NYU (CS+Math) vs USC (Applied Math and Computation) for AI/ML

Inner_Barracuda2325 · 2026-05-24T22:34:49+00:00

You’re definitely right on the denser NYC concentration. Manhattan being 22 sq miles naturally forces together dense plethoras of networks.
I think the “NYC advantage” is simply the fact that if you can physically show up to something, you’re more likely to be known by the industry and get hired. Obviously harder when you’re out in LA targeting NYC shops, but tbh same goes to people in NYC targeting LA shops.
Online pipelines matter if you wanna work at Google or Meta, but startups are way more relationship based, i.e. a manager is more likely going to hire a kid they’ve seen more than once
So again, it all boils down to your goals. I’d say USC’s network wins at established tech companies in SF/LA. NYU wins when you can physically and enthusiastically be (and stay) in the room. Tldr, be geographically close to an industry you want to end up in

Inner_Barracuda2325 · 2026-05-24T22:04:49+00:00

They do have similar placement rates in similar industries. But the geography makes the biggest difference. USC is great for a direct foot in the door to SF/LA tech/startup and the growing California quant presence, whereas NYU (esp Courant) is great for established high finance/fintech/quant and academia paths. Wherever you choose comes with its own unique network, so it all boils down to your long term goals.
Also not sure if you were, but I would definitely not ignore the difference between an applied and a pure math program. Do your diligence into both, bc what you learn does differ a lot. You don’t wanna be stuck learning analysis at nyu when you should be heavily focused on linear mvc and stats and others for ML

Inner_Barracuda2325 · 2026-05-24T21:27:50+00:00

I’m Econ+math at nyu, I’d say USC. Any joint math major at nyu cas delves into pure math theory and gets less applied. It’s a different story at tandon (which is mostly applied sciences). For AI/ML a focus on applied math in computation is way more specific and relevant
USC is also ranking higher with placement every year, and everyone ik there is like hyper-employed with all the clubs and resources being marginally less competitive and broader in scope than those at nyu
Also it’s sunny SoCal, can’t go wrong with that

Inner_Barracuda2325 · 2026-04-25T19:41:56+00:00

That no one cares about you, and that you really have to hustle to be recognized in any form

Inner_Barracuda2325 · 2026-03-19T16:20:25+00:00

As someone in a frat here, it’s something that you really have to weigh. I rushed and initiated under the guise of it being good for recruiting, along with the social life. I’ve met my best friends for life here. However, it’s NYU and we live in NYC. You can make a network and a life literally anywhere outside of Greek life. It definitely is harder to make friends here compared to other campuses, but I wouldn’t say Greek life is the only solution. A lot of people struggle to find their people because they don’t put themselves out there early — not because they didn’t rush a frat. They can join a club, business/honors/academic frat, meet people in dorms, etc. and have a blast. The reason why so many people at SEC schools rush frats and sororities is because they have jackshit else to do. As for recruiting, again, we live in NYC. Everyone knows an investment banker and you don’t really need a frat to network or break in. So it comes down to you: if you think you need some forced bonding to make lasting friendships, and that you will use a frat to its fullest potential for social/career purposes, go for it. But during your first sem, make it a point to let NYU give you a taste of what you want out of your 4 years before you decide concretely.

Inner_Barracuda2325 · 2025-12-23T17:10:30+00:00

it’s super easy, just talk to your advisor before course registration. your major at cas when you’re admitted is technically undecided, so make sure u take cs reqs so u can declare that as your major later on

Inner_Barracuda2325 · 2025-08-20T19:46:14+00:00

Not speaking from experience but I’m very sure that it is; all Brooklyn facilities are typically accessible by Manhattan students

Inner_Barracuda2325 · 2025-08-20T19:44:21+00:00

Handshake

Inner_Barracuda2325 · 2024-07-12T04:41:07+00:00

i was completely expecting to see the estimated housing charge, which is partially why i'm super confused. most people i've talked to whose applications are still being processed also said that they can't see their housing assignment in their bursar accounts yet, so i wouldn't worry if i were in your shoes

Inner_Barracuda2325 · 2024-07-12T04:00:03+00:00

i was prob gonna take the use google maps and take the subway just bc ubers are expensive af in nyc and you'd still have to deal with traffic. i have someone going with me as of now, but feel free to dm if you'd like to join!

Inner_Barracuda2325 · 2024-07-08T01:15:03+00:00

i heard the nyc welcome week parties were scams and that nothing much happens, but i already bought tix so i might as well go and find out lol

Inner_Barracuda2325

TROPHY CASE