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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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Definately UW. They have such a strong CS program.
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On May 17 2010 01:14 Monoxide wrote:
Definately UW. They have such a strong CS program.
(and CSL program)
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On May 17 2010 02:32 Assault_1 wrote:Show nested quote +On May 17 2010 01:14 Monoxide wrote:
Definately UW. They have such a strong CS program. (and CSL program)
You know, if you were still in Ottawa, you could have been on a team that went to the Eastern Finals, right?
EDIT - To OP - if you're interested in Co-op, Waterloo is probably the best choice. However, you won't be let down by either choice. Both are excellent schools.
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Go to McGill. It's in Canada.
Edit: Unlike Waterloo.
Edit: Nvm. Waste of 1000th post.
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Chill is gonna have to come in and give his opinion for waterloo haha. What I read so often in these blogs is people going to waterloo are not happy with the social opportunities.
I got a homie in electrical engineering there and hes thought about switching schools a couple times for reasons like that. he's gunna finish just cos he is so far in. This is a guy who was set on waterloo because of engineering as far back as grade 10. So thats just the other side of the coin i guess.
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Is Waterloo a boring school?
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Waterloo for cs 
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On May 17 2010 02:57 meteorskunk wrote:
Chill is gonna have to come in and give his opinion for waterloo haha. What I read so often in these blogs is people going to waterloo are not happy with the social opportunities.
I got a homie in electrical engineering there and hes thought about switching schools a couple times for reasons like that. he's gunna finish just cos he is so far in. This is a guy who was set on waterloo because of engineering as far back as grade 10. So thats just the other side of the coin i guess.
Chill graduated from Queens, I believe.
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Korea (South)11593 Posts
you should go and visit the colleges and figure out which one you like more and you can see yourself living for the next 3-5 years
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Montreal is the better city. By far.
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Waterloo! I hear their 1st year is quite a breeze, except the second year gets REALLY tough.
Also, RIM supports waterloo :D I'd go to Waterloo just for that reason
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not much to add. But if McGill doesn't offer co-op opportunities, i HIGHLY SUGGEST you consider Waterloo. I have been in co-op placements since I was in high school (two in Waterloo) and I can tell you that they will be one of the best decisions you can make in your academic career.
I have spoken to many managers and a lot of them much much prefer someone with experience in the field. Yes theory is important, but when you graduate and move onto the real world. Managers will look for people who are experienced in the field. I know too many friends who have graduated and cannot find a job/stuck at McDonalds.
Waterloo has THE best co-op program in the world. They have connections to many large companies (Microsoft, Google, RIM). I know some friends that found positions in Silicon Valley, which is a dream come true for us geeks. This means that as soon as they graduate, the most likely already have a job waiting for them.
And plus, people who are in co-op programs normally graduate debt-free, which is a big bonus.
Edit: In terms of environment, yes Waterloo is a school of sausages... But really, it's what you make out of it. Join clubs (they have a starcraft club), teams, attend social gatherings. If you refuse to head out and lock yourself out in your room, then yes.. it will boring.
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waterloo is to MIT as mcgill is to harvard - is what alot of people would think
waterloo:
-most reputable school in canada for mathematical/technological/most physical sciences-related engineering programs
-alot of asians (both the fobby ones and the nerdy ones), are you AZN?
-social life and immediately-out-of-campus areas are pretty boring
-co-op is cool and they are the 'pioneers' of this shit but alot of schools are providing co-op as well
mcgill:
-more known for it's liberal arts/social sciences/biosci/chem programs, obviously not as good of a CS program as waterloo
-less asians
-way better social life, you will have many opportunities to party like a mofo
two students coming out of these two schools, cet. par., an employer would much more likely hire the waterloo dude
and no joke with no intent of stereotyping, unless you are a fobby/nerd azn, you probably won't be as happy/psychologically-satisfied at waterloo than at mcgill after your undergrad years..
but of course, it all depends what you make of yourself and how psychologically resilient/fit you are to begin with.
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On May 17 2010 06:05 blue_arrow wrote:
waterloo is to MIT as mcgill is to harvard - is what alot of people would think
waterloo:
-most reputable school in canada for mathematical/technological/most physical sciences-related engineering programs
-alot of asians (both the fobby ones and the nerdy ones), are you AZN?
