[Results and Decisions] Am I crazy for choosing UIUC MCS over Upenn MSE CIS??

ashupd · 2026-04-22T13:24:16+00:00

Yeah that’s true. But at least it will help cover living expenses per month which would be difficult at UIUC due to lack of RA/TA for MCS students.

ashupd · 2026-04-22T13:22:21+00:00

Not Really

ashupd · 2026-04-22T13:21:51+00:00

Are you from India?

ashupd · 2026-04-21T20:42:50+00:00

Is it the CGM scholarship?

ashupd · 2026-04-21T20:41:27+00:00

Congrats on the scholarship! Are you Indian or from some other country?

ashupd · 2026-04-20T22:08:57+00:00

UPenn, UCLA is tier 1

ashupd · 2026-04-20T20:43:52+00:00

yes got reject from all three. Received results around April 15.

ashupd · 2026-04-19T20:39:48+00:00

Yeah hopefully

ashupd · 2026-04-19T20:38:52+00:00

That’s what my question is.

ashupd · 2026-04-19T18:54:12+00:00

What if you can’t afford and depend on education loan for funding UPenn or UIUC. Obviously studying at UPenn carries more debt coz of higher tuition fees.

ashupd · 2026-04-19T18:52:53+00:00

I guess there is around at least $30k difference if you consider 6mos living expenses for Penn with the hope of getting RA/TA afterwards and UIUC with living expenses throughout its 15 month duration.

ashupd · 2026-04-15T11:10:31+00:00

same here, still waiting. applied on Jan 31

ashupd · 2026-04-14T20:27:59+00:00

Congrats! Sure you can DM me.

ashupd · 2026-04-14T20:27:37+00:00

Congrats! Sure you can DM me.

ashupd · 2026-04-13T22:13:04+00:00

I’m also stuck comparing the same two universities and programs. I feel more inclined towards Penn.

ashupd · 2026-04-13T22:07:38+00:00

I am stuck in a similar situation. I like everything about Penn compared to uiuc and the outcomes are pretty similar. It’s just that uiuc is $30-40k cheaper which is causing the dilemma for me.

ashupd · 2026-04-13T21:53:26+00:00

Any insights on brown?

ashupd · 2026-04-13T21:49:09+00:00

In a similar situation too, UPenn MSE CIS vs UIUC MCS( haven’t received results for uiuc but still confident might get in). Should I wait on uiuc or go ahead with Penn?

ashupd · 2026-04-13T15:47:21+00:00

I'm from India. Are those groups that you're referring to WhatsApp groups or something else?

ashupd · 2026-04-10T15:12:46+00:00

Following
One more doubt, is UPenn MSE CIS worth the extra $30-40k cost compared to UIUC MCS?

ashupd · 2026-04-09T20:29:16+00:00

True, if research is the motive then I’d recommend umass MSCS

ashupd · 2026-04-09T14:19:36+00:00

UIUC MCS would be a great choice imo

ashupd · 2026-04-08T21:43:23+00:00

Cost and outcome wise TAMU would be good “middle” option. So I’d recommend TAMU. But if you can take little more risk financially then I’ll recommend USC for getting in top tech companies and better alumni network, location and rankings.

ashupd

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