UCLA versus uMich versus CMU versus Purdue versus NUS!! HELP an international kid!

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
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<p>Hi Guys! I got into the following schools and am totally confused!!</p>

<p>1) uMich: Mechanical Engineering
2) UCLA: Computer Science and Engineering
3) CMU: Mechanical Engineering (Waitlisted for Electrical and Comp. Engg.)
4) Purdue: Computer Engineering
5) National University of Singapore: Computer Engineering (Times: Ranked 10 for Engg)</p>

<p>Now, here's the current situation- though uMich is definitely high-ranked for Mechanical and CMU as a whole is pretty prestigious, I think I don't really want to do Mechanical Engineering and am pretty set upon Computer Engineering. But as in international, who'll end up paying bucketloads for ANY of these universities, except perhaps NUS (Singapore) which is perhaps 1/4th or 1/5th the cost, starting salaries do matter. Now before all of you come bash me up by saying that the college name doesn't really matter when it comes to placements, I think the average and highest salary (starting salary) does give a slight indication of how students tend to perform.</p>

<p>So, considering that the $$$ is a major priority, followed by preference for Comp Engg (not as much as the money, though) among other factors- campus experience, cost, prestige, faculty etc. etc., where do you guys think I should head??</p>

<p>1) Please rank these universities in order of preference.</p>

<p>2) What is the average starting salaries for Comp. Engineers graduating from these universities- and if anyone just could, please provide the link with some info about the same. (BTW- average for NUS, it's around 35-40K per annum)</p>

<p>3) Does the name of the university I attend affect grad-school admissions- and if so, which one would be the best to go to? (assuming I perform similarly at all)</p>

<p>4) If I do my degree from NUS (which is pretty decently ranked for engineering) and then come to US for work, will I be paid lower than a US university graduate?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your oh-so-valuable feedback! :)</p>

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<p>for me, i’d pick CMU over umich and UCLA ~
that’s just me though ~ and idk about uCLA and umichigan, hard pick…</p>

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<p>They’re all fine colleges but if you want to do CompE then just scratch off the colleges where you weren’t accepted into the major you want. It doesn’t make sense to major in ME if you really want to do CE.</p>

<p>I don’t know anything about the Uni in Singapore but if it’s a good one and much less expensive it seems that should be a significant factor unless money’s no issue or unless there’s some other reason to choose one in the USA.</p>

<p>Besides that, you might want to consider the part of the country - especially if you have any aversion to cold weather. UCLA has excellent weather and the other 3 lousy weather. It’s a small factor but that weather can wear on you in 4 years unless you happen to like it.</p>

4

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<p>Even US citizens pay bucketloads for ANY of these universities, unless you are in-state for Public schools. What you pay for a college is an investment. If for 1/4 to 1/5 of cost of US education you get a top-10 (sic) education in Singapore, and make 35-40k (in Singapore in suppose), I’d say that’s a pretty good deal.</p>

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<p>I’m not sure about the schools, but just be careful if you’re taking out loans. They take years to pay back and if the salary isn’t high enough you might have serious problems later with repayment.</p>

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<p>Ok, as an international student, majoring in Computer Science and Engineering at UCLA, and $$$ being a huge factor too, I would advise you going to Singapore, since you said the ranking for Engineering there is pretty good too at a fraction of the cost here.
If you come here in the US and end up having to take loans, then you’d be better off at Singapore.</p>

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<p>I’m an out-of-state student, and I chose UCLA over CMU (both for comp sci) because I wanted a balanced college experience. I visited CMU 3 times, and it didn’t get any better after each trip. I visited UCLA once and knew this is where I wanted to go.</p>

<p>I agree with ucds<em>ucla</em>dad:

</p>

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<p>On the other hand, most internationals come to US for graduate studies. There are lot more opportunities for internationals for financial aid etc. in grad schools than undergrad education. So you are better off finishing your undergrad in Singapore (or your own country) and then come to US for grad studies.</p>

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<p>Just to consider, though you are only waitlisted for ECE at CMU doesn’t mean you can’t transfer into your desired major. Though I’ve heard ECE is one of the harder majors to get into, some kids do transfer within the school. Worst scenario, you can always double major or minor in ECE ( I don’t think you need to be accepted to ECE to do that). I’m just saying that not initially getting into your desired major is not a reason to rule CMU out.</p>

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<p>Random Fact #93593747: I think I know who you are :stuck_out_tongue: (falling in love with UCLA?Shakira? Am I right? Facebook really makes the world small) </p>

<p>Anyway, if cost is really an issue, NUS would be good. </p>

<p>If cost isn’t an issue, CMU, considering you want to do engineering. </p>

<p>er…UCLA/UMich for core engineering?.. I don’t think so. But yeah, they’re good if you want a well-rounded engineering education :)</p>