Hi All, We are trying to finalize between Purdue, Madison for CS. We are international. Any inputs on which one to pick? My kid’s dream was CMU and UMich where he is waitlisted, so he has no particular preference for any 2.
I believe Wisconsin has secondary requirements to get into CS, where as Purdue is direct admit. @momofboiler1 would know better though. If that is the case, I’d always recommend the certain path. Two good admits. Congrats.
Per this page, Wisconsin only needs GPA 2.25 in two courses to declare CS. Shouldn’t be too difficult.
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Much easier than engineering! MEs need a 3.2!
Yes thats what is very confusing about Madison , looks like anyone can easily declare CS as Major. So I am wodering if overcrowding will be an issue and also the class sizes. While most of the ranking site seems to quote Madison better. On the other hand Purdue CS seems to be highly selective
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Hmm! I see what you are saying. I hope someone familiar with CS at Madison will chime in!
I would also wonder if it’s difficult to get a spot in the two classes that are required to declare? They could theoretically limit it that way (although that wouldn’t seem very fair).
Or maybe Madison is a magical place where there is room for everyone who wants a CS major?
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I have a kid that just graduated recently in CS and another degree from UW. He came in with credits and never had problems getting what he needed. He graduated with both degrees in 4 years. Though he did do a couple summer classes. I think prior to him I did hear about some students having a harder time to get classes earlier. They have been working on it.
And that said, even though this seems like a relatively low bar for a very well prepared student, some students do change their mind or struggle with college pacing with math, etc. My kid had stats to apply anywhere and this is a rigorous education. I won’t be surprised if they change has CS students are admitted in coming years.
I will also say my kid was very well placed into a full time job and knows students who have been placed all over. Purdue is great too, I think you can’t lose with this choice. Good luck.
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Heads and tails, you win.
Both are very nice. UW is in a larger area (capital city) and with Lake Mendota…so the day to day options might be different and perhaps would factor in the decision.
Cost may also - as one will be less - that’s a personal call.
Good luck.
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They are both great schools but Purdue has my vote.
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What? It appears the OP is considering UW (Madison, Wisconsin) NOT UW Minnesota.
Yes, Lake Mendota is adjacent to UW Madison.
Thanks
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My DH went to UW Madison, in CS. Some went boating on the lake. Awfully cold water for much else. IMO not a compelling reason to pick one school over the other.
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The population of Dane county Wi is about 570k. That is mostly Madison and surrounding suburbs. It is growing like crazy. I am actually in Madison this weekend. It’s not NY or LA and I am living in a larger metro/city but it has some very nice urban amenities for its size and it is a capital city. The population of west layfayette is 44k and that is more of a typical college town. I am a Midwest person, people are out year round. Either way, get the right gear to enjoy winter.
Madison runs buses to Ohare and Chicago a dozen times a day. That said, I’m sure Purdue has decent bus service to a major airport. Chicago area is similar distance.
Not trying to say one is superior. Just that having visited both I do think the settings are not the same and a student may have a preference one way or another.
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Did you mean to tag me for some reason?
I agree that these are both great schools in very different environments. I’m happy to answer any Purdue specific questions you may have although my D was a chem E, not CS.
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