UIUC vs CMU (MSCS)

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Hello, guys! I got admitted to UIUC this year. I didn’t apply to CMU, because, unfortunately, I didn’t have GRE and it was too late for me to take it. I was wondering whether I should accept invitation from UIUC or try my luck and apply to CMU this year (tuition fee doesn’t matter). About me:

  • graduated top university in my country, GPA 3.88

  • experience as a TA and academic advisor

  • 1 paper published in IntelliSys Conference

  • IELTS 8.5 and TOEFL 113

  • 4+ working experience in the industry as a team lead (which doesn’t rly matter for MSCS, but still)

side note: I also applied to Stanford, which was my top choice, but didn’t get in :frowning: so I’m contemplating my chances of getting in to CMU.

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So you got into one of the top schools in the country and you want to throw it away so you can apply to another, a different top school next year?

Will you stop in Las Vegas on the way, enter a casino, and invest your life savings at the roulette table - choose black!!

No - you should go to UIUC. You applied for a reason, you got in, and it’s a top notch, world renowned school. If you had no intention to go (if offered), then why did you apply?

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What would you do for the year? Does UIUC allow you to request a gap year?

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This is for a graduate degree, right?

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I’m sorry if I offended anyone related to UIUC! I’m very honored to get accepted. It’s just it wasn’t my first choice, that’s why I’m a little bummed, you know.

Since I’m an international student, I look at rankings to determine a university’s status, and UIUC is lower than CMU. I know, one shouldn’t trust rankings as they’re not 100% accurate. That’s why I’m asking the question here.

Anyway, thank you for your answer!

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Well, I would prepare for GRE and continue working at my current workplace.

As for your second question, I don’t think they allow that :grinning:

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That’s right, MSCS stands for “Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science”.

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UIUC is an excellent university.

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I’m not offended - I’m looking at it through the lens you need to.

If no deferral is allowed, then you apply to CMU and don’t get in.

Now what?

That’s sort of my point.

In the end, you are you - and you do what you think is best for you.

But it’s taking a lot of risk with a still small chance of achieving the target.

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Given your responses I agree with Thumper and would embrace the great opportunity you have.

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UIUC is very highly rated for CS, on par with CMU. Take the bird in the hand.

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Oops, meant to reply to the post, not @Catcherinthetoast indivdually.

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You shouldn’t use just rankings, BUT if you look at U.S. News rankings, CMU is #4 and UIUC #5 for CS Masters degree.

I can also tell you that UIUC has a lot of international students. Not sure where you’re from, but you’ll likely find many students from your home country there.

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Thank you for your answers, guys! I think I made up my mind.

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do share

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