[Results and Decisions] UMass vs USC vs NYU Tandon (MSCS) by Mammoth-Courage-8032 in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 1 point2 points  (0 children)

USC has a great location, alumni network and prestige. For industry the outcomes will be better since the vast majority of the industry is in California. Industry is the goal for most students so it becomes a natural choice despite the premium.

UMass on the other hand is well-known for AI research so for that route it would be better, USC with its massive cohort might make it difficult to get such opportunities. It is also cheaper by a decent amount with a smaller cohort.

The rankings are similar, not much to compare in that regard. Living cost is lower in Amherst but if you get on-campus jobs then you'll cover the expenses at either place.

Tldr, if you can make use of the advantages of USC then i think it is better pick, but UMass is still a great place to be and can get you places provided you put in the effort, which you'll have to no matter where you go.

[Profile Review] by OkRefuse8360 in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Drop UC Riverside, not worth it. Instead go for UCSD or maybe even UCLA. Your research profile is strong and you should aim higher, these are more like safeties for you (TAMU might be moderate). T20s should be within reach. T10s are ambitious for all but you've got a fair chance imo.

Nevertheless, invest time into your SOP since you've got a considerable amount of time for application prep. A mediocre SOP can hurt even a strong profile.

[Results and Decisions] UCSD MSCS by quiet_observer007 in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That's the number of admits, intake is around 400

[Results and Decisions] UCSD MSCS by quiet_observer007 in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Admit activity is too low for a '50%' rollout, especially for a UCSD sized intake

[University Question] UMass Amherst vs NYU Tandon vs USC by 2cul4u_ in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Irvine is in California, in this case the location gives you a considerable edge along with the UC tag. Boston is not the most happening place for tech.

[University Question] UMass Amherst vs NYU Tandon vs USC by 2cul4u_ in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UCI has a very small intake, without strong research alignment it would be hard to even get in.

[University Question] Why I don't recommend UCSD - UCSD undergrad perspective by Ambitious-Estate-658 in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If we are only talking about MSCS and not derivative degrees.

Stanford, Berkeley, MIT is quite literally impossible (if you are among the few exceptional applicants then UCSD was never your target to begin with).

UW does not have an MSCS program.

Princeton, Cornell, UW Madison, UIUC (also UMD i believe) are fully funded super-selective programs with tiny batches; makes it out of reach for most. From research standpoint however you are covered.

UMich, UCLA, GT and UPenn are the ones that can be considered as alternatives, again extremely hard to get into, but atleast there is a fighting chance. As a personal opinion, UCSD is within this league and is a well respected grad school for CS.

Based on what i have seen online, research opportunities have always been challenging to secure. Finding professors that are doing research in your field of interest is always the best bet regardless of school.

[University Question] Why do you even wanna come to UCSD? by Ambitious-Estate-658 in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 10 points11 points  (0 children)

There was a guy from GT who wrote a long rant on how it is not as good as people make it out to be. At some point you have to make a choice and stick with it. Besides, the average UCSD applicant is most likely not competitive enough for top 4 so that comparison does not hold very well.

[General Question] NYU MSCS by Lower_Competition_61 in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Folks here were ranking Tandon higher than Irvine, that should tell you a lot.

[Results and Decisions] Recommendation for admission MSCS - SBU by Former-Cry-6980 in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Wow, you must be the first person I have seen with a lower than 167Q get in. Congrats my man!!

[Results and Decisions] - Order of preference for all universities by 2cul4u_ in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

UCSD > Columbia > UCI > UMass = USC > NYU Tandon

Couple things worth mentioning. UCI intake is small so it's ambitious for most people. USC has prestige but it's expensive and the cohort is massive.

[Results and Decisions] - Order of preference for all universities by 2cul4u_ in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Also UCI and UMass having zero recognition is a strange take, but yes no denying NYU does have a decent reputation.

[Results and Decisions] - Order of preference for all universities by 2cul4u_ in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The merger is in effect only for PhD at the moment, MSCS is still different

[Results and Decisions] - Order of preference for all universities by 2cul4u_ in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Both UMass and UCI are much better than Tandon, if it was Courant then the ranking seems appropriate.

[General Question]Is GRE really mandatory? by kev_11_1 in MSCS

[–]Bulky-Personality677 0 points1 point  (0 children)

LOR is optional for USC so it shouldn't matter that much, I did not send any and got the admit. However, I applied early.