<p>Hello everyone... I am in desparate need of help. I need to select between the above mentioned universities for undergraduation in Computer Science.
Please help me pick one and here is my take on this:</p>
<p>VTech's con: Higher annual cost as compared to UMN - TC and Blacksburg is rural setting.</p>
<p>NCSU's con: Lower ranks and rep. as compared to VTech and UMN - TC</p>
<p>UMN - TC's con: Very cold climate and I got admitted to CS program in College of Liberal Arts i.e. B.A. degree on completion (although I will transfer to College of Science and Engineering for B.S. degree, I think its not that hard to get transfered)</p>
<p>Pros are pretty much the same for all these universities... So please help me pick one.</p>
<p>Well… I finalized these 3 universities because their costs summed to below 40,000 $. However, if one is cheaper than other then that is kind of bonus money for other things like travel.
As an international and probably not in need based financial aid category, I don’t have to consider that loan point.</p>
<p>As per my research, costs compare as VTech > UMN > NCSU but in the end it would pretty much make not that big a difference.</p>
<p>For a general idea, for me its Cost > Rank and reputation > Internship opportunities > climate > setting > rest of the things.</p>
<p>VT and NCSU have virtually interchangeable strong reps in CS. U Minn a bit measurably stronger. But come crunch time to find jobs, Minn’s advantage probably is lost outside the Midwest. NCSU, with the attached Centennial Campus housing dozens of companies and its proximity to the Research Triangle, has arguably the best location for school year internships and, ultimately, jobs. </p>
<p>VT crazy loyal to its own and contacts spread far and wide. A little better organized than NCSU. VT more of a sense of community with a very defined campus whereas NCSU is more integrated w downtown Raleigh. VT more organized structure and support. You wouldnt lose with either so it is really about where you feel comfortable.</p>
<p>Thank youu sooo much both for your valuable input. So I guess in academics they are all on equal level.</p>
<p>Feel comfortable, hmm… See, one guy told me that in U of M there is 6 months of winter and then during that time people don’t feel like going out unless really needed. I don’t think that is what I would want and I already fall sick quite easily.</p>
<p>VTech scores really great in other factors, its js that the blacksburg is a college town and someone recommended me that a car is a must to travel to nearby cities like Roanoke. Altho bus system might b hard to get to, I would probably have a frnd joining me in VTech so will manage.</p>
<p>I did not exactly count NCSU much because when it came to other factors like food, campus safety, happiest students, off campus housing, etc. VTech soared high.</p>
<p>U of M is pretty much hard to get in and has excellent Math program which I think is needed for CS. So well, I wonder if sacrficing 6 months for better academics and reputation is worth it.
What say?</p>
<p>Wondering where you got your info about NCSU factors. Have you visited? The food is actually pretty good for campus food. The director sources as much locally as possible and it’s made in-house - not sourced out to a contractor. The homemade ice-cream is excellent. While there is some crime, campus is not unsafe and students are pretty happy! We found the availability and affordability of off-campus housing to be much better than other schools we looked at. There’s plenty withing walking distance and the Wolfline is free and goes off campus. Students can get a GoPass for free as well that allows them to ride the Capital Area Transit and Triangle Transit free of charge. I wouldn’t say the campus is “integrated” with downtown Raleigh.You can see downtown from some parts of campus, so t’s not far, but it would be quite a walk to get there. The campus is spread out but distinct. I agree with 11babb that as far as opportunities for internships and co-ops in the CS field goes - it’s hard to beat the Raleigh area. I will add that we’ve found the professors and administrators to be very down-to-earth and extremely helpful - very approachable.</p>
<p>UMN is cold; very cold. I work at UW-Madison and this was the worst winter of my life and I am very old. It was even worse in Minneapolis-St. Paul. We have a joke here: there are two seasons in the Midwest–winter and road repair. I went to grad school in Chapel Hill and taught in Raleigh. I was not impressed with the city. VT is indeed rural but they do have buses to DC. The real question for you. money aside, is which degree would carry more weight in your country. </p>
<p>No I haven’t visited campus and to get info I have been through many websites.
One site in particular is <a href=“http://colleges.niche.com/”>http://colleges.niche.com/</a>
Surely there are positive points in each of the university in everything bt then I am looking for negative points. If you can provide me that, then it will make a difference in my decision.</p>
<p>I don’t know how legimate ranking is done by US News but NCSU is ranked 101, as compared to VTech and UMN both at 69.
And as my general idea directs, I would incline on choosing VTech or UMN.</p>
<p>To tell the truth, I wouldn’t want too many options for jobs and opportunities but few selected companies like Google (just an example). I have found such companies in the list of each university’s CS fair websites, or something like that. So that there ends the job as distinguishing point.</p>
<p>If only someone could argue about CS programs or no entertainment at all in breaks (like theres nthng to make me realize I am still in US) then it would make me think again.</p>
<p>Which degree would carry more weight in my country or so is not the question here. Its comparison between those 3 universities is all.</p>
<p>I am coming US for Computer Science major as its one of the best taught in US. Moreover I just love computer n technology and its only computer that I have spent more than half of my life with, till now. Education aside, US was my option to drastically change my personality from introvert to confident extrovert.</p>
<p>So anyways, if you can comment on the cities of the universities… Please do. Yes, busses is what I am going to use to the max. for my time there. Other option will be a bike which I will buy there; car doesn’t come under my options.</p>
<p>We lived in Raleigh. DS’s GF attends NCSU. Close friends, VT grads, work at NCSU. I do have direct knowledge. Blacksburg-definitely remote but students have a great time there and dont seem to need to get out of Dodge the same way. Good city/university bus system at VT. Did not find Raleigh bus systems as user friendly-tended to be serving immigrants working in the suburbs. NCSU is great, but VT ranks higher in our book.</p>
<p>Lived in very cold places in the past so UMN does not at all call to me. You want to look at a school interms of its reputation, cost, employment viability of its graduates, but also is it somewhere you would enjoy being and is it somewhere you want your contacts to be focused in afterwards? You dont just go for 4 years. It will be the common thread you share with friends, professors, potential employers, alumni contacts, so you want to love the physical location. </p>
<p>All three schools have strong points and drawbacks.
