NYU Stern vs. JHU Engineering

Colleges & Universities New York University
1

<p>Hi there,</p>

<p>Today, I just found out that I was taken off the wait-list for JHU’s Engineering Program. My guidance counselor actually rushed into my class to go get and tell me about the news. I was just as surprised. </p>

<p>At this point, I had already accepted the fact that I was going to NYU Stern. I was not too eager, as Business involves a lot social interactions, which is not something I am good at. In addition, I was shot down that I could not study one of the subjects I loved in college: Science. However, talking with my dad really turned things around. After spending more than 20 years in education, studying science and medicine, which he undoubtedly loves, he looked at me and said, “I wish I had studied business.” He told me about the potential in the business field in numbers, “In business, you can start off with a salary of 80,000. The next year, you might have 100,000, and the next year, you might have 200,000 with a 2 million bonus. No other career but that in business, can accomplish this.” I could really connect with him since I used to game a lot. Four+ jobs: one is strong in the beginning but does not get as powerful at higher levels, … other jobs …, and the one related to business; one that is weak and unappealing in the beginning, but is indubitably worth it at the end. Of course, money is not everything, but I admit that it is essential in this life.
At Stern, I am in the heart of New York City, where every corner is flourished with internships and opportunities to network and create connections. It is without a doubt that Stern students will have the upper hand in working during their undergraduate years. I would want to major in Finance and Mathematics in Stern, and help my dad run his future business in cancer research. If I can save enough money, I can start writing books, draw, fund others…it just feels like in the long run, Business could be a great track. The one thing I would have to give up is education in Engineering.</p>

<p>But then, JHU gave me an unexpected offer. A chance to be part of their Engineering program. I love Physics, Chemistry … any Sciences, and Mathematics. In addition, Computer Science is an interest I have been developing my senior year. If I were to go to JHU, I would like to double major in CompSci and something else…possibly Mathematics.</p>

<p>To sum it up, I have the potential to rise very quickly in Stern, and secure future finances as well as study one of the things I love: Mathematics. At JHU, I will be able to truly focus on Computer Science, and further in my interests. Also, I have AP credits I can apply to either school. Depending on what I receive senior year, I will be able to apply a max of 32 credits at Stern, and 45 credits at JHU. I will want to graduate early.</p>

<p>I really apologize for the long post. The last paragraph should decently sum things up. =] I have until tomorrow morning to call JHU with my decision. If anyone could offer any advice about anything, that would be great.</p>

2

<p>The business industry is always over-glorified. While yes there is a potential to earn a high income it does not come easily. Very seldom will you start off with a 80k job, I believe more realistic numbers are around 60k and it’s doubtful that you will see such an increase in your paycheck that quickly. It is also doubtful that you will be able to apply that many AP credits since schools are typically stingy about that, wanting you to stay as long as possible.</p>

<p>Honestly I would go with JHU if I were in your position. It seems like more of a personal interest rather than a convenient option. Besides if you ever wanted a business education, you could apply to MBA programs with an engineering degree. A lot of financial companies hire engineering majors for their capabilities in mathematics.</p>

<p>This would allow you more options down the road I believe, whereas if you studied finance you would limit yourself from being able to take the engineering or science route if you ever chose to do so.</p>

3

<p>I had a somewhat similar decision to make. Let me tell you my situation, in case it is of any help. I was accepted to NYU Stern and Carnegie Mellon Engineering. Like you, it appears, I am not so extroverted all the time, and oftentimes reserved. Nearly all of my friends told me I would fit better at Carnegie Mellon as an engineer, since it just suited my personality better (not to mention the fact that I have a rigorous background in math/science that would allow me to succeed as an engineer). Some added that, especially in this economy, engineering was simply the safer choice (it is true that business suffers great casualties in times of recession, and engineers from top colleges are not as affected.) Others said that I could always go get a solid education in engineering, work a few years, get an MBA, then enter business with a technical degree - which packs a good punch. I thought long and hard about it for a month, and I decided to just go with NYU Stern - against the advice of 95% of the people I asked. I went with my gut, and picked Stern. I don’t know if I made the “righter” choice, but I know that there was no going wrong. Stern and CMU were both fine options (and Stern and JHU are also top notch in their respective fields). Just remember, there is no “right,” per se, answer. I say just go with your gut, and wherever you decide to go, make the most of it.</p>

