Does anyone know which school is better for one who wants to major in computer science?
Quite frankly, all those schools are excellent regardless of majors.
Having said that, there really isn’t a “ranking” in undergrad for computer science.
And the “ranking differences” are per se useless when you compare fantastic schools like WashU, Tufts, and UofRochester.
Now, (personal bias coming in):
From my friend’s experiences, WashU computer science students do well both in graduate school placement and industry placement.
I would not be surprised if WashU gives more opportunity than the other two simply because of its closer proximity to a company called Epics, the biggest medical technology company in the US.
If I “really” had to start ranking those 3, i would go WashU followed by UofRochester followed by Tufts.
HOWEVER, do note one thing.
There is no difference among the three. It’s all up to the student. Those 3 are all equally fantastic schools.
Also, know that when you apply for undergrad, you don’t apply for the major, you apply for the overall school.
Almost half if not more of your courses are NOT going to be your major studies. So, I personally believe it’s better to go to a school that is good in all (overall) than just 1 particular area.
/// With all that said:
A friend I know from Tufts is extremely smart.
A friend I know from WashU is also extremely smart.
A friend I know from UofRochester… (i don’t have one so no judgements there but I hear it’s good in physics/engineering related areas)
I hope you can find the school that “fits” you and do also take into consideration that WashU has in average a more academically motivated student body (which I’m sure you already know).
In undergrad, you learn mostly from your peers. So don’t go just for the major ranking. In fact, I would argue for undergrad, don’t go for major ranking but pay more attention to the overall undergrad ranking. Good luck!
Tons of great schools for a CS degree. I’m sure any of these would be fine. Are you looking to eliminate 2 from your list, and keep one? I would keep URoch. Tufts and WashU are reachy schools for all. Do you have some matches and a safety or two? Good luck!
Thank you for your responses. Ttying to figure it all out. My child will probably study Computer Science or Math with some business curses mixed in and then other courses of interest (history, psychology, etc). Any more insight from anyone would be great.
I hate to admit this but follow the USNews Ranking.
Now, before everyone starts bashing how incomplete that ranking is, let me explain why.
- College name does for some people help their careers the first fifteen years (probably even longer for those very top degrees)
- Your child may switch out of the major he or she loves during college. In fact, I came in wanting to do pure math degree (and I certainly took even grad level math so don’t get me wrong, I know what Modern Algebra, Real Analysis, etc. Is) but ended up going for computer science degree.
- The peers and connections your child makes in the school is arguably more important in the outside world over petty major rankings.
- USNews pretty much ranks almost in the order of financial aid (with Princeton and Harvard having unbelievable aid)
- It’s much easier to transfer out from a higher ranked school than to transfer in to a higher ranked one.
And… most importantly, Professor Richard Muller, a very preeminent figurehead would also probably agree for undergrads to attend a stronger overall school over a major ranking school.
https://www.quora.com/Which-universities-have-the-most-rigorous-undergraduate-physics-curriculum/answer/Richard-Muller-3
That said, fit is most important. Having said all that, just know WashU ranks as some of the happiest places to study and consistently ranks 1 on food and housing. Plus, I think we all know deep down that WashU is much more competitive in comparison to the other 2.
And also, if your child is aligned more towards business, I actually do recommend Tufts over University of Rochester. Location helps. And out of the three, Tufts does have the best location
But don’t fret too much. All these schools are fantastic choices. I’m sure it will all work out soon. Just dont get too carried away with prestige and accept a college you cannot pay even with financial aid (stay somewhat realistic)
Based on http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/19190340/#Comment_19190340 , the CS offerings may be more complete at Tufts than at WUStL and Rochester. But check the catalogs and schedules at each school to verify.
The #1 factor in maintaining a career in software engineering is keeping up with the technology.
A person who started at a community college and finished at a local 4-year university can have a long career in software engineering.
I see it everyday.