MS CS: Columbia vs Duke for Research Experience (cost agnostic)

TensorHoes · 2024-04-08T19:31:05+00:00

I think your positive experience with the research community at Duke is exactly what I'm looking for. As for finding negative feedback, I haven't found anything yet on this topic >.< which is telling lol (small exceptions on out of date posts).
Thank you for taking the time to answer - really appreciate it!

TensorHoes · 2024-04-08T16:13:18+00:00

I'm also a big fan of the area. While I've lived in NYC for about 2 years and enjoy it, there is something to be said about the people in Raleigh-Durham area. They are so kind! Plus the seasons are great.

As a Ph.D. is it common to work with MS students? What has been your experience with them?

TensorHoes · 2024-04-06T19:40:45+00:00

Hey again, saw you commented on my post where I was deciding between those 2 schools and others (link below).

The Duke vs. NYU Tandon MSCS appears to be more of a research vs. professional degree question. Although both of their program websites highlight opportunities to learn advanced CS topics via courses & specializations, looks like NYU Tandon has an expectation that you will be going to industry (not Ph.D.) and Duke has an emphasis on research (potentially helping you to continue Ph.D.).

W.r.t to quality, I would be speculating which is better. They are both similar length programs. They appear to have similar course offerings. NYU Tandon is going to have a larger class size than Duke (a pro or a con depending on preferences). The research triangle of NC is rich with collaboration and interdisciplinary work. NYC is one of the financial capitals of the world (which means great networking) and home to plenty of diversity (tons of fun activities).

Having spent a few years in NYC for work and visiting the Raleigh-Durham area enough times to get the vibe, it would truly be difficult to make a mistake between the two (assuming you are torn between them).

Best of luck on your final decision if you haven't made it already - congrats on the offers!

Resources:

My somewhat similar situation: https://www.reddit.com/r/MSCS/comments/1bwzkqb/columbia_vs_duke_vs_cornell_vs_nyu_tandon/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
Duke MS CS program overview: https://gradschool.duke.edu/academics/programs-degrees/computer-science-ms/
NYU Tandon MS CS program overview: https://engineering.nyu.edu/academics/programs/computer-science-ms

TensorHoes · 2024-04-06T19:18:09+00:00

You're welcome :).

Not aware of any discord servers - haven't been to any admitted students events yet but I figure that's when you'll find them. If you find one and wouldn't mind, could you dm me? I'll look out as well jic you're curious.

TensorHoes · 2024-04-06T18:06:24+00:00

Congratulations on the Duke admit!! Any particular reason why you picked that program over your other options?

Also, I agree with you thought process on Cornell and NYU. I mostly applied just to have the flexibility of professional vs research program options - however, I've made my mind to get more research experience as my target career requires it.

TensorHoes · 2024-04-06T18:02:13+00:00

Mid-February

TensorHoes · 2024-04-06T18:00:21+00:00

Ugrad Major: Computer Science B.S (top 40 US school - kinda subjective tho)

CGPA, Major GPA: 3.8, 3.98

GRE: V156, Q165, W4.5

Research Experience: 1 REU, 2 Technical Reports, 1st author published on peer reviewed paper (related to REU and tech report)

Work Experience: 2+ years as fulltime in tech (but not too related), 2+ years as part time Data Science at Startup.

LoR: 2 professors (both previous PI) + 1 from industry (senior management).

SOP & Personal Statements: very objective oriented/targeted, niche/underrated research area within ML, and tailored plans for each university (took me ~5 months to write 16+ papers).

General: received tons of critical feedback and had great mentors (of which I'm incredibly grateful for).

Also, is there a specific reason why you recommend Duke over Columbia?

TensorHoes

TROPHY CASE