I’m an international student and I got into Virginia tech, Umass Amherst and Stony Brook University. I’m a computer science major and I need help deciding which one is the best pick for me, keeping in mind internship opportunities, job offers after graduation, prestige of the school, the general vibe and of course the reputation of the computer science program. Cost isn’t really too much of a factor since all 3 lie in the 35 K to 40K range but being offered a $12K chancellors scholarship by Umass Amherst, my parents want me to attend Umass. I’m personally leaning towards Virginia tech because I have relatives in Virginia and I like the school generally. I would really appreciate a detailed response. Thanks
Vt and Umass do not differ in any real meaningful way in terms of prestige, internships, jobs after graduation. Both offer large state school environment with sports,etc and a college town experience. Stony brook is more of a commuter school. I think Umass has the strongest CS program, and there are a lot of large tech companies in Massachusettes. Umass is in a very nice college town and is part of 5 school consortium that allows you to take courses at nearby schools including Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke and Hampshire, all very good schools. VT is also a good school and you can’t go wrong there, but if Umass is less money, I would go there if it were me. If $ is not an issue, go where you think you will be happier. Both solid choices.
@kollegeguy thanks. I feel VT graduates get better opportunities because tech boasts an excellent engineering program and isn’t Umass considered more of a party school? Money isn’t too big a factor but it is something being considered. I got my heart set on Virginia tech but I also like uMass
If $ is not an issue, then go to VT, both schools btw have a party element, but both are solid academically. I just don’t think either one has a huge leg up as far as engineering goes. I think you will be fine either way.
@tokyodrifter2895 - Ya, this is up to you and your parents. UMass Amherst does have the better CS program and is a great school… but if you are more set on VTech and are willing to get into 48,000$ more debt to go there then that is something you will have to tell your mom and pop. (Assuming UMass is 12k Less per year)