Stanford MS&E,Cornell MIE or Columbia EMS?

[cake4life]

Hi everyone,

I got offered three admissions, from the MS&E(sort of operational research) at Stanford, the MIE(Manufacturing and Industrial Eng) at Cornell and EMS(Eng Management System) at Columbia.

I've read the guidebooks for all three programs, finding that most of the curriculum are similar except that both Cornell and Stanford have a project requirement.Columbia set up a new core course named Operations Consulting for Fall 2009, which is unique among these 3.

I'm an international student so I'm going to need all the help I can get to land a job. If my goal was to pursue a position as a consultant in one of the top consulting firms in USA, which one should I choose? I mean, stanford's got the big name, but columbia seems very prestigious among the consulting industry. Cornell asked all the applicants who applied for ORIE department to determine their concentration when applying so there are less freedom selecting courses. Plus, Columbia is small(in acres) but in NYC and Cornell is huge but far away from NYC. And it is said that the life expense in Stanford is among one of the highest in USA.....I really dont know how to choose.

So could everyone here please give me some insights into these 3 programs or any suggestions on my choice? Thanks a million!

Regards

[redham]

If I were you, I would go to Columbia. Cornell is too far and Stanford, as you said, is too expensive.

[apghuman]

I think they have re-structured the EMS course this year, but they have some way to go before they can remove their total math bias in their courses. Hence, it is less rounded then Stanford. My take.

Expense is what I am also looking at, you can buy an apartment here in India with that money.

[redham]

Haha, I know..

[igotshoe]

Originally Posted by redham

If I were you, I would go to Columbia. Cornell is too far and Stanford, as you said, is too expensive.

You are aware that Columbia is in NYC and cost of living is very high there as well? I would choose Stanford because of brand name and the tremendous flexibility of the curriculum.

[kushagra452]

Columbia's brandname is not bad either.... it is after all one of the top 10 universities in the world. (its also in ivy league). I think ... brandname wise there is hardly a difference b/w columbia and stanford. u shud consider the courses and the "fit": with your future aspirations. check out the work going on at both stanford and columbia. go to tht place where you feel you will be able to grow and contribute. my 2 cents....

kushagra

[cake4life]

Thank you guys for all the replies! I learned a lot from these posts.

Recently I heard that the security situation around Columbia is not that attractive. I mean, no offense, but it seems that the neighborhood around Columbia is said to be one where robbery and other criminal activities happen frequently. I know, of course most stuents would not get into trouble if they stay in the campus. Will you guys be concerned about that? Or it is just me being a coward who gets paranoided

[apghuman]

Funny how these things are considered as part of the decision process, I mean of all factors worth considering while choosing between universities, this shouldn't be a dominant one.

[tennisplayer]

Hi Cake4life,

When did you receive you admission to Columbia EMS? I also applied but havent heard anything except an email saying you will be update by Mar 30. Also did you receive the acceptance via email or mail. Any information would be appreciated.

[The EnKryptor]

stan!