MS in Computer Science - Stanford (without aid) vs UIUC (full aid)

[zander]

@CalmLogic.. man you rock! thanks dude. I feel a lot better about my decision now! Further comments are still welcome!

[mpalanic]

Hi Zander.
Best wishes on getting admitted to top schools. I am also trying to get into top engg school in US. will you answer my queries?
1. What is your GRE/Tofel score?
2. Have you given subject test of GRE?
3. Heard from people that top schools require strong profiles, than GRE score. will you brief your profile?

What will be your advice for me to give a try. I am from india, with 3+ years expr, working in a top MNC.

[moomber123]

I strongly disagree with the previous post that Stanford MS in CS would be more highly regarded than UIUC MS in CS. In fact, the opposite would be true. Stanford does have a much stronger overall reputation, but it is also not a secret among Sillicon Valley engineers that MS from Stanford (especially the course-based option) is pretty much a you pay and you get it deal. In fact, some Stanford MS programs are not even conducted on campus. People work at, say Cisco, just go to this lecture on their company site, and a few years later, they would work around with a Stanford MS for show. Of course, if you are planning to move on to a PhD degree, then the thesis based option for Stanford is well respected. But even there, I would argue UIUC's strength in CS is not below Stanford. At this level, both schools have a lot to offer, and which school is better depends a lot on your research interest. Again, for a MS as a terminal degree, UIUC is much better appreciated among industry insiders than Stanford's course-based option MS. And for the thesis based option, I would recommend looking into the actual research projects to make an informed choice. For research type of program, ranking does not give a good indicator of quality. It's the individual research program you might join after going to the school.

The only drawback I can think of for MS CS at UIUC is the weather. If you hate snow, well, stick with Palo Alto. =)
Placement and internship is no issue for UIUC. Stanford might have the advantage of being in Sillicon Valley, but UIUC has prominent alumni network and extensive software industry connection (Siebel is an alum). In fact, UIUC is actually arguably better connected in the software side of the high tech, whereas Stanford is more about the EE side. It's not a clear divide though, more of a general perception.

[zander]

@mplanic.. I did not have extraordinary scores in GRE/TOEFL. My application was an overall balanced one that worked out in my favor. I had not given subject GRE. My credentials would be - GRE 1400 + TOEFL 115 + IITian + 2 research interns(abroad) + 4 publications + good recommendations + DR 5 + no work experience

@moomber123 ... A great post! Some interesting posts from you coming up only in a couple of hours. A good insight. It makes me glad about my decision! Thanks man.

[mpalanic]

Zander,
Thanks a million for your reply. Appreciate it. Here is my profile in little detailed format:

Academic
Schooling:
10th std: 91% (school topper)
12th std: 93% (school topper)
Bachelor Degree:
B.E (Bachelor of Engg) in Computer Science (2005 passout)
Over all score: 77% with distinction
Institution: Kongu Engineering College, Tamil nadu, India (governed by Anna University).

Work Experience
Around Three years of work experience in IT. (1.5 years in Wipro Technologies, 1.5 years in Oracle Corp - India). Work experience includes IT Service and Product development.

Others
I hold lots of valuable professional certifications in technologies.
I contributed to some open source projects.
I have given some presentation in latest technologies.

But, I have not published any research papers and do not have any research experience. I have not given GRE yet. I am willing to get admitted into top schools only. Please give your advises, how I can go about.

@calmLogic, your comment is also welcome!

[zander]

@mpalanic.. From my knowledge, the research publications are not that necessary in pursuing Masters as compared to opting for a Phd. Therefore, you have a good profile, and with the work experience stand a good chance at professional masters program (in universities like Cornell, CMU, USC, etc). Even research oriented masters (ie MS with thesis) is a good option. I would not like to discourage you, but I do not find your profile to be strong enough for a Phd program at the top-tier graduate schools(UCB, MIT, Stan, CMU). But, anyways those are only my thoughts and a lot depends on your statement of purpose and letter of recommendations. Do not get disillusioned by my comments and go ahead with the plans you have in mind. Btw, what was your department rank at the undergraduate level?

A subject GRE is not necessary, but a good score at it will always be a positive point on your application. The GRE and TOEFL do play a significant role in determining your fellowships, so take them seriously. All the best for your future!

[mpalanic]

Zander, Thanks for the reply. I agree with your point that my profile is not strong enough to try for top tiers. Fyi, I am not a top ranker in my under graduate degree.

Leaving all that aside, I am interested to know, what can be done to make my profile stronger. Do I need to join any Labs (IBM/HP labs) and get a researcher tag? or do I need to focus on any specific areas and publish papers?

I am keen about knowing how the profile can be improved to fit for top school admissions!

if you have any suggestions, please let me know.

[zander]

Personally, I dont have any experience about making your profile stronger once you have entered industry. But, working at a research lab is always a better option then being at Oracle. I would rate IBM Labs much higher than Oracle. Yes, focusing on specific areas will help you get publications, but working with product development team at Oracle you wont be able to concentrate on research oriented projects.

However, if you interested in going for a Phd you can always opt for a Masters initially and then create a good relation with a renowned Prof to later opt for a Phd. Even if you get a masters at a low ranked university you may have better options of doing research than working at Oracle and at the end of the MS you can opt for a Phd at the top notch colleges. You can also enter the top-tier MS program and impress a professor to make him consider taking you as a Phd student.

I believe if you are so much interested in research, then it will not be a problem making it to the top colleges. You have a couple of options to reach your destination - either by working at a renowned research lab and then directly opting for a Phd or working your way to Phd through a masters. I believe the second option is better as that way, you will get a good idea whether research is really one's cup of tea or not! It will infact prepare you for the Phd. Anyways, I believe I ain't in a position to give such "gyaan" and would suggest to take opinion from others as well, who probably have more experience than a fresher like me!