[Dogstopper]

Hey guys,

If you didn't know, I'm still in high school (rising Junior) and have to be getting serious about college choices. I am going to major in Computer Science with a specialty in security (crytography) and secure programs (as in limiting its hackability, not necessarily closed-source). Perhaps also math-related computer science as well.

Well, I've been looking very seriously at GA Tech as my school of choice as it is 4 hours away from where I live now, it is nationally and state-accredited and seen by both government agencies and the private sector as one of the best.

However, I want to know from the field what schools "look" the best in the industry. Is GA Tech in the top? If not, which schools are?

[Dogstopper]

Thanks. Yes I am considering those top schools as well. When you said that any door will be open, that's what I was looking for. Thanks! It is very close, but unfortunately, not in-state for me....I live in Tennessee... Oh well.

My father went there though, so I'm definitely considering it along with the other top schools.

[nooblet]

Dogstopper, on 25 May 2010 - 05:28 PM, said:

Thanks. Yes I am considering those top schools as well. When you said that any door will be open, that's what I was looking for. Thanks! It is very close, but unfortunately, not in-state for me....I live in Tennessee... Oh well.

My father went there though, so I'm definitely considering it along with the other top schools.

What are your test scores and SAT/ACT scores looking like. The top institution listed above such as MIT, Stanford, etc.. are very competitive to get in, not to mention extremely expensive in some cases.

This post has been edited by nooblet: 25 May 2010 - 07:19 PM

[Dogstopper]

I'd rather not tell my grades on public domain like the internet, but suffice it to say, I do have the capabilities of getting into most institutions. My question is, is GA Tech comparable to those who really DON'T have the money to do MIT, Stanford, ...??

[nooblet]

Dogstopper, on 25 May 2010 - 06:52 PM, said:

I'd rather not tell my grades on public domain like the internet, but suffice it to say, I do have the capabilities of getting into most institutions. My question is, is GA Tech comparable to those who really DON'T have the money to do MIT, Stanford, ...??

In all honesty, a degree from any institution will still get you jobs in the field so long as you can prove your programming skills. I'm sure the curriculum doesn't vary much for the main courses. I also believe that a degree from MIT or Stanford (and top schools alike) will probably open more doors for you regardless of what anyone says simply because of their prestige and connections alone BUT going to other schools won't give you such a disadvantage that you can't find jobs. The reality is the boost is probably minimal.

It also really depends on what your ultimate goal is. If your ideal goal is to be a good programmer and hope to find decent programming positions, GA will do fine. There are plenty of people who don't attend a top institution and are still able to find work. Personally I attend Stanford and I like it because of the environment but if that alone may not be worth it for you to pay 3-4 times the tuition cost. Ultimately you must decide what you're comfortable with. Generally speaking, again, if all you want is to be able to find a good programming position after graduation, GA is more than enough.

[xclite]

Georgia Tech is a well known engineering university with an excellent reputation. No, it's not MIT/Stanford/CMU, but in the end, it doesn't matter. Like nooblet said, you will NOT be limited by your institution if you attend Georgia Tech.

Also, you get the benefit of a decent football team, who just happens to be playing my university at home (for me) this year.

[W3bDev]

It is all really relative in the end. Go to a school that offers the program you desire, and run with it. Take the knowledge further, develop upon it, and make yourself an asset an organization desires. A degree from any Regionally & Nationally accredited uni will do that for you, the rest is up to you. There are some places that go 'googoo' over high end school grads, but others think they are 'rich kid' schools. Stick it through a program, get good grades/achieve honors, and make a name for yourself anywhere you go, and you will find success.

[xclite]

Also of note (if you care about rankings), Georgia Tech's graduate engineering program was just ranked 4th in the country, with their CS department coming in 10th.

In specializations, AI came in 7th, theory 7th, and systems 9th.

http://www.dreaminco...0&#entry1028597

[sm5312]

nooblet, on 26 May 2010 - 05:53 AM, said:

Generally speaking, again, if all you want is to be able to find a good programming position after graduation, GA is more than enough.

hey just to know, what kind of other jobs available other than being a programmar after graduation in CS?

[KYA]

Computer Scientist, both specific and vague at the same time.

[nooblet]

sm5312, on 20 June 2010 - 09:48 AM, said:

nooblet, on 26 May 2010 - 05:53 AM, said:

Generally speaking, again, if all you want is to be able to find a good programming position after graduation, GA is more than enough.

hey just to know, what kind of other jobs available other than being a programmar after graduation in CS?

There are several positions you can aim for. Generally speaking most CS majors end up programming to start out with but don't always end up staying a programmer. Many have gone into other positions in marketing, product manager, CEO or executives of other companies, starting their own company, etc... The list is long. The above are just some that are off the top of my head. Even some VCs and hedge fund managers started out as CS majors. I don't believe there is a general limitation aside from degree specific jobs such as doctors or lawyers but it all depends on you individually and what experiences you gain on the job and what you eventually get hired for. All of the above positions I've mentioned from what I have seen started out in a programming position and have branched out from there. Of course the actual list of things you can end up doing is extremely long.

[dmklein]

Dogstopper, on 25 May 2010 - 06:52 PM, said:

I'd rather not tell my grades on public domain like the internet, but suffice it to say, I do have the capabilities of getting into most institutions. My question is, is GA Tech comparable to those who really DON'T have the money to do MIT, Stanford, ...??

I totally feel for you; I'm a rising senior from Tennessee looking around at schools for CompSci. Just for the record, in the event that you were accepted into MIT/Stanford/an Ivy, you would be able to afford it, as those schools' financial aid is incredible. In fact, attending a school such as the aforementioned prestigious, well-endowed institutions would very likely be less expensive for you, depending on your family's income, than attending Georgia Tech as an out-of-state student. Just some food for thought--you're early in the game, so don't eliminate any school because of financial issues just yet.

[nooblet]

dmklein, on 10 July 2010 - 02:44 PM, said:

Dogstopper, on 25 May 2010 - 06:52 PM, said:

I'd rather not tell my grades on public domain like the internet, but suffice it to say, I do have the capabilities of getting into most institutions. My question is, is GA Tech comparable to those who really DON'T have the money to do MIT, Stanford, ...??

I totally feel for you; I'm a rising senior from Tennessee looking around at schools for CompSci. Just for the record, in the event that you were accepted into MIT/Stanford/an Ivy, you would be able to afford it, as those schools' financial aid is incredible. In fact, attending a school such as the aforementioned prestigious, well-endowed institutions would very likely be less expensive for you, depending on your family's income, than attending Georgia Tech as an out-of-state student. Just some food for thought--you're early in the game, so don't eliminate any school because of financial issues just yet.

Not necessarily true. It really depends on his status. The only real way to know is to apply. Chances are however, you want to take the route that offers the least amount of loans and the maximum amount of grants towards overall tuition

[Dogstopper]

dmklein, I heard that too, but only if you aren't truly able to (like not able to take out a loan), which brings me to nooblet's good point with loans/grants. If one is good enough for ivy league, then there really are no merit scholarships, as everyone is full of merit.

This post has been edited by Dogstopper: 10 July 2010 - 04:29 PM