UCSD (math-cs) vs UWaterloo (math honors with co-op)

College Search & Selection
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I got my decision for UW recently and my CS was rejected but I did get into the math program. I was about to just commit to UCSD as it has CS in the major name but UW is a great uni and I could choose data science major from second year so I am back to deciding unis again hahaha. My dream is to work as a data scientist in a good company and maybe even get U.S. green card in the long future. I am considering doing graduate school and I am full Korean (only Korean citizenship).

UCSD

  • pros:
  1. It has a ‘CS’ on the major name. (and courses as well)
  2. Fairly big city and good location (weather & close to LA to have fun? & few tech companies)
  3. Good general ranking & rep
  • Cons:
  1. My major is not one of the strongest major in this school (subject ranking low, my major quality might be low?)
  2. Expensive fee with no scholarships available for me.

University of Waterloo (Math major but will choose to do the data science option in second year if I do not get into that option I will do STAT)

  • Pros:
  1. I have an option to do data science from second year, which is exactly the major that I want
  2. Amazing co-op system and program (connections and good to gain experience)
  3. Can earn some money by doing co-ops.
  4. This was one of my dream uni (wanted CS but…oh well)
  5. Higher math ranking (I do not care about this a lot but it is still a consideration)
  6. Has connections with tech companies so I heard that even tho I am math major, if I try hard on the CS skills by myself I could get into good tech companies in Cali.
  • Cons:
  1. Might fail to do the Data science option which could be or could not affect me harshly?SDFsaksf (not sure about this but it would be better to get in)
  2. It is a 5 year long uni (bcuz of co-ops but I don’t really mind)

I didn’t mention the cost because if I get into data science in UWaterloo, the total cost to graduate was the same for both.

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As a non-citizen, it is going to be difficult to find an employer to sponsor you for a job in the US. Immigration rules are tough. US companies are required, by law, to employ US citizens first. You can have an OPT (optional practical training) year, but after that, all bets are off.

Choose your university based on on being employed in your country because there are no guarantees for US employment. Canada has better odds for future employment.

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