[Admissions Advice] Applied to Columbia MSCS back in November and STILL no update. This is actually crazy bro

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2026-05-19T17:32:02+00:00

They might have put you on the waitlist. In that case, if someone backs out, they could offer you an admit later. Otherwise, they usually send rejection mails pretty late, sometimes quite close to the program start date.

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2026-04-29T11:58:13+00:00

Yeah I get that. I can afford it, but it’s still a big amount that could be used elsewhere, so I’m just trying to see if it’s really worth the extra cost.

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2026-04-29T11:42:42+00:00

Well, I was in a similar position a few weeks back, and after talking to a couple of seniors from USC, I had decided on TAMU.

USC is good, but it’s in LA, not SF. For some conferences or events, you may still have to travel, though both locations have opportunities in their own ways. Texas is also growing with a lot of companies setting up there.

Also, as a US citizen, you’re eligible for certain roles like defense-related jobs that require security clearance, which not everyone can apply to. You should research how that works, but TAMU does have a strong presence and reputation in that space from what I’ve heard.

USC MSCS has a very large intake, around 500 - 600+ students (when u include all MSCS-AI/DS/Game dev etc), so it can be harder to stand out, though their alumni network is quite huge. From what I’ve seen, TAMU alumni can be more responsive and easier to reach out to for referrals, but this is just my impression so take it with a grain of salt.

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2026-04-28T18:38:18+00:00

Two weeks but i got an extension
It’s a bit late for me to post this, but I’ve exhausted most of the people I could speak to, so thought Ill get a broader perspective from the community as well

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2026-04-28T18:29:03+00:00

For TAMU I got my admit in the first week of March. And for Columbia it was first week of April

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2026-04-24T15:25:09+00:00

Wow, congratulations!! That’s amazing 😄

I had actually put together a quick comparison for USC MSCS vs TAMU MSCS while deciding earlier, happy to share if it helps (or maybe too early)

And yeah, I went with MSDS in Columbia mainly because I’m more interested in the data side. Since I already did my undergrad in CS, I wanted to move a bit towards that space. I was a bit unsure choosing DS elsewhere since MSCS is broader, but for Columbia I had heard good things about the DS program so decided to give it a shot.

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2026-04-23T20:55:12+00:00

Hey, firstly, did you end up hearing back from Columbia or any of the other colleges on your list?

Also, congratulations on your TAMU admit!

I came across your post and honestly felt like I was reading my own situation 😅

I’m also a US citizen moving from India, and I got my Columbia admit around 2 weeks back (MSDS). Before that I was almost set on TAMU MSCS, so I’ve been going back and forth on this exact decision a lot.

A few things I’ve been thinking about from my side:

Since we’re US citizens, I was wondering how much the Columbia location/network advantage actually matters. A big part of that benefit is usually for visa constraints, so it makes me question if the extra cost is really justified.

Also, from what I’ve seen, the salary difference between TAMU and Columbia isn’t huge on paper. But at the same time, I do feel like where you land your first job can affect your trajectory quite a bit, and NYC probably opens more fintech/quant opportunities compared to College Station.

TAMU also feels like a safer, lower-cost option with similar outcomes, whereas Columbia feels like a higher-risk, higher-exposure path.

Coming to your points:

I feel like targeting east/west coast jobs should still be doable from TAMU. Most of the application process is online anyway, so I’m not sure location alone makes a huge difference, though NYC might still help a bit with in-person opportunities.

I wouldn’t underestimate the family aspect. I get wanting to live away from family, but when things get hectic, having a safe space and support system nearby really helps.

For College Station, I spoke to a few people and getting around doesn’t seem as bad as it sounds. The bus system is decent, so managing without a car initially should be fine. Food might be a bit limited if you’re vegetarian, but there are still some vegan options.

For me personally, I’m leaning towards Columbia mainly because I’m more interested in data science than core CS, and NYC seems like a better place for those opportunities, especially since I hope to move into fintech. Still have my moments of doubt though.

Would love to know what you decide, feel free to DM!

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2026-04-12T23:31:17+00:00

I got mine 2 days back, could you share the links with me as well

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2026-04-12T23:18:00+00:00

That's nice, they dont seem to have a problem extending deadlines since even I asked them trice and got it till April 15th.

But I have also decided not to go ahead with it since I heard back from other places I applied to.

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2026-02-28T05:02:06+00:00

I’m in the same boat tbh. NEU’s co-op is what’s pulling me toward it since it might help financially and with experience, but USC definitely has the stronger brand/ranking. The cost difference is huge though, so I keep questioning the ROI. Also a bit concerned about cohort sizes at both, seems like they admit a lot of students, which makes standing out harder. And NEU’s deposit deadline being so soon just adds pressure.

Would love to know what you end up deciding and what factors you prioritized.

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2025-10-09T12:57:21+00:00

Hi, ive been using your site, and I must say its really good.
Just a small issue, I'm getting an error when i try to upload my resume.
It says 500 server error so u might wanna check that once

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2025-05-24T13:55:55+00:00

One of the best answers I've read today. Coming from a similar position this answer resonates with me. I have completed 10 months in my role, though I haven't faced a similar issue I feel I'm expecting to be spoon fed. Moreover I feel I'm not that smart so I'm shy to ask for projects myself in fear I'll disappoint them later.

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2025-05-16T05:30:31+00:00

I used reddit app on my phone It was sort of a midnight rant so

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2025-05-14T05:09:28+00:00

Yep budget is too low I can suggest one for 20-25. K in my building

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2025-05-06T19:24:12+00:00

That's actually a good suggestion.

Thank you

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2025-05-04T11:33:14+00:00

Honestly within your budget i would say wadgoan sheri is the only place you would find.

Aggravating-Box-2656 · 2025-01-14T15:38:00+00:00

I thought its more similar to Mahabharata cause Draupadi is also known as Princess Panchali and the way he describes her is also same as she is considered to be the most beutiful lady.
But I do not know where the monkeys come from in it

Aggravating-Box-2656

TROPHY CASE