<p>I'm looking to major in Computer Science. I know that both schools have great programs, but what sets each apart? Google has informed me that Cornell has an edge, but I want to know what it means by this kind of advantage.
I have visited UM several times, seeing as I am in-state, and the campus appeals to me moderately - although I don't care for the buses, and it is pretty crowded - and I will be visiting Cornell soon.
Perhaps it will come down to a matter of money - no way am I able to play over 25k per year in tuition, which is what Cornell costs...</p>
<p>So I'm asking - what made you choose MI over Cornell, or vice versa, pros/cons vs. UM; also about the computer science programs at UM - what is it like, is there a ton of busy work, intership opportunity; etc. Thanks!</p>
<p>Some things to keep in mind when looking at those numbers
UMich COE has more students.
Cornell company list does not differentiate between internships and full-time employees nor between undergrad and graduate
Cornell has more responses from graduate school
UMich is a conglomerate of majors not just CS in that link
Numbers from companies vary from year to year, sometimes Cornell will have 10 hired at Google other times only 1 or 2. And sometimes Michigan will have 25 full-time at Microsoft, other times 11.
Michigan only shows the top 10 companies in their list, even if number 11 has 7 employees there for simplicity sake of the file report
Michigan numbers include sophomores/juniors in between academic terms while Cornell’s report is strictly after graduation</p>
<p>That said, I’d say that Cornell probably has a slight edge since I seem to fail to see any good numbers from Google for Michigan. It’s a stun to Michigan especially with Larry Page as an alumni. But who knows maybe those Google employees from Cornell were graduate students?</p>
<p>Average starting salary seems to be statistically insignificant, with Cornell’s being higher.</p>
<p>With no substantial advantage from Cornell over Michigan</p>
<p>Apart from the fact, Michigan is better known for its engineering programs, both undergraduate and graduate levels, the campus life is undoubtedly more lively and friendly! The dorms are pretty good and Ann Arbor is great college town:)</p>
<p>“Google has informed me that Cornell has an edge, but I want to know what it means by this kind of advantage.”</p>
<p>What do you mean? You called the Google Human Resources department and asked them directly if they have a recruitment preference between Cornell or Michigan? Or do you mean that while researching on Google, you found rankings that favor Cornell’s CS department to Michigan’s?</p>
<p>In terms of rankings, Cornell’s CS department is ranked higher than Michigan’s (#5 vs #13). The difference is not significant, but it is what it is. </p>
<p>As for Google, I know that they recruit at Michigan, as do Cisco, Intel, Oracle, Microsoft etc…Whether One or more of those companies prefer(s) Cornell over Michigan or Michigan over Cornell is subject to speculation, but I doubt it.</p>
<p>“Perhaps it will come down to a matter of money - no way am I able to play over 25k per year in tuition, which is what Cornell costs…”</p>
<p>Cornell would cost $60k/year. Obviously, if you cannot afford more than $25k per year, you would require a significant package from Cornell to afford it. As such, I would wait to hear back from Cornell’s FA office before even visiting.</p>
<p>If you are instate, it’s silly to go to a comparable school for 25K/year unless you can afford it. You already indicated that you cannot. As Alexandre already stated, unless Cornell can get close to your financial requirments, then Michigan is the easy decision.</p>
<p>What I meant by “edge” - Google consistently ranked Cornell’s Computer Science over UM’s Computer Science. Sorry if this caused any confusion. I wanted this to be clarified because rankings aren’t everything - many things are factored in the ranking process, which were not explicitly stated when I Googled.</p>
<p>Google does not rank universities or CS programs. It is merely a search engine. Those are rankings from other sources, such as the USNWR. And yes, Cornell is ranked higher than Michigan in CS, but lower than Michigan in EE and CE. Both are very strong in all three subjects.</p>
<p>The gap between Michigan and Cornell in CS is greater than the gap between Michigan and Cornell in CE and EE though. Not sure if that matters at the undergraduate level…</p>
<p>Thanks for the listing goldenboy. It shows me, once again, that Duke is not ranked very highly in yet another couple of disciplines. It begs the question, how does a school get to be top ten at USNWR with such medicore academic departments? Obviously the methodology is off.</p>
<p>Ask the Dukie boy why he constantly posts negative comments about Michigan on these boards. You might be able to find an answer to your inquiry with a little deduction.</p>
<p>The USNWR ranking is not accurately listed on that link. According to the latest USNWR Computer Science ranking, Michigan was in sole position of the #13 ranking in CS, sandwiched between #11 Caltech and Wisconsin (two-way tie) and #14 UCLA, UCSD and Maryland (three-way tie).</p>
<p>And while the gap between #5 Cornell and #13 Michigan in CS (according to the USNWR graduate ranking) is wider than the gap between #7 Michigan and #10 Cornell in CE (according to the USNWR undergraduate ranking) and #6 Michigan and #9 Cornell in EE (according to the USNWR undergraduate ranking), in all cases, the difference is not that significant.</p>
<p>The Google ranking is questionable. Ranking UMass and Maryland higher than MIT and Stanford in CS is ridiculous.</p>