<p>Hello Guys,
My son got accepted to both Umass Amherst (Honors College) and Stony Brook for computer science program. We are MA resident, but cost difference is not huge and is not a consideration.
Looking at college rankings, Umass Amherst seems a bit better ranked and on top of that he got accepted to honors college. But my son is bit concerned about college/campus culture.
On the other hand SUNY also seems like a nice college and has a good CS program.
Does anyone has any ideas about their job placements rates?
Any help in decision making will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.</p>
<p>Honestly. From what I heard, UMass Amherst is the top collegetown in the nation. What ever that is supposed to mean… but most ranking have the school up there… So in terms of Campus culture its probably better than Stony Brook which is more on the quieter side but has. With that said though: I studied Computer Science at Stony Brook and graduated in May 2012. Its an amazing program, with great professors and great peers. Its a tough major but definitely worth it and Stony Brook has a top 40 Computer Science program. They are also building a brand new Computer Science facility which only will help to improve the program. </p>
<p>@ganju420 I’m in the exact same position! UMass Amherst Honors vs. Stony Brook.
What are you leaning towards?</p>
<p>I don’t know anything first hand about either school, but wouldn’t the honors be a great plus, earlier registration for classes is huge.</p>
<p>I don’t know, really @ddotjon . Do you think that’s a huge factor to consider?</p>
<p>My older son graduated from JMU, in 2012, he was not honors, but the honors students had priority class registration, and also a special dorm, which is usually really nice, because they want to bring in a lot of honors students. Priority class registration is nice, because you have a better chance to get the class times, or professors you want. He was always last time slot to pick classes. There may be some extra assignments for Honors students, not sure.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for your input @ddotjon , that helps!
@ganju420 what do you think? Do you think this plays a role in your decision?</p>
<p>I am personally leaning towards UMass Amherst Honors College, but my son is still not yet decided. We will be there in Umass over this weekend to attend accepted students program, so may be that will help. </p>
<p>Also, I did write an email to Umass CS undergrad program asking about their job placement rate and I am told that those who planned to work after undergrads, 93% of them had a secure job laid out by the time they graduated. This sounds good rate to me. Stonybrook did not even reply to my email. Has anyone else heard about Stonybrook Job Acceptance rates?</p>
<p>I saw the virtual tour of the Stony Brook campus. It seems more appealing to me than UMass’. Also, the student body is more diverse.</p>
<p>I vote for Stony Brook. (But I’m admittedly biased.) :)</p>
<p>Chris</p>