Best University for Computer Science?

Reactor
Tue, 20 Aug 2013 06:57:28 +0000

A degree from a prestigious university is advantageous only when it makes you seem more smart or capable, just because of some word on a degree. Like “gee, this guy/gal has to be smart, if he/she got admitted to and went to that university”.

But e.g. computer science is not really about degrees or institutions. A degree does not demonstrate applied knowledge, expose your thinking or ability to work in groups or personal interests. It’s about what you’ve learned and what you’ve done on the side (project work is important, e.g. a GitHub profile can honestly be the best CV one has).

There are many good programs, mostly the “goodness” or prestige comes from the research that’s been done or the professors that teach or have taught there. Prestige of the institution is more significant in areas of soft skills (like law, poli sci, econ…), something where demonstrating knowledge or expertise is not that straightforward.