@bogeyorpar - one year we carved pumpkins with the faces of the presidential candidates. We asked the kids to vote. Some got the big (fullsize) candybars, and others… were given the opportunity to vote again.
One of the two states with a Confederate flag on the state flag…
Not any more, @ucbalumnus . The flag was changed twice-- 2001-2003 (By Gov Barnes) and again in 2003 (by Sonny Perdue). The current one is supposed to be “inspired by…” the earlier flag, but thank heavens the awful “stars and bars cross” flag from 1956 is gone.
Yes I have been living in Texas for a long time now. I will be visiting both the schools soon.
Regardless, someone earlier mentioned that reputation is a big factor in grad admissions. Is that actually a thing? I am pretty sure the top universities understand how close GaTech’s program is compared to Berkeley’s (which the common person might not). If Berkeley will really make it a lot easier for me to get into the top universities for PhD (MIT, CalTech, Stanford) then I don’t think I will really continue considering GaTech. Regardless, from what I have heard from other undergrads/grads, reputation doesn’t REALLY matter and GaTech and UC Berkeley are awfully close (in CS/Engineering) anyways. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Its hard to predict where you can get into grad school. It will entirely depend on what you do in the summers during undergrad, what kind of recommendations you get and where those people went to grad school and who they know. Its rather political in some cases, who gets into MIT, its basically on a “we know this guy basis”, for some departments. There are standards say for the GRE. Here is an option to consider, look at taking the MATH GRE subject exam, you would stand out. Not every EECS would bother to take that exam. Take the Putnam Math exam is another way to stand out. GaTech has a Putnam math team and a class to learn that math. Its contest math, may not be relevant to most EECS careers, but its one way to stand out. REUs are another way. The types of jobs you get in the summers is another way. Projects and papers are another way. You need research experience to get into MIT, Stanford , Berkeley for grad school. Some departments at Berkeley take their own, check about EECS, they may NOT like their own grads or even force you to change schools. GaTech likes its own grads, for what that is worth, in EECS, but do not stay there, go somewhere else for a PhD. Also, if you take the time for a masters degree first, that will up your chances a LOT at places like MIT. This is because you will have a proven research record in doing a masters degree. Many international students take masters degrees to get into MIT today. Its one way in. There are few seats at MIT and they do not offer EECS masters degrees at MIT anymore, only PhDs. (unless you are an undergrad at MIT in co op then a masters degree is available.
I have to get some REAL work done, OP, but both schools have good reputations and you will have great opportunities if you go to either one. You will probably do a co-op if you attend Tech. Will you be doing that at Cal if you go there?
So, if you work for someone who has contacts at MIT, either at Berkeley or GaTech and they believe you are MIT material, chances
are you have a shot at MIT. Its all about relationships, your research performance, your abilities as judged by your research advisor. There is no easy answer about is Berkeley Better for getting in, maybe in some departments IF you work and do well for the person and they really really believe you can do a PhD then yes, maybe Berkeley may work out better. But what if the perfect fit research scientist for you is at GaTech today? You need to get along with your undergraduate research adviser, that is key, as well as working hard and doing outstanding work.
Compare the current Georgia state flag:
[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Georgia_(U.S.state)]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Georgia(U.S._state)[/url]
to the first national flag of the Confederate States (“the stars and bars”):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flags_of_the_Confederate_States_of_America
Remember, many students change their majors, so don’t plan your life around what you are currently thinking. And who knows what might happen for grad school. A friend of my DIL’s (who grew up in the Berkeley area) went to Naropa University for undergraduate and majored in Peace Studies. She then ended up at MIT (SLOAN) for an MBA and now works for Mckinsey. Who would have expected that???
@ucbalumnus -
The flag is off topic. All I can say is that it is , thank heavens, no longer the stereotypic stars and bars confederate flag, as I explained in my post #42 about the flag (and what the republican governor replaced the previous flag with after the democratic governor, and his flag, was replaced). You don’t need to pull up wiki.
Moving on…
OP- let us know what you think about the schools after you visit. I originally popped in to clarify that Cal in the east bay is about 2 hrs from SV, not the West bay/SF (unless you get stuck on the bay bridge instead of taking BART, LOL). The rest of this stuff is really beyond what you were asking. Good luck with your decision. These are 2 great choices.
Yes, I will let yall know what I think after I visit these schools. And regarding yall’s opinion of grad admissions as something depending mostly on undergrad GPA, recommendation letters and research experience, I completely agree with it! It’s just that I was alarmed by the statement that just having the name “UC Berkeley” would in itself increase my chances of getting in compared to having “Georgia Tech”. Thanks for your replies!
Bottom line, the differences in the programs for you aren’t likely to be dramatic enough to be the deciding factor for you. You are fortunate enough to be able to choose which is the best fit for you. Enjoy that!!
When one of my s’s was choosing schools, he was initially interested in applied physics, and Tech’s program wasn’t strong in that. At that time the physics dept at Tech had a more theoretical orientation. So he went elsewhere. And the school he chose was a better “fit” for him. And… he later changed his major to engineering!
@ucbalumnus - perhaps, since your grad degree is from UCB, you can share some personal experience/comments/suggestions for the OP.
Here are some clubs at GaTech that are really strong for Robotics learning, including medical robotics which is a strength at GaTech. Berkeley should have clubs like this too.
http://www.bmerobotics.gtorg.gatech.edu
http://www.robotics.gatech.edu
Solar Car racing team at GaTech-
http://solarracing.gatech.edu
And if the OP is interested in Robotics, both schools will have excellent resources. Tech has some nice programs where Tech students teach robotics to the local elementary school kids, but again , that is WAAAAAYYYYYY off topic.
Yea I am interested in Robotics, AI and HCI
@jym626 , Well, we have a different saying, “the only problem with Georgia is … it has an Atlanta.” Similarly, California’s problem is having SF and LA, Washington’s problem is having Seattle. If you exclude these few cities, all of these States are conservative! LOL. Last post on politics … way off topic.
OP, if you set your heart on PhD program, actually neither UCB nor GTech is ideal. You should consider some LACs. LACs will virtually guarantee you undergrad research (since there are no grad student) and professors know your name, your birthday, and what food you like. They will write excellent and very personal recommendation letters for you. The advising is also more focused on gaining admission to grad programs. You’ll have more support working on your GRE and GRE subject tests.
Am guessing you aren’t too happy with Washington State’s laws, @bogeyorpar
Ok, back to topic
However, many LACs are lacking in CS offerings compared to big universities.