I’ve narrowed down my choices to BU and UMass Amherst for Computer Science. Before I begin, cost is not an issue, since both end up at the same net price! (~30k)
Academics:
I focus a lot on academics, and I’m a science guy. I’m really interested in astrophysics and engineering as well, so insights on these programs along with CS would be great too!
I really want to research with professors
I prefer small class sizes
I’d want great professors who actually teach, and will be free for questions and discussions
I want to get into a top uni for grad school
Prestige does slightly matter to me
Life:
I have always wanted a traditional and large campus; a place where students have their own space to hang out and have a community feel. I know about BUs lack of a campus, but I also understand the advantages of a small campus (convenience mostly). Visiting is not possible for me (don’t live in the US), but I’ve thoroughly studied google maps and street view haha. I want to know what others think about it though
I like how BU doesn’t have a majority of students from within the state
I like the advantages of being in the city, and close to other top unis
I’m fairly outgoing, but I don’t party too much
Though I’d prefer a smaller student population, both these have basically the same.
Extracurriculars:
I’m really into sports (primarily basketball)
I want to participate in things like debates, competitions, etc
Be a part of student organizations/clubs
Based off of these descriptions, where do you think I should go, and why? Any insight you have on these schools would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Also, sorry if you see this in multiple places; I wanted opinions from all sides.
I currently go to UMass Amherst but I am transferring to Boston University. Why i’m transferring is because I like a city environment better and I feel there are more things to do. With that being said, for you personally I think UMass Amherst fits better. Computer Science is a lot better at UMass than BU. I happen to know several Comp sci majors and it is very challenging and difficult, you will no doubt learn a lot with their program. UMass also has a basketball team and the school in general is pretty big on sports. BU as far as ik is huge on hockey tho. UMass also has that community feel you like, it’s a big school with a multitude of personalities. You’ll find a lot of friends here I promise. They’re both great schools, for me BU fits my personality more and after reading about yourself I think UMass fits better for you. Both are still great so you can’t go wrong, good luck on your choice!
In what ways would you consider UMass to be better for CS? I know UMass is slightly higher ranked in the department, but is there a large difference between the two?
And what would you say for the engineering and physics departments?
Are you only transferring out because of campus preference? What do you major in?
I ask because I’ve been leaning toward BU, but so far people have been saying that UMass is much better for CS.
@samc24
I’m majoring in accounting so i am in Isenberg at UMass and i will be at Questrom at BU. And I am transferring because I feel there is a lot more to do in a city like Boston than in a town like Amherst. You’ll find things to do but they aren’t really my style. The people are great at UMass ans the food is amazing (#1 dining in the country). The CS program is definitely better than BU’s if education is the most important thing then i would pick Umass. Again BU is still good as well in CS, it’s just personal preference big city vs College town.
Take a look at where people go to work after getting their CS degree at both. If they seem pretty much the same then think long and hard about fit. My S figured out early on in his search that he preferred cities to college towns. As his dad, I could just see it and hear it from him on every visit. Best of luck…they are both great choices!
@SwimmingDad Thanks! I’m not too sure how I can find that info, but I assume there will be people who get into companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc. for both universities.
Fit-wise I feel like I prefer BU overall, but the UMass campus haha