violet ginkgo
Schools: University of Toronto Saint George Campus vs University of Massachusetts Amherst
Intended Major: Comp Sci
Similarities: Both schools are top tier for CS, both have pretty great facilities and other qualities that attract me to them. Also, both places are FREEZING from what I hear
Also note, I am an international student
U of Toronto
Pros:
- In Canada, so I have a more lenient work permit, and I don't have to worry about changes to my visa as much as would in the US because of how touchy and constantly fluctuating immigration policy can be over there.
- More prestigious (not that significant, but still should help with job opps. cause of name recognition)
- The university seems more nerdy, which I think might be more my pace compared to UMass which has a reputation for being a party school.
Cons: - A very stressful environment compared to UMass from what I hear
- Much more expensive compared to UMass (about 60k per year factoring in living costs and such compared to UMass's 42k thanks to my scholarship there). My parents are willing to put in the money for me to attend either university, but going somewhere cheaper might ease the financial burden on them
UMass Amherst
Pros:
- Just like U of Toronto, it's super prestigious for CS
- I got the 16k scholarship there which makes it much cheaper than UofT
- Environment seems a lot less stressful, though studying CS is gonna make either place a nightmare when it comes to rigor
Cons: - Not as prestigious for CS
Tiebreaking consideration:
- Tbh, this whole debate for me boils down to whether it's worth paying more to go to Canada over the US as an international student. I like both universities and I think they're both amazing. Let me know whether I should pay the extra and go to U of T or just go with the cheaper option at UMass.
orchid sail
warm plume