Right now I’m debating between which school I should attend this fall. I was accepted to UIUC for Systems Engineering (with a minor in CS) and to Madison for CS, and I’m not sure which to choose. I know U of I is higher ranked and would normally be the obvious answer, but I’m not sure whether the fact that I wouldn’t be majoring in CS would change that, since I’m hoping to get a job in software engineering or related computer science fields. Basically, I’m wondering which school would give me a better edge in CS job and internship prospects.
The school that gives you the degree with the word, “Computer Science”.
I think this answers the question. Unless costs are radically different (instate vs out-of-state), if you want to major in Computer Science, this seems a no brainer. Go to the school that accepted you as a “Computer Science” major.
Having stated that, last time I checked, unlike UIUC, UW Madison does not accept by major and lets students major whatever they want during the school years.
So much less headache than UIUC in which if you come to realize CS is not your passion, you are pretty much more or less stuck.
And honestly, the college experience and campus is so much better at UW Madison than at UIUC. UW Madison is a fine school. Corn field vs college town for four years. Corn vs ice cream. Choose your poison.