UCSD or MIT for Computer science

College Search & Selection
21

It isn’t a matter of hitting it rich at MIT. It is a matter of MIT affording unique opportunities that usually pave the way to outstanding job opportunities. That isn’t to say that other top schools don’t provide opportunities but they are often not as plentiful.

Paving the way may be the wrong expression because every MIT students pays heavily in terms of effort. Few other schools have as heavy a group of core requirements that are invariable in addition to the rigor of the major courses. There is no broad menu of classes to choose from-2 courses in physic, 2 in calculus, chem, bio-no dummy down courses-no Math for non-majors. On top of that, there are 8 humanities courses. MIT ensures that graduates are clear thinkers-something employers can bank on and they are good communicators-something graduates of some CS programs are not.

So as UCbalumnus mentions, MIT has " relatively heavy general education requirements" but those are what makes MIT grads stand out from grads from other good but not extraordinary schools. it is not an easy road for any student. Just like entering the best of anything, there is usually something that fuels its place as number one. MIT’s rigor is near that top of the list there. Whether that is viewed as a strength or liability ought to be given a lot of thought. Many students choose MIT for just that reason.

Students at MIT have the opportunity for internships and externships during summer and January. I know many who made 40K+ for summer internships at places like Google, Microsoft, and the like. I’m sure that students from USCD did so too. But the point is that a CS major will probably ensure that loans can be paid back relatively easily.

Noteworth also is that MIT guarantees to meet full need. So, if they are not providing support, there is some indication that the family has resources that MIT feels could be used to cover costs.

Actually the OP says that MIT is doable without loans. If the fit is good, then MIT seems the better bet. If the fit is not good, anything else would be better.

22

@lostaccount has a fine post. We could go back and forth about the value of $160K over a lifetime, 50% score ranges, starting salaries and historical data, but my opinion remains strongly the same, and here is how I will summarize it (and then stop posting in this thread)

  • The OP clearly indicates he'd prefer MIT and can do it with no debt.

So there are two possibilities for regret:

1: Student regrets spending the $160K for MIT and feels UCSD would have served him just as well. SOLUTION: Live 20% more frugally for 6-8 years and recover the money.

2: Student regrets not enrolling at MIT and wonders how that might have been. SOLUTION: Hope a time machine is invented so he can get a do-over.

It is a no-brainer.

23

Your parents have offered to pay for MIT. It’s a special opportunity.
They have a better command of their finances than you do.
You’d prefer to attend MIT.

Why would you deprive your parents of the privilege of sending you there.

I think you should trust their judgement that they are happy to send you there.

24

I think OP will find plenty of “unique opportunities that usually pave the way to outstanding job opportunities” at either school. I think it’s very unlikely that MIT will ever bring $160k more than UCSD, but if OP’s family can afford the money, then it’s their personal choice.