Some of the schools released their decision pretty late, and now I have the following options:
Cornell Ithaca ECE MEng (1 year, but likely 1.5yr based on internship/project planning and my own pace/workstyle)
CMU ECE MS, 2 years, but it’s a deferred admission to the Spring quarter, so I would be graduating late by at least half a year.
UCLA ECE MS, the standard 2-year MS.
It’s a tricky decision because of the following pros and cons, so I wonder if someone could raise some new, critical arguments that would help me decide. I appreciate your input!
I’m international so any state resident discount doesn’t apply. The annual tuition is: Cornell ≈ $65200x1.5yr; UCLA ≈ $35000x2yr; CMU ≈ $54000x2yr; UCLA is still affordable, Cornell is a bit of a stretch, and CMU might just be too expensive for my family and me (would likely be in debt).
I do believe the ECE at CMU is really good, probably better than both Cornell and UCLA; but given the high costs, I wonder if it’d be worth it? In other words, masters from Cornell or UCLA should not be a bottleneck to a future career, right?
Between Cornell and UCLA, I’ve heard mixed opinions; it seems like Cornell is better but not many leagues above UCLA in any way. Where I came from (and where I may get back to get a lifetime job), employers generally like the “Ivy League” title, though personally, I don’t think it’s that much of an indicator for an engineering school.
I did not receive any scholarships (primarily due to international status); which of these schools may offer TAship oppotunities for Masters? I know Cornell MEng doesn’t.
How is it like to be in a huuuge University like UCLA? Does it mean super hard to get research opportunities with a professor?
I know people may not consider this a valid judging factor, but I really don’t like cold weather/places…been to cold places and every minute outside (irrelevant of clothing) was uncomfortable. I guess I can still bear with this if I were to go to Cornell, like how I have overcome other stuff during my education, but I don’t know if the extra prestige/title/any other return is worth it?
Are you sure youbhave the right costs for UCLA? 35K would likely be the instate tuition not the international tuition.
That being said it sounds like UCLA would be your best fit.
Thanks for your reply! Regarding UCLA’s costs, I was looking at this page, with “2023-2024, Annual, Academic Master” selected, which displayed an annual total of $34676 for non-residents. I’m assuming international students are paying the same as non-CA residents, no? (ofc just the tuition and fees, not including living costs like housing and food in LA). Do you reckon this number is right or is there another page where I should confirm this info?
Ok, I thought you meant COA - and there’s no specific international surchwrge indicated on the page it should be the correct direct costs.
You should choose the best combination of one that is most recognized in your country and relatively affordable. Since you don’t like the cold, Cornell would likely be difficult (it is not just cold but cold and gray for a very long time).
TAships would be offered at admission. You can also email the Dept. That’s where your TOEFL or Ielts, especially the speaking scores, becomes important.
Thanks! I guess I’m having trouble “quantifying” those abstract factors, like how much more Cornell is valued, or “how much happier” I would be in California not having to withstand cold weather etc…? Cornell indeed is not that small, but I found the faculty ratio to be 9:1 whereas UCLA is almost 20:1, which could mean relatively smaller in practice when I need to find researchship etc.?
Well most students have difficulty with that. Sometimes parents need to step in.
For example, DD was very happy to be accepted to Umich and Case. Eventhough I did not object application process, I was very skeptical that DD will be happy at either due to weather. DD does not mind snow here and there but she hates cold… So I as a parent argued that she will be much happier at Atlanta. I knew I was right when she sent me pictures in November how she is bathing in sun outside…
I also relied on my own experience and likes since I myself lived in cold places and it was not fun for me…
BTW we never considered CA, do you to cost of living and distance from East coast.
So you need to look at details that often overlooked by students, but are significant when you stay in college for 4 years.