<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>I've asked this question on a different thread slightly earlier, basically I'm trying to decide between Harvard and Stanford for a master's degree. Harvard for a degree in Computer Science or Stanford for a degree in Management Science & Engineering, I was ultimately interested in entering management consulting, VC/PE or a startup (my own or someone elses). After finally getting over the Harvard brand and realizing that Stanford's program is much more catered towards my interests, I just received news that I'm prob getting a scholarship from Harvard for 25K which now makes things quite difficult. I am now very torn, honestly, its not even about the money because I was willing to take the loans out anyways, but its more about the venerable award and pride associated with the scholarship. </p>
<p>Any suggestions would be appreciated...</p>
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I was ultimately interested in entering management consulting, VC/PE or a startup (my own or someone elses).
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Both degrees will get your foot in the door to your job interests.</p>
<p>Harvard and Stanford both have the strongest educational brand names that will obviously play well nationally...however, it's mostly about the connections you make. Do you want to work in the Northeast or in Silicon Valley? Off the cuff, I'd say Harvard will have better connections with east coast-based private equity and management consulting firms. Stanford will have better connections with Silicon Valley-based technology startups and venture capital. But, like I said before, both degrees will likely get you to your ultimate career goals.</p>
<p>IMO, the $25K sweetens the pot and favors Harvard...(plus, you'll be legacy...;) ) Harvard + $25K > Stanford.</p>
<p>It is so tough to get into VC and PE that you shouldn't select your grad school by the off chance one increaes your ability to get into these fields (especially when both schools are near equal). 25K is a lot of money and most people would probably consider you a fool if you don't take it.</p>
<p>i dont think harvards name comes from its computer science department. if it was 25k per year i would take that, but in the scheme of things 25k one time isn't THAT much considering youre job prospects after graduation.</p>
<p>You may also want to find out if those elite firms actually recruit Harvard "MS" students, not just undergrads or MBA students. It seems to good to be true that you can enjoy the benefit of H-bomb through such backdoor.</p>
<p>I have a hard copy of 2004 S&P 500 CEO profiles. None of them got "MS" at Harvard; the ones that were Harvard alums either went there for college, law school, or business school. There are a few that went to Stanford for MS however.</p>
<p>^ I wouldn't call an MS in computer science from Harvard a "backdoor". Sure, it doesn't have the prestige of a Harvard MBA or JD...but, it has the same cache as a Stanford MS in "Management Science".</p>
<p>Well, everyone knows Stanford is a top school for engineering. Harvard isn't known for computer. I wouldn't call it "same cache", at least not in the engineering circle. I can't speak for the business types though.</p>
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Harvard isn't know for computer.
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Sure, why do you think they're possibly awarding the OP a $25k scholarship?</p>
<p>People aren't going to say, "Oh, it's a Harvard computer science degree. That's not really good." Management consulting firms hire lots of computer science grads.</p>
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I have a hard copy of 2004 S&P 500 CEO profiles.
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S&P 500 CEOs =/= venture capital or management consulting jobs</p>
<p>I would suggest you contact the department and see whether they'd be willing to give you more money--tell them what's on the table and they very well may be more generous.</p>