4

<p>Also, and I’m going to be blunt; it would be easier for you to transfer back to NYU Stern than it would be to transfer to JHU Engineering. </p>

<p>But reading your post, it’s clear that you like JHU more than NYU. Go to JHU.</p>

5

<p>I’d go with your interest. If you are interested in something and good at it, your chance of success is much greater. Successful people, of course, usually do well financially. A survey a couple of years ago showed more than 20% of the Fourtune 500 CEOs have undergraduate degree in engineering, which is the largest percent among all majors.</p>

6

<p>to AoDay:</p>

<p>Haha he may have exaggerated a bit with those numbers, and yes, I do agree that Business is tricky stuff. Probably only a very small number of those interested in Business will actually succeed in it. I imagine that one would have to possess good social skills, and write efficiently for articles or other publications. At this point, I have neither, which would put myself in a very rough, and possibly unhappy start. However, I know that I can adapt to situations I am in, and might come to actually like business once I give it a chance. After that, I am sure that after 4 years in the Big Apple, I would have overcome such weaknesses, and my dad always said, “If you’re weak in something, take courses in it, study it, and eventually, excel in it.”</p>

<p>Like you said though…it would be difficult to take the Engineering route if all I have to prove is that in Finance. Ahh so difficult. Thank you for the insight. </p>

<p>to Nexxus:</p>

<p>You sound just like me. =] My online Computer Science teacher who did his undergrad and grad in JHU asked many people he knew, and the opinion was unanimous: JHU wins. My friends are all heading towards Engineering; my guidance counselor pushes for Engineering as well. Only my dad is passionate about Stern, and would rather I go there. You know, your last words are basically what I live by. Look ahead, right? =]
Can I ask how your Stern experience has been?</p>

7

<p>to missamericanpie:</p>

<p>It basically is a decision between what I like and what would get me ahead at this point. Blah. Thanks.</p>

<p>to Professor101:</p>

<p>Yeah I definitely believe that if you enjoy what you do, you will do your best in it. But what about the things that are new to you? That’s what I’m wondering about. Thanks for the interesting stats. I will keep it in mind.</p>

8

<p>

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<p>I’m going to find out soon… I’m an incoming freshman for the class of 2014 lol. Quite frankly, I don’t know if I made the right decision, but for me there’s no turning back :p. And I wouldn’t turn back even if I was given the opportunity, at this point (although next year may be a different story… I’m going through uncharted territory here.) The thing is, I have no idea what business school will be like - except for the fact that I’ll probably be able to keep up with the workload (it is generally agreed upon that engineering is more study-intensive, while appropriate background in the subject area and networking/social skills is best for business). You will have to have an open mind, and maybe step out of your comfort zone a lot (as will I, I suppose, but it is something that I am willing to try, although whether I will succeed is a different story :p. For some, it is extremely difficult to change one’s nature from shy to outgoing. Try to sense if you will have the potential to change yourself completely).</p>

<p>For what it’s worth, it is true that business can be like a pyramid at times… There are a bunch of people at the lower level, making decent cash, and as you go up the ladder, a lot of people get weeded out, and thus, the rewards are greater. </p>

<p>You don’t need to take your father’s advice - just consider it carefully. My parents initially pushed me to do engineering, but I chose Stern and they accepted it. I don’t want to point fingers, but he may be trying to live viscerally through you, since he “… wish[es] [he] had studied business.” Do what you want, and don’t look back.</p>

9

<p>sorry. got my words jumbled up :c. I meant to say “live vicariously.” yeah i’m a tool but I thought it would change the meaning of what I said.</p>

