<p>DS has been accepted at both and would be out of state for Georgia Tech. Cost is comparable thanks to merit aid from U of Rochester. There are obvious differences in size, weather and environment. Of somewhat importance to him is the opportunity to study music, which he could at U of Rochester. I feel that Georgia Tech ranks more highly in computer science, but is it enough to make a difference?</p>
<p>Here’s a grad school ranking: [GRE</a> Guide - Computer Science Rankings](<a href=“http://www.greguide.com/comps.html]GRE”>http://www.greguide.com/comps.html) Basically neck in neck at #28 and #30.</p>
<p>Another completely different ranking using google:
[Google-based</a> Ranking of Computer Science and Engineering Departments](<a href=“http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~remzi/rank.html]Google-based”>Google-based Ranking of Computer Science and Engineering Departments) which puts Georgia ahead.</p>
<p>You can play these games all night, I think if music is better at Rochester that should be a big tip in its favor.</p>
<p>Although Georgia Tech doesn’t have a music degree, they do have music programs. My son participates in both marching band and concert band. Their band is huge - 330 strong - and has great opportunities for travel including marching in the Macy’s Parade this last Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>Is your S competitive for Eastman private instruction by professors? If not, he should be content with lessons from Eastman students, including fellow undergrads (will be cheaper, of course). Even so, I think Rochester’s musical environment is a major plus. Speaking as a classical musician, I suspect that your S might want a musical environment different from that of a huge marching band. (Of course, I also know classical musicians who love marching band–but it’s something to consider. Certainly Rochester will have more musically sophisticated students, which may be a pro or a con.)</p>