<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I've been accepted for both MS in Civil Engineering programs at TAMU and MIT. I haven't decided which to go yet(Although I've replied with a yes to MIT). MIT is undoubtedly academically more reputed, but its cost is no joking. I believe that TAMU's quality is also very good, and it costs way lower than MIT. The same amount of money potentially spent for MIT 2 yr study would amount to 4+-yr study in College Station. </p>
<p>I am not sure whether to pursue Phd in the future or not. </p>
<ol>
<li>TAMU seems to have its unique aggieland culture (since I am from CA, I don't know much about that). What is the life like in TAMU? </li>
<li>Also, what's the job prospect after graduation. Do TAMU's fame for its wide alumni connection in Texas and its proximity to Houstion help its graduates land a job with ease?</li>
<li>Is TAMU school life as competitive as that of MIT?</li>
</ol>
<p>What's your idea on this. Thx for sharing your opinion.</p>
<p>I can’t say much about MIT, but I’m going to TAMU this coming fall. </p>
<p>First, TAMU is all about culture, tradition, and there is a lot of fun there. I’d like to say 19 out of 20 people you meet will be extremely friendly. </p>
<p>As for the job prospect after graduation, it is a known statistic that TAMU has the second highest percentage in the nation of its graduates finding jobs. Proof: [Job</a> Recruiters Prefer State Universities Over Ivy League Colleges - WSJ.com](<a href=“Job Recruiters Prefer State Universities Over Ivy League Colleges - WSJ”>Job Recruiters Prefer State Universities Over Ivy League Colleges - WSJ) I guarantee you at A&M you’ll have a lot of fun, but you’ll also be working hard, and in the end you’ll get far with it.</p>
<p>Honestly, TAMU is probably not as competitive as MIT, but you have so many resources available to you that it’s probably advisable to go to TAMU because by being competitive and taking your resources head on at TAMU you’ll seem like a shining applicant to grad school, whereas at MIT you’ll just be another one of many applicants there, making it hard to stand out. </p>
<p>All in all, I’ve had a similar choice: TAMU or Ivy League-wise institution, and due to finance I chose TAMU, but the more thought I put into it, the more I feel that in the long run, I’ve made the right choice.</p>
<p>Gig 'em!</p>
<p>Howdy, russiaruns123! Thanks for your sharing opinion. I’ve seen that report from WSJ too. TAMU appears to be strongly favored by many recruiters in Texas.</p>