I was accepted to Vanderbilt for computer science and I really want to go, but I’m having a hard time deciding whether or not Vandy would be the best place to study CS because it has such a low ranking in this field (#56). I was also accepted into UCLA and Berkeley for computer science. Can someone elaborate on the companies that go to the engineering and technology career fairs and why I should go to Vandy for computer science over UCLA or Berkeley? They all cost about the same for me so cost isn’t really an issue. Also, I am asian; I’m just putting that out there just in case ethnicity might be a factor in my decision. Any input is appreciated!
Search “vanderbilt engineering placement 2015” and you should find a lot of helpful information about where CS graduates found employment (facebook, faithlife, apple, etc) as well as the Q1,median, and Q3 salary
Vandy’s CS program is a relatively small program. In some ways this would be an advantage as you’d get to know most of your classmates. However, it is also a disadvantage as the course offerings and research opportunities would be more limited than those of the other two schools. Another thing to consider is that the number of students interested in CS is growing rapidly at Vandy, which is straining the department.
The CS classes would be slightly easier than at the other schools. Depending on how you look at it, this might be an advantage or disadvantage.
As far as the career fairs go the number of top tech companies present isn’t that impressive. Even if they aren’t present at the career fairs companies like Facebook, Google, and Microsoft do have events on campus and some Vandy grads do end up working there. Just don’t expect the recruitment to be anywhere near the level of the California schools.