<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>TAMU’s engineering is good, if not great. All of the programs seem to rank in the top 20. But you’re talking about MIT! I’m a business major and TAMU’s business school is like 28 or something, but I would never turn down Wharton even if it cost 4 times more. A Master’s from MIT, you might end up at your dream job or even on Wall Street. </p>
<p>The scene is alot better than I thought, I grew up liking the longhorns which is UT. But, when I visited both campuses, CS was a way better fit to me. CS is much more laid back and spread out, which is usually pretty important for us Texas folk. </p>
<p>The graduation rate for the engineering dept. is more than impressive. At the grad level, I think the academics are more tight knit too. I seriously doubt its as competitive as MIT.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Life at TAMU is what you make of it. Anyone who comes here can enjoy the college experience if they get involved and make friends. It is a very friendly atmosphere, and by far one of the most tight knit universities in the world (There is a reason people say that once you are an Aggie, you are always an Aggie).</p></li>
<li><p>Jobs in civil are not easy to come by at the moment, and I cannot comment on the prospects 4,5,6 or even 7 years down the road. However, I know for fact that TAMU has one of the best career centers and alumni networks in the nation. That is one of the things I can comment on, and I would put TAMU up against anyone in that regard. However, when comparing to MIT, you will not have all of the same options after graduation here at TAMU than at MIT. MIT will open more doors, but you will have to put in the legwork to get yourself there just as anyone else would.</p></li>
<li><p>No. I actually do not find it competitive here at all. My high school life was more competitive than this by far. If you are someone who must be around competition to be motivated, then I would seek elsewhere. If you are someone who wants a more laid back learning environment that is also challenging, then this may be a good fit for you. If you meet people that have similar goals as you do (like I did), there will be plenty of extra motivation coming your way, and you will eventually be asking yourself why you would want things any other way.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>And one more thing:</p>
<p>If the cost of MIT will lead to any incurred debt, I would definitely take that into serious consideration. Loans of any size are no joke, and you cannot count on any education from anywhere to lead to a garunteed way out of debt.</p>
<p>thank you Derek, AggieEngineer! Your opinions are unbiased and insightful. I’ll take this into consideration.</p>