Hey everyone, I need some advice. I've been accepted to both Purdue and U of I Urbana Champaign for Computer Science. Both are highly ranked - I'm torn. Could anyone who has experience with either (or, ideally, both) schools shed some light on the pros and cons? How's the culture, professor accessibility, internships, etc.? Thanks in advance!
Congratulations on your acceptances, both Purdue and University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (UIUC) are exceptional for Computer Science.
Starting with Purdue, one highlight is its large number of research opportunities and special projects available to students. You may potentially work directly with industry professionals through these activities, gaining practical experience and building a strong professional network. Purdue also has a very active job placement center that regularly hosts job fairs where top companies come to recruit. If internships and job placements are important to you, Purdue offers strong resources in this area.
Purdue is a large campus with a diverse student body, so you'd get to interact with students from all over the world. There's a robust social scene, with numerous clubs and organizations. However, some students have noted that, because the campus is quite sizable, building personal connections with professors might take a tad more initiative on your part.
Moving on to UIUC, it's renowned for its cutting-edge Computer Science program. Students frequently praise the faculty’s expertise and the program’s rigor. UIUC also encourages interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to tie in computer science with other fields, which is a unique strength.
Regarding culture, UIUC has a slightly stronger focus on the humanities, which might make for a more balanced academic experience, depending on your interests. UIUC is known for having small class sizes despite being a large university, which many students appreciate because they can closely interact with professors.
Both universities work heavily with industries and have strong alumni networks, so there will be excellent internship and job opportunities regardless of whether you choose Purdue or UIUC. It's worth thinking about the overall experience you're looking for, and possibly your career goals post-graduation.
At the end of the day, both are stellar options, and you can't go wrong with either choice. Best of luck with your decision!
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