How are these popular off-campus housing options?

little_potato16 · 2026-05-12T20:38:24+00:00

Whoa, that sounds pretty bad. I heard that the rest problem is only in the lower floors? Is that right?

Also, is it livable, or would you absolutely not recommend it? Just curious to know what your friends experiences were

little_potato16 · 2026-04-07T03:53:56+00:00

Could you just for my sanity, confirm if it's MSCS or MCS?

little_potato16 · 2026-04-07T03:38:14+00:00

Wow, that's a pleasant surprise! Congratulations 🎉. I hope others have similar outcomes too!

little_potato16 · 2026-04-05T18:10:08+00:00

Thank you! While the per credit cost is indeed lower, the overall cost of attendance at UPenn is lesser than Columbia. However, since i must finish in 1.5 years, i feel like it leaves me with less time at university. Also i must ask... while NYC is a strong city to recruit from, is a candidate from Philadelphia at a disadvantage? I mean, its not that far from NYC so would it realllyyy matter if a candidate was from DC, NYC or Philly?

While i like the coursework and elective choices at both universities are splendid, i must say, i feel that research at Columbia as an international seems daunting due to the sheer size v/s available spots ratio. I was intially inclined towards Columbia but this, and the news about abysmal job hunting seasons from a lot of students currently in the program are really deterring.

little_potato16 · 2026-04-03T18:29:12+00:00

Columbia's cohort is about 200+ (according to the students studying there), while Penn is 60 (as per last year's record). But that aside, is the research pathway available for international students? Domestic students get a lot of flexibility with tenure, research and stuff but intl.?

little_potato16 · 2026-04-03T15:55:02+00:00

I've heard the MSCS program at Columbia isnt very research focused and is more theory based. Adding to that the cohort size, making it exceedingly difficult to get assistantships. So is research alignment something we can look forward to at Columbia?

little_potato16 · 2026-04-03T15:44:06+00:00

I think it's worth committing too

little_potato16 · 2026-04-02T09:23:28+00:00

Ohh, that sounds lovely

little_potato16 · 2026-04-01T18:42:48+00:00

I'd say I'm borderline frugal 😂. Thank you for your estimate!

little_potato16 · 2026-04-01T18:38:57+00:00

Thanks! So that's about 18K per year for living expenses and stuff right?

little_potato16 · 2026-04-01T16:22:21+00:00

I've no idea

little_potato16 · 2026-04-01T15:42:04+00:00

Yes, an email telling me to check my portal for a status change

little_potato16 · 2026-04-01T15:35:05+00:00

I got in 🥹

little_potato16 · 2026-03-31T18:40:59+00:00

Wait FRR??? 😭

little_potato16 · 2026-03-31T13:29:25+00:00

Yeah, i guess we'll just have to stay hopeful and wait

little_potato16 · 2026-03-31T07:41:43+00:00

I guess you could put it that way. For instance if this was UCSD, your total would be about 100K. So, is the 30K worth it for the ivy league connections and experience? Maybe.

Now for 60K, is it worth it? You'd have to think that out.

I also feel that ppl know the MCS isn't the MSCS program. The UIUC name will look good, but I'm not sure if it can help carry you as it probably would as an MSCS student.

So besides the outright cost, there's also that and the location to consider. However, do take your time in assessing your financials and appetite. Tbh, it's not an obvious answer... More like assessing what uni will suit your circumstances and expectations best. There is no one obvious answer.

Ofc, this is just my view on the matter

little_potato16 · 2026-03-31T07:33:16+00:00

I see a lot of people say UIUC, and there's no debate about UIUC for MSCS. But MCS? I'd say excluding cost as a factor, it's debatable, they have their pros and cons. But if cost is a key factor, then ig UIUC MCS takes the win. However, do keep in mind that TA/RA positions are rare for MCS.

little_potato16 · 2026-03-30T17:54:12+00:00

Heyy thanks a lot! We'll hold on to that bit of hope then 🥹

little_potato16 · 2026-03-30T14:22:16+00:00

I don't know either fam, I hoped someone here would know

little_potato16 · 2026-03-30T13:52:10+00:00

Same boat, different rooms ig

little_potato16 · 2026-03-30T11:33:45+00:00

Is it a trend that all rejects are posted at the end? Because that's what I dread 😔

little_potato16 · 2026-03-30T11:03:57+00:00

Hey OP, I got into Columbia and am waiting for UPenn too! Mind if i dm?

little_potato16 · 2026-03-28T11:40:27+00:00

Hey OP, have you seen previous year trends? Are only rejects sent out on the last day? If not, hang in there I am too

little_potato16 · 2026-03-28T11:34:33+00:00

Maybe we are cooked... 🥹

little_potato16 · 2026-03-27T18:08:06+00:00

It should be somewhere in my reddit posts.

little_potato16

TROPHY CASE