10

<p>Honestly, a JHU CS degree is easily more valuable than an undergraduate business degree from Stern – especially in these times. </p>

<p>More importantly, it’s not a matter of JHU vs. Stern. It’s a matter of Engineering vs. Business. You really need to figure out what you want to spend your life doing.</p>

11

<p>to Nexxus:</p>

<p>haha no problem. :wink: I just spent a good hour talking with my online Computer Science teacher, and it’s almost set. I think I might be going to JHU. =] If I went to Stern, I would have loved to meet you. Some of the things that you have said really reminded me of things I would say myself. xD Thank you for your words. Btw, watch out for that WTE that you will probably have to take. It’s notorious for bringing down GPAs. Best of luck to you at Stern. =]</p>

<p>to liberate: </p>

<p>I think you said it exactly right. Business … or Engineering.
___________________________I choose this one ^</p>

12

<p>WTE isn’t that bad it’s just a lot of work. Take David Ellis if you can and don’t take it with ConWest or World Cultures if you can because they all require writing essays and reading a lot of texts.</p>

13

<p>I’m glad I was able to help. I remember posting a very similar query here some weeks back, and others tried to help me as well. Just trying to return the favor.</p>

<p>thanks for the advice, but I appear to qualify to skip WTE and take Commerce and Cultures instead lol. Probably doesn’t change the fact that it will be a lot of work tho. :c</p>

14

<p>“It basically is a decision between what I like and what would get me ahead at this point.”</p>

<p>Maybe eventually have a lot of money doing something you dislike, or make a very comfortable living being happy. I think you made the right choice. :)</p>

15

<p>It sounds like you already know that you want to study Computer Science. At Hopkins, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your passion in CS and Math, and you’ll still be able to go to business school if that’s what you decide you want to pursue after undergrad.</p>

16

<p>to Nexxus:</p>

<p>I heard it gave out less work. :smiley: No sweat </p>

<p>to vossron:</p>

<p>=) Looking forward to a new path now!</p>

<p>to tanman:</p>

<p>yay ^^ The future looks bright.</p>

<p>Thanks again for all the insight and advice. =] I will be going to JHU. Best of luck to you all. ^^</p>

17

<p>Have you visited both schools? Academics are important, but you should really check out the environment and setting before you do anything else.</p>

<p>I visited both NYU and JHU and I found JHU to be oppressive. Despite it being a beautiful spring day, every single person was in the library, hardly anyone looked you in the eyes, and absolutely no one smiled. I crossed JHU off immediately after seeing this.</p>

<p>On the other hand, do not expect Stern to be cruise control to a high-wage salary, as many others have already said. If you are introverted, untalented in social interaction, uninterested in the material you will struggle and do poorly in business. You can’t force yourself (or you could, at the risk of becoming miserable) into a career-minded school like Stern with no interest in business.</p>

18

<p>I never really considered the social environment as a factor in deciding which college. I was always sure that regardless of the stereotype attached to each school, cool and interesting people will be there.</p>

19

<p>classic case of Business vs Engineering. Laanya, hope you can stay safe on the street of Baltimore.</p>

20

<p>Both are top notch programs. Its difficult to compare them because of the differences in structure and academics. It cannot be said that one degree is more valuable than the other. It totally depends on the person and what he/she makes of it. I turned down Cornell, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, UMich, UCBerkeley and CMU among others for Stern. A lot of my friends call me an idiot, but I wanted finance real badly and was not interested in a substitute at the other schools. I would have turned down any school for Stern except Wharton (where I was unfortunately waitlisted). If you want engineering that bad, go to JHU, doesn’t matter what anybody else says. Don’t force yourself into anything. College is more about you, not about prestige. And don’t worry about transfers as some have said here - Stern is tough to transfer to (not as easy as some make it to be), but you shouldn’t be thinking about that at all if you choose JHU. Choose one college, and stick with it, and never regret - you’ll do amazing for sure. Have a great time at JHU!</p>