By the way, what is your profile?

 

 

Edited April 5, 2017 by gbl