For instance, UMN is in the middle of the Twin Cities, which is home to I don’t know how many big companies, so that’s a draw with NCSU’s location and a minus for VT. However, NCSU has good weather and accessible beaches/mountains, VT has good weather and possibilities of beaches, whereas MN has really cold weather about six months a year (you can go iceskating on the many lakes, or icefishing…but it’s not quite NC/VA.) Still, MN’s CS program is arguably stronger than NCSU’s (BA only means you have fewer required classes than for a BS, and can take more electives and math classes of your choice.) UMN has 35,000 undergrads, VTech and NCSU have 24,000 undergrads. VTech is the most residential, with 98% freshmen living on campus, whereas 78% do at NCSU and 86% at UMN. 29% classes at VT have fewer than 20 students, 23% at NCSU, and 39% at UMN. On the other hand, 30% classes have 40 or more students at VT, 31% at NCSU, and 28% at UMN (essentially the same, the diffference is in the % of smaller classes and average classes.) They all have the exact same percentage of freshmen returning, a very high 91%… VTech is renowned for its good food, NCSU doesn’t do too badly, no idea about UMN (ie, no great shakes). Male/Female ratio is rouhgly 60/40 at Vtech, 57/43 at NCSU, 49/51 at UMN.
Essentially, you can’t lose. They’re all excellent… with some drawbacks.
Do you want a big city or a smaller town? Do you want good weather? Do you want beaches/mountains, or lakes?
Is food important to you? does the male/female ratio matter to you?
Which advantages draw you the most? Which drawbacks bother you the most?</p>
<p>Previously I wanted a big city/urban area because as I m going so far i.e. from India to US then wouldn’t it be quite logical to experience it in its best form. Tell you what, I have grown up in rural area of India and so cities, at least here, don’t give me the craze or comfort. However, I felt that I should now change it up and take a big step to prepare myself for the world ahead. Thus, I felt a city setting would be a better option for me but hey… Even a town of US is good enough a city for me.
Bottom line - I wanted to pick city because it would keep me motivated and interested for a period of 4 years. I want to avoid thinking the place as just casual and you know, for granted. Anyways, that is probably overthinking it but I am rather comfortable with a town setting in US. A better community, eh?</p>
<p>Ya I want good weather and first I thought the winter isn’t a biggy as many other people have gone there and adjusted. But, when it comes down to 4 years i.e. 6 months each with more hassle and a ‘no go’ for going out at times… I have most probably cancelled the idea of UMN - TC.</p>
<p>Well I am skinny and not that great fan of food. However, I am quite choosy/picky of what food I eat. So oh well, although not a big and differentiating point, I would want to put on some healthy weight in my education period. I am pure vegiterian (vegan) with restriction on eggs so already I am sacrificing the food point by coming to US.</p>
<p>Nah… Male/Female ratio doesn’t bother me.</p>
<p>The advantages that draw me most: Good CS program, rank/reputation, and lower cost.</p>
<p>The drawbacks that bother me most: No fun things to keep me enthusiastic for 4 years and low chances of scoring job or internship especially if I can’t even have a meeting chance with some cool, reknowned tech companies.</p>
<p>Well, if I can’t lose… Someone suggested to go with the cheaper one but then I really want to have my university better known and ranked… And for suppose a difference of 4-5k $ (imagining a lost scholarship), I would really incline to pick VTech then.</p>
<p>@dowzerw Well said man. I do really get bored of something after doing it for a lot of time. So it would be a disaster to handle 6 months of snow, altho the other 6 months its a beautiful location I am in.
I am great virtual fan of snow as I have been seeing all that snow in movies and stuff but never really experienced it. However, too much is too bad. It would be like putting my favorite song as my alarm tone.</p>
<p>Oh well… I can basically make assumptions. Wish I could visit all the campuses and decide for myself.</p>
<p>We love city living and opportunities. We had chosen to move to Raleigh, NC thinking it was a great “city”. Turns out it is too spread out geographically and more suburban and good for families than it is for young adults looking for action. VTech students have access to the same Research Triangle employment internships and opportunities as NC State students do. It is only a few hours away and is as respected.</p>
<p>I loved “virtual fan of snow” :D… You can just go up the mountains in VA or NC and find snow.
If you’re vegan, that could be a tie breaker. Email both NCSU and VTech and ask about vegan options at each meal, variety, etc; ask to be put in touch with a vegan student. </p>
<p>@dowzerw Woah great to know that… Well, I found an association there which is for the Indian students in VTech. So, I am good for the start.
Say, if I were going to come with my friend to VTech… Would you recommend me to keep him as room mate or try to pair with someone else?</p>
<p>By the way… Can u provide me some more input on blacksburg or nearby areas… Like which next area at what distance is kind of a city type with malls, movie theatres, etc.
And whether bike would serve enough for some of the things.</p>
<p>@MYOS1634 Haha, thanks. I will totally try that.
I had a chat session with minnesota student/ambassador and he told me that they have a personality test thingy which helps them match up perfect room mates. I wonder if other universities follow the same, any idea?</p>
<p>My son goes everywhere on his bike, though busses are available. </p>
<p>He has several Indian students on his hall. He lives in Lee Hall, in the engineering community, Let me know if you would like me to get their contact info and they might be able to answer some questions better for you.</p>
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