hey guys
so finally I’m stuck between these 3 universities.
uci
uc davis
and rutgers new brunswick
my major in computer science
which one should i pick
Are finances a concern for you and your family? They are all good, and so the choice should come down to which location and school appeals to you the most, or which will cost you the least. Rutgers’ main campus is in New Brunswick, which is a small-ish city in New Jersey. The town is nicer than many people will tell you, and there is rail access to New York and Philadelphia. Your department might be located at the Busch Campus, however (I know most Engineering/Tech programs are there), which is outside of the main city. There is free bus service connecting all the campuses. All their STEM programs are good. Irvine might be the best for Computer Science, but it is more of a “suitcase school,” with lots of students leaving campus on weekends. I have never visited the actual campus, but I know the area. If you want that perfect Southern California climate, Irvine is for you, although it is inland from the ocean. You will want a car, in order to get to the beaches or into LA (about an hour, or more in heavy traffic). I was surprised by how much I liked Davis when I visited with my son. The campus is beautiful, and the town has a very pleasant “college-town” vibe. It is close to Sacramento, and you can get to San Francisco easily for day-trips. The weather was beautiful when I visited, but it gets rainy in the winter (it is in the Central Valley agricultural region, not the dry, desert area), and can be brutally hot in the summer. Given its proximity to California’ farms and vineyards, the college has a powerful “foodie” culture, and there are some great nearby restaurants. It’s said to have some of the best food, if that matters to you.
no money is not a problem
and by the way Iam an indian
Congratulations! Computer Science admissions has become intensely competitive in the past few years. All 3 universities have exceptional computer science departments. You can’t go wrong with any one of these choices. Which is better? My sense is that they are equals. Summer intern opportunities, first job prospects, etc. will depend on how well you do at these universities rather than which one. They are all well known to employers of high-end computer science positions. All else being equal attending the UCs (either Irvine or Davis) may make it somewhat easier for you to get positions in California – either summer or first job, while a Rutgers degree would give you a slight edge on the East Coast (e.g. Washington DC, Boston, greater New York City).
A bunch of my family went to Rutgers (because they didn’t have other financial options). They all disliked the school and had some pretty bad experiences with New Brunswick. Of course, things have probably changed since then, but to me it really sticks out as the least desirable school on your list. I have to disagree with woogzmama - New Brunswick is not a very pleasant place. Definitely make sure it’s a place you would be okay with living in if you decide to go. As a New Yorker, I can tell you that here, a degree from Irvine or Davis would give you much more of an edge than one from Rutgers.
You can’t go wrong with either school. If money isn’t an issue, then it’s really your choice (or your parents’ choice). Rutgers is a great school but UC Irvine and UC Davis are great as well. I’ll second that New Brunswick isn’t the greatest place but Rutgers has strong academics and it carries an equal name for itself in the job market–in the Northeast and beyond.
Tour the campuses and get a feel for yourself.
money is not a problem
mostly I’m inclined towards uci because of job prospects and even the temperature.
do you’ll think my choice is fit
I’d pick either UCI or UCD for CS. Great location, but both have different vibes.
Can you visit?
I think UCI is a great choice, they have a huge amount of computer science professors and specialties. You just can’t go wrong with this choice academically. The nice weather and close to beaches is a plus. And the area is very good for tech. However Davis is a more traditional college life, UCI is a bit more commuter type campus where students will go home weekends. If you want a more traditional American college experience more focused on the campus Davis may be a better choice and still strong program.
thanks very helpful.