- GT is OOS with no scholarships so will be around $50k. USC gave D presidential scholarship and Viterbi scholarship & fellowship so not a significant difference in cost.
- GT has a better name and rankings in all engineering disciplines but a much larger batch (I think around 1,000) vs. Viterbi which is not as well-regarded in engineering but has a smaller batch (410). Does that mean more one-on-one interaction with profs?
- GT appears to be much more rigorous and seems to have a reputation for weeding out students. Viterbi seems more balanced in its approach with an opportunity for a more well-rounded development.
- D is interested in aero/astro at this point but may change later. GT allows one change in major while Viterbi seems to be very flexible in changing majors. GT appears especially strong in aero/astro compared to Viterbi but D may not even stay in the major for sure.
- GT seems to have low graduation rate (perhaps due to co-ops) and high stress. D prioritizes acads but not entirely at the cost of socialization.
- Will the recent admissions scam at USC have a bearing on internships / job opportunities for kids entering now?
Overall, GT is a rigorous program with stelllar reputation but unless she is among the top/best students at GT she may just be another face in the crowd. On the other hand, Viterbi fellowship offers her a lot of benefits such as priority consideration for summer overseas program, international exchange program, special event invitations to network with faculty and company recruiters etc. provided she keeps her GPA up. Should these benefits play a role in her decision?