<p>I am a international student starting my college from fall 2013. I have got admits from SMU, Purdue & UCSD. I am very confused over choosing among them considering I will be majoring in electrical engineering (in case of Purdue it will be electrical and computer engineering). Please help regarding this. I have taken advice from quiet a few seniors and all have give contrary suggestions.
I am not taking SMU in consideration but among Purdue and UCSD it is a tough call both being awesome in electrical engineering.
Does being on East and Wet coast respectively make any difference in getting job? Which college has better co-ops and internships? Which college promises better placements? (ok not promises but which has better history in this?).
I am going from India to USA....the cost is also a BIG factor for my family (i have no scholarships from universities due to my late app.) So, should I not reject UCSD for this because later it will not be regretful.</p>
<p>HELP needed.
Criticism required for both (not biased criticism).</p>
<p>WAiting FoR YOur RepLIEs !!!</p>
<p>This is a tough one and I can understand your dilemma.
You won’t go wrong either way. </p>
<p>Purdue has a better reputation in the US buut San Diego (LA - San Diego corridor) is arguably the place to be if you are interested in wireless technology of any kind. I think you will get a lot more opportunities for internships and jobs @ UCSD. </p>
<p>My vote: UCSD</p>
<p>All the best!</p>
<p>Academically & based on world wide reputation - I’d say Purdue.
But UCSD has the lure of better internship/job prospects.</p>
<p>Might I also point out that after graduation, to continue working in USA - you’d need your employer to sponsor your H1-B visa, which(as I am led to believe) is becoming tougher and tougher. So if you have to return to India or go elsewhere to get a job, maybe the Purdue degree will be better.</p>
<p>If you plan on going to grad school after undergrad, then just choose the cheaper out of the two!! :)</p>
<p>Thank u rishav and chubbycheeks for your fats replies. :)</p>
<p>As, there is a quiet a good margin in money difference, I was looking forward for Purdue. But, do Purdue not offer good internships and co-ops? With this I will be clearing a big doubt for sure as in many post on CC and other than CC people have said nice things regarding this matter. And does academics in Purdue really tough? (hoax or fact ?)</p>
<p>I know UCSD is good for many reasons, the place is also amazing but, only the cost is taking me away from it. So, should I take the risk with increased fee?</p>
<p>And no one said about the difference between west and east coast :)</p>
<p>I don’t see how this is a west coast vs east coast issue. West Lafayette is nowhere near any coast and it is a tiny place compared to San Diego. </p>
<p>I am sure you’ll get plenty of internship opportunities at Purdue.</p>
<p>It’s nothing about east/ west coast. But, I have encountered many saying that irrespective of how good the other university is, one should always recommend selecting a University on the west coast. Why? The technical hub (Silicon Valley) is here, lots of job opportunities. Also, it is not difficult to find an internship in California.</p>
<p>So, I was wondering is it true?
Or again a HOAX !</p>
<p>@hereicome - You’ll get internship opportunities at Purdue. Good ones.</p>
<p>All we(I assume chubbycheeks is with me on this) are saying is that, as UCSD is in the Silicon Valley - you have a better chance of finding interesting? work for internships.</p>
<p>That said, there is no reason why you can’t study in Purdue and do an Internship in Cali. :p</p>
<p>Academics in Purdue is tough. As tough as that at any other reputed Engg school. </p>
<p>If money’s a factor, I’d choose Purdue over UCSD.</p>
<p>Rishav, yes we are essentially saying the same thing. By the way, San Diego is not in Silicon Valley. It is ~ 450 miles south. </p>
<p>hereicone2013, do you know which area of EE you are interested in?
What is the cost difference?</p>
<p>If it is in the $5k/yr range then go to UCSD. If it is $15k/yr or more then go to Purdue. Anywhere in between it is a toss up. That’s all I can say. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>@chubbycheeks - Well - it’s pretty close. :p</p>
<p>Purdue is better…go there…That’s because purdue is more reputed…has a better program and is known for its engineering…wherever you go for grad school…</p>
<p>Hmm…the cost diff. is around 10k/yr</p>
<p>Now, I guess with these suggestions I am settling with Purdue.
So, now I am hopefully gonna be a BOILMAKER!</p>
<p>Thank you all for all your replies. :)</p>