<p>I applied to a few schools for a masters in applied math and computational science and have started to here back from them. So far I've been accepted to Penn and Georgia Tech and rejected from UIUC. I was wondering if anybody knew anything about either of those programs. The research at Penn is quite a bit more interesting to me than at Georgia Tech but I think Georgia Tech might be a more practical program. The program at Penn looks like it might be a bit small but I guess I'd get to take classes in other departments, such as math and cs. Of course I'm still waiting to hear from some more programs. So, if I get in anywhere else the choice might become more difficult. </p>
<p>Since both universities are quite reputable, it is really a question of which one fits your needs best. Look carefully at the curriculum and opportunities for research if that is your goal and decide based on those factors.</p>
<p>Given my research background in floer homology, contact homology, and computational geometry, I think Penn is the better fit. Between Robert Ghrist and Jean Gallier they do research in applications of all those things. A masters thesis is optional at both schools, but I would like to write one and with that in mind, I think for now I’ve decided on Penn. </p>
<p>I think I will hear from Stanford and Ohio State by next week. I emailed Stanford, they said my application is still being considered, but it hasn’t made it to the final round yet, which I don’t if thats good or bad. </p>
<p>Ohio State said they will decide very soon too. The program at Ohio State offers full funding for all masters students, which is pretty enticing, but also makes it very competitive. I think its also a pretty good research fit for me, at least on par with Penn if not better.</p>
<p>I haven’t heard back from NYU or Stony Brook. I know I’m not interested in Stony Brook anymore, I haven’t heard very good things about the applied math department. NYU of course is ranked number 1, but they said they won’t decide until April.</p>
<p>I got into NYU and Stony Brook. Still no news from Ohio State. </p>
<p>Honestly, Penn is the better fit, but NYU is the best for applied math. I don’t know what to do. </p>
<p>Are you funded at any of these schools?
Stanford is a giant among schools in terms of computations in general (though I don’t know much about their computational biology group), particularly for computational physics. I’m not familiar with any of the other schools. The computing facilities at Stanford are just amazing, and are probably unparalleled in academia (at least in the US). </p>
<p>I would go with the better fit if you are pretty much guaranteed a Thesis with one of the faculty you listed. If it is a coursework only program you are better off in the best program (by whatever metric you choose to follow).</p>
<p>Only Ohio State guarantees funding for a masters. The rest don’t offer any funding. But money isn’t really a problem as I’ve been working for the past year and graduated from undergrad with no debt. I didn’t get into Stanford. </p>
<p>I think its come down to NYU and UPenn. Honestly, I think Penn is the better fit. At NYU you either do a thesis or a capstone project, I don’t know really know who I would work with though.</p>
<p>I don’t really think I would get much out of the program at NYU. I’ve already taken many of the required courses on their list, like numerical methods, algorithms, programming languages, open source tools, and graphics, so I would basically be retaking them. </p>
<p>I’d really to continue doing research during my masters because I may decide I want to go for a PhD in another year. </p>
<p>You have your answer then…</p>