UPenn vs Rice for CS

alpha_lower_really
Sat, 17 Apr 2021 16:25:38 +0000

Intended major: Computer Science or something related. (maybe a minor in finance or entrepreneurship)

Career Goals: I have no idea. Maybe a Machine Learning Engineer later in life. Might completely switch plans and start a startup.

University of Pennsylvania

UPenn Pros:

Slightly Higher Overall Reputation and Rank

Selected to a great close-knit program – NETS

Good Aid (10-15k to attend)

Beautiful campus and excellent amenities

Larger CIS department so multiple faculty are researching the same sub-area- more options for research.

Slightly better post-graduation outcome ( marginally though)

Taking classes related to entrepreneurship or finance at Wharton.

Greater number of opportunities although they maybe are harder to take up.

Upenn Cons:

Still my more expensive option of the two by 10k a year.

High-stress culture, really rigorous

Seems like they care a little less than Rice for their students. (possibly because of the larger student body)

Rice University

Rice Pros:

Excellent financial aid (4k to attend)

Highly Respected CS degree

Happy Student body. (less cut-throat or stress culture)

Smaller Student Body

Warm weather! Very pretty city and campus. Location is becoming better for tech by the day.

Seems like they care for their students more than at Penn

Easier to Approach funding and other opportunities.

Rice Cons:

The lesser-known brand name. (marginal and not important but is sub-consciously becoming a factor)

Only 35 cs faculty so less diverse options for research. (though they have 6 people in ML which is quite broadly what I’m interested in at the moment).

I feel better cared for at rice, and more exposed to the world at Penn. I have excelled under stress up till now, but I’m kind of scared that Upenn’s stress will be too much, especially after looking up my classmates on Linkedin. I really love the residential college system at Rice. I’m not really a very sociable person initially but am extremely extroverted after becoming close friends. The 10k isn’t a huge burden since I can probably pay it off with internships or work-study but, I’ll almost be on a free ride to Rice.

I would like to know how much better is the CS program or academics in general at Upenn compared to Rice. Personally, I feel like I fit in slightly better at Rice, but think I’ll be happy at Penn too (I haven’t visited either so it’s just from youtube videos). Penn takes the edge on the Minor or secondary interest side though.

I have read the Cornell vs Rice thread, and it has helped me get a rough idea but it was kind of focused on comparing classes and comparing the cs departments and the SIlicon valley outcomes…some factors that aren’t deal breakers for me.