<p>I've gotten accepted to Indiana University - Bloomington, Michigan State University and University of Central Florida. I've declined from University of Colorado - Boulder (Didn't hear too many great things about it), and have gotten postponed from University of Wisconsin. I'm going to assume just for the sake of making my college decision easier that I've gotten accepted to University of Illinois - Urbana and Florida State University.</p>
<p>I'd like to hear from actual people (not admins of the college) about what these colleges are like either from your own personal experience or from someone else's experience. I'm not sure whether I should stay in state (Florida) or go out of state for my bachelors. So far, I'm leaning more towards Indiana. I'm majoring in computer science if that helps anyone.
I'd just like to hear any sort of negative, or positive miscellaneous remarks about these schools.</p>
<p>All are pretty large state schools. I personally think that none stands out above the others except maybe U of Central Florida (a cut below the rest). If the cost differential is significant, stay in state. You can always move after you are done with education, especially with a CS major.</p>
<p>Regarding experiences, because they are such large schools, you are going to get a lot of varying opinions. You might go read the past threads for each school out here on CC, that will give you a flavor for what people have posted on in the past. If there is a campus newspaper online for any of the colleges, go read them – you can often get a sense of what the hot topics and controversies are on campus through those.</p>
<p>Money isn’t much of an issue. I obviously can’t afford it but it isn’t to the point where my family will have to live by paycheck to paycheck. My family and I are trying to create a financial plan.</p>
<p>Also, Indiana gives some pretty substantial financial aid, and I’ve received in invitation to complete a selective scholarship application so hopefully I got that scholarship. It’s possible for me to pay close to in-state tuition yearly with the financial aid that I hope to, and could receive. As for the other schools, the financial aid and scholarships aren’t something I’ve looked into intensively but it isn’t as noteworthy as Indiana so I’ve heard.</p>
<p>You need to sort out the cost and affordability of each (affordable, affordable only if you get enough merit scholarships, unaffordable) in order to move forward with your decision process.</p>
<p>From a strictly academic point of view, UIUC has by far the strongest reputation in computer science among the schools on your list. Unfortunately, it’ll probably also wind up being the most expensive school on your list, which may drop it’s desirability a few notches.</p>
<p>If I happen to get into UIUC, I’ll definitely go there in a heartbeat, however, it is a reach school but I’m hoping I’ll get in. I receive my decision on the 13th of this month.</p>
<p>Indiana vs MSU. Can’t go wrong with either. </p>
<p>MSU grad (undergrad B.A. and Masters alum). Great school. Great students. Great education. Great campus. Great sports and sense of pride.</p>
<p>I think Indiana has the same as MSU. </p>
<p>Things you may want to consider-
Weather. Not as cold in Indiana.
Accessibility to and from airport to school. Lansing is the closest airport to campus and you can get there by cab if need be. Detroit is a much bigger airport but further away. Indiana? Google it. Also go on expedia or similar or your local airport/airlines and put in some flights just to see how you would get there. direct? One stop?</p>
<p>Larger Jewish population at Indiana if that matters to you. </p>
<p>Indiana (and Wisconsin) are very popular schools for Long Island kids (NY) and MSU less so. </p>
<p>Good luck. I don’t think you can go wrong with either.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies everyone, I think I’m going to wait on Illinois and see if I got accepted. If not, I’ll choose Indiana simply due to the financial aid and scholarships available to me; as well as ease of travel.</p>