• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

GAH, University of Michigan is forcing me to make a decision

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
go to the better school... always!

Think of how much you will be making one day. (Hopefully it should be high or why are you going to school?) The price of education is peanuts compared to how much you should\will be making in the future.
 
Originally posted by: bobdelt
go to the better school... always!

Think of how much you will be making one day. (Hopefully it should be high or why are you going to school?) The price of education is peanuts compared to how much you should\will be making in the future.
Click to expand...

People keep saying this, but I don't think it's true in general. I was accepted to Stanford's graduate EE program, but with no scholarship offer. I also got into U of M, but with at least 2 guaranteed years of tuition waiver + living stipend. Stanford is ranked #1, UM is like #7. All of the big companies in my field that recruit at Stanford also recruit at U of M, and starting salary offers do not vary by much (if at all) between schools. I was looking at paying $50k+/year to go to Stanford, versus being paid to go to U of M. There is no way I would make up the $100k+ of debt incurred by going to Stanford just by the Stanford name alone. All of my undergrad professors agreed with me.

Granted the OP's situation is different - different field and the cost difference between the two schools isn't as great as what I described, but a lot of people in here are automatically saying to go with the higher ranked school regardless of cost difference, and I just think there are more factors to be considered there.

 
After talking to friends and family, taking long introspective walks, eating taco bell etc. I'm 70% sure I'm going to michigan.

So... what's this snow stuff?
 
I don't know much about information science degrees. So I didn't post here yesterday. What is the job market like? Are businesses hiring anyone they can find because there is a great demand? Or are the companies very selective because there is little demand and too much supply? If it is the latter, you may need school name recognition (sad yes, because you'll know just as much and be just as skilled either way). If it is the former, then go with the cheaper school.

But there is more to it than just reputation.
[*]Can you get a teaching assistantship? If so, those usually cover tuition 100% plus pay a small stipend. This might take money out of the picture entirely.
[*]Do you want to live and work near either school after graduation? For example if you really want to work in Florida, then a degree from FSU may have a better reputation than just about any other college. The opposite is true if you want to live/work in Michigan.
[*]College is more than just an education. Where would you enjoy living while studying? Which place will be more fun? Which will inspire you more? Do you want to experience life in a different part of the country, or do you want to be closer to friends/family?
 
Well lets compare...


Florida
Warm year round.
Beaches -> Girls.
Low Cost School.



um...yea what was that other option?
 
Originally posted by: dullard
But there is more to it than just reputation.
[*]Can you get a teaching assistantship? If so, those usually cover tuition 100% plus pay a small stipend. This might take money out of the picture entirely.
Click to expand...
In the engineering programs at UM, they don't usually support MS students by giving them Teaching Assistantships, you've got to be a PhD candidate before they'll give you money. I'm not sure what I.S. falls under.

The cost of living in Ann Arbor is pretty high. My buddy lives in a 2 bedroom apartment with another guy and I think they pay ~$450 each for it without utilities. I live an hour south of Ann Arbor and pay $700/mo for a two bedroom townhouse that's quite a bit bigger than his apartment.

Ann Arbor is a really fun town though. Lots of good bars and restaurants.
 
FSU all the way. Half scholarship is an insult; most programs offer full rides if you'll TA or be a research assisstant for 10-20 hours/week.

Screw the cold, I'd stick w/ FSU...also, you're close to it compared to Ann Arbor.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top