Im a future international student and I just got off the waitlist from Wisconsin Madison cs major! Now im really tangled and I do not know how to outweigh the pros and cons.
I think schreyer has great opportunities but on the other hand Wisconsin has higher ranking for CS and maybe a better student source?(depending on the ranking).
I really don’t know which to chose! Plz help! I’m also probably going to graduate school if this helps.
Is one less expensive than the other?
Not much difference, really. Both excellent programs. Each university is a national powerhouse for STEM research. Each is a large state university with plenty of inter-disciplinary research opportunities, internships etc.
Socially there’s little difference. The weather is similar. Is there a residential component to Schreyer? That might give it a slight edge. If not, then go with the cheaper option.
Its like a 10k difference so it’s not much of a factor
this may be a stupid question but what are residential components?
In that case, pick Schreyer. It includes a lot of special programs (the first year seminar, Leadership jumpstart) and advantages (priority registration, personal advisor, access to certain professional opportunities, possibility to take junior-senior level classes as a freshman if you’re advanced enough in your major and to take Master’s level classes as a junior…)
Residential component = the residence hall where you live with other honors students&the opportunities offered there.
For the same cost, I would pick Wisconsin in a heartbeat. Madison is a much better place to spend 4 years of your life.
@Eeyore123 , May I know how come? It it the study experience or campus stuff?
I recommend you disregard any graduate department rankings you may have encountered as potentially counterproductive to your decision, particularly since Penn State offers well-regarded undergraduate programs in computer science.
What’s a student source? Do you mean student profile?
@merc81 Sorry for the confusion and yes I mean the student profile 
By student profile, UW does seem to represent your stronger choice overall (though the scores in this ranking need updating, its ordering should remain reasonably accurate): https://www.businessinsider.com/the-610-smartest-colleges-in-america-2015-9. Nevertheless, the Schreyer experience and PSU’s notable CS offerings align well with your goals and interests too.
It is the whole experience at Wisconsin