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Alright, so I've been accepted into two universities in Canada in the Computer Science program (Co-op, undergrad):
- McGill University
- University of Waterloo
Now, I know that McGill is seen more of the "prestigious" university, while Waterloo has been building its reputation as one of the best technology university in Canada. I might be wrong on these assumptions, so feel free to correct me XD
I don't know where to go next year, and I think I need some community advice from TL!
So, feel just give me a recommendation on where I should go next year:
Do I go to the best university in Canada (Although that can be disputed XD) or should I go to the university that is well known for its Computer Science program (I also believe co-op is better there?)
Personally, I'm currently leaning towards more to Waterloo, mostly because I feel that it will be easier for me to get a co-op placement from there and the program itself should be better there...
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Whichever university will help you stand out, go to that university. Doesn't matter how prestigious a university is, YOU are what a resume is about, not a university.
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Waterloo is definitely the stronger choice in computing science.
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On May 16 2010 14:40 G4T0R4D3 wrote:
Whichever university will help you stand out, go to that university. Doesn't matter how prestigious a university is, YOU are what a resume is about, not a university.
Yes kids, remember that that Ivy League law degree means nothing more then the community college one so why pay all that extra money when you can just commute to your local hometown college?
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On May 16 2010 14:45 DeathByMonkeys wrote:Show nested quote +On May 16 2010 14:40 G4T0R4D3 wrote:
Whichever university will help you stand out, go to that university. Doesn't matter how prestigious a university is, YOU are what a resume is about, not a university. Yes kids, remember that that Ivy League law degree means nothing more then the community college one so why pay all that extra money when you can just commute to your local hometown college?
don't underestimate those community colleges, i got into berkeley after a few years at one
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go with waterloo. it's what you prefer. when in doubt, stick with a safe choice.
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On May 16 2010 14:50 jalstar wrote:Show nested quote +On May 16 2010 14:45 DeathByMonkeys wrote:On May 16 2010 14:40 G4T0R4D3 wrote:
Whichever university will help you stand out, go to that university. Doesn't matter how prestigious a university is, YOU are what a resume is about, not a university. Yes kids, remember that that Ivy League law degree means nothing more then the community college one so why pay all that extra money when you can just commute to your local hometown college? don't underestimate those community colleges, i got into berkeley after a few years at one
Getting in to Berkley =/= having a decent resume and getting a job because you went to a respectable school.
Also, it's not like you got in to Berkley because you went to a community college. You probably had a fairly successful high school career, decent test scores, and gained some work experience in your time at community college. If you got in to Berkley after community college then you probably could've gotten in before and for reasons unknown to me chose to put it off for a bit.
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Check out the intern programs for both universities to compare. Work experience related to your major during college is a big deal.
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You will have way more fun living in downtown Montreal than in Waterloo. Added to that, prestige doesn't matter so much as grades and your own abilities, so just pick a place where you can be happiest?
As for Co-op placements, all of my friends from Waterloo end up having to leave for cities like Ottawa, Toronto or Montreal to find a placement anyways...
2 cents.
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If your worry is that you're turning down "prestige" for "quality" - go where you want to go and do what you want to do. Don't worry what anyone else thinks, as long as you're confident with your decision.
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I go to waterloo, and I'm fairly sure that the computer science program is more advanced and you will learn more, with more opportunities than at McGill. Although I will admit that McGill probably has a better environment and community.
Specifically, if you go to waterloo i recommend registering for the Advanced computer science course in first year (CS145), if you're up to the task. You will be taught by one of the most brilliant people you will ever see in your life, and learn a crapton.
Also, McGill is more well known and prestigious, but again I think that's for the school at a whole (Waterloo is severely lacking in many of it's other departments). Also, out of a CS degree the people who will be looking at your resume will be other techie types and will appreciate the quality of something like a Waterloo degree.
But of course it's your decision in the end =) hopefully you figure something out by May 28th hehe.
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Yeah waterloo just recently got a quantum computing lab like last year
so that should be enough for you if you're in cs
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Personally, I'd say go to whatever school benefits you more. My best friend is training to be a pianist, and he got accepted into Juliard, but instead chose to go to a smaller less prestigious school to personally train under a former grandmaster.
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Waterloo. You'll sacrifice living in Montreal for a stronger tech/science oriented school. Plus RIM geeks ftw.
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I'd go to Waterloo. I am at Carleton right now for computer science, haha. The school doesn't matter though, aslong as you join extra curricular nerd clubs, that's what they look for on your resume.. i may get around to it this year..haha
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Waterloo easy...
Waterloo has pioneered internships (called co-op) in Canada and it probably has the best co-op in the world. If you are doing CS, you will learn much more from the job and from the classes (and Waterloo has a very strong CS program).
In terms of finding a job after graduation, from your six internships, you will have two years of work experience at the time of graduation. Most people have jobs lined up from their previous internships, and many students are employed by Microsoft, Amazon and Google each year. In terms of prestige, you will most likely be finding a CS related job, and Waterloo is widely regarded as the best CS school in Canada.
edit:
The city sucks. But if you are good, you can find internships in places like New York, SF, London, and even Tokyo (I did NY, Tokyo, and SF for my 4th, 5th and 6th). I think it more than makes up for it.
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prestige is overrated.
You should never do anything for the name value. Ask yourself: who are you trying to impress?
What's most important is that you do what's right for you and according to your post, this seems to be going to waterloo.
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waterloo is soo difficult to get into.. =/
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I go to waterloo computer science, people have already said a ton, so you can PM me if you have any specific questions.
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EPT
