<p>I'm trying to choose between UIUC and NYU. I primarily want to major in comp sci, but I've also been thinking of majoring (probably double major) in math. I know UIUC is the better choice for CS and NYU for math as far as rank and prestige go, but how big are the differences in each school's weaker category. Ie, how does NYU cs compare to UIUC math? Costs are not really too different, though NYU is slightly cheaper for me.</p>
<p>Thoughts/opinions/advice welcome.</p>
<p>If you primarily want to major in computer sci, you should go where computer science is strongest – i.e., UIUC. Why? Cutting edge equipment. Math is mainly theoretical, so lack of specialized tools will never be an issue. I think you can get a top-notch undergrad math degree at any college with a respected science/engineering department – the finer distinctions in the field won’t become apparent until grad school.</p>
<p>You might also consider the social/financial environment. NYU has direct access to a major metropolitan area. UIUC is in the middle of nowhere – although Chicago is within reach for weekend getaways. On the other hand, out of pocket expenses will almost certainly be cheaper at UIUC if you like to go off-campus for meals or events.</p>
<p>As far as social life goes, I think I might perfer UIUC just because of the campus. I don’t really like the whole city-is-the-campus thing at nyu. I can live in New York anytime I want; I’m not going to have as many opportunities to live on a college campus. I’ve also been living very close to New York for my entire life and I think I’d appreciate a chance in scene.</p>
<p>One advantage of being in the middle of nowhere is that your friends tend to congregate somewhere nearly most weekends. With the myriad temptations of the big city, it’s much harder to get a lot of your friends together at any single point in time.</p>
<p>UIUC clearly wins this one.</p>
<p>Another thing I’m worried about with UIUC is Illinois’s financial state. A lot of people tell me they’re worried that the school’s quality may decline in the next four years. Should this be a legitimate concern of mine?</p>
<p>Not really. Most budget allocations usually take time and the effects, if any, take time to be felt. I mean, this argument could easily apply to schools in California. And this would be something that would be applicable to private universities who receive federal funding (and actually some state funding in certain instances). Besides, the economy is improving. And Illinois isn’t as bad as other states. It’s not like UIUC would be cut so fast. Why? Because a lot of states tend to NOT cut the research for these institutions because that fosters people to stay instate and attend their universities. Obvious exceptions, but I think the economy is something that affects every institution.</p>
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<p>You think finances are all that much better in New York?</p>
<p>People have told me Illinois is in one of the worst financial situations of all 50 states. Also, I didn’t think NYU relied on as much gov’t funding as UIUC.</p>
<p>I promise you this isn’t a reason to not attend a school. Private Universities are also affected because they actually do receive some state money, and of course, federal money.</p>
<p>Why? Because the assumption is premised that a school would be the first to be hit. Even if a school was hit, that wouldn’t be the major source and again, the effects would take some time to be felt. By which time, the economy would have improved.</p>
<p>Since the general consensus seems to be uiuc, just curious if anyone has an argument for NYU (that doesn’t involve it being in the city, since that’s not really a positive for me).</p>
<p>UIUC = no brainer for comp sci - yahoo has a building on campus!</p>
<p>Well, I was ready to offer an argument for NYU, but if going to school in the city is “not really a positive” for you, and you’re interested in CompSci, I’d say that UIUC is the clear choice here, even though NYU is the better school in mathematics, and overall.</p>
<p>"NYU is the better school in mathematics, and overall. "</p>
<p>Not really.</p>