-social life and immediately-out-of-campus areas are pretty boring
-co-op is cool and they are the 'pioneers' of this shit but alot of schools are providing co-op as well
mcgill:
-more known for it's liberal arts/social sciences/biosci/chem programs, obviously not as good of a CS program as waterloo
-less asians
-way better social life, you will have many opportunities to party like a mofo
two students coming out of these two schools, cet. par., an employer would much more likely hire the waterloo dude
and no joke with no intent of stereotyping, unless you are a fobby/nerd azn, you probably won't be as happy/psychologically-satisfied at waterloo than at mcgill after your undergrad years..
but of course, it all depends what you make of yourself and how psychologically resilient/fit you are to begin with.
Or, you know, you could come to Ottawa. We beat McGill, Waterloo, Harvard, and MiT, on our quest in the CSL.
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On May 17 2010 06:05 blue_arrow wrote:
waterloo is to MIT as mcgill is to harvard - is what alot of people would think
waterloo:
-most reputable school in canada for mathematical/technological/most physical sciences-related engineering programs
-alot of asians (both the fobby ones and the nerdy ones), are you AZN?
-social life and immediately-out-of-campus areas are pretty boring
-co-op is cool and they are the 'pioneers' of this shit but alot of schools are providing co-op as well
mcgill:
-more known for it's liberal arts/social sciences/biosci/chem programs, obviously not as good of a CS program as waterloo
-less asians
-way better social life, you will have many opportunities to party like a mofo
two students coming out of these two schools, cet. par., an employer would much more likely hire the waterloo dude
and no joke with no intent of stereotyping, unless you are a fobby/nerd azn, you probably won't be as happy/psychologically-satisfied at waterloo than at mcgill after your undergrad years..
but of course, it all depends what you make of yourself and how psychologically resilient/fit you are to begin with.
are these schools really that prestigious?
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On May 17 2010 07:58 lowbright wrote:Show nested quote +On May 17 2010 06:05 blue_arrow wrote:
waterloo is to MIT as mcgill is to harvard - is what alot of people would think
waterloo:
-most reputable school in canada for mathematical/technological/most physical sciences-related engineering programs
-alot of asians (both the fobby ones and the nerdy ones), are you AZN?
-social life and immediately-out-of-campus areas are pretty boring
-co-op is cool and they are the 'pioneers' of this shit but alot of schools are providing co-op as well
mcgill:
-more known for it's liberal arts/social sciences/biosci/chem programs, obviously not as good of a CS program as waterloo
-less asians
-way better social life, you will have many opportunities to party like a mofo
two students coming out of these two schools, cet. par., an employer would much more likely hire the waterloo dude
and no joke with no intent of stereotyping, unless you are a fobby/nerd azn, you probably won't be as happy/psychologically-satisfied at waterloo than at mcgill after your undergrad years..
but of course, it all depends what you make of yourself and how psychologically resilient/fit you are to begin with. are these schools really that prestigious?
Yes, they're quite good in some departments
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Thanks for all the help guys; after talking with my family as well I decided to accept the offer into Waterloo (I just have to sort things out with McGill concerning deposits and waiting for OUAC to send the confirmation to Waterloo). After reading the responses and talking with my family, I believe that I will be in a better environment for learning and there will be more opportunities (Related to Computer Science) at Waterloo. I guess I'll be willing to give up a great city like Montreal -.-
So to all of you who attend there/plan to attend there next year, I guess I'll see you there!
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Ah too late, personally I recommend anybody that asks me this sort of question to go with McGill. All of my friends that went there have loved it and of course it goes without saying that Montreal > not-Montreal (except Vancouver :D). This is totally ignoring any academic aspects of it of course but hey it's not like McGill is some trashy party school either .
Still, it's good that you made your decision, have fun at Waterloo
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On May 17 2010 00:24 skyeyesattelite wrote:
waterloo is soo difficult to get into.. =/
It really depends on the program. CS at Waterloo is quite easy to get into.
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On May 17 2010 00:11 lowbright wrote:
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.
Besides the fact that every interview I had starts off with a positive remark about my school and I can shoot off names of notable professors I have taken classes with when they ask about my course work, I would say prestige is pretty important. It's the same concept as people paying more money for a name brand rather than a generic brand.
If you want to take the pressure off of yourself, just remember that even if you don't make the "right" or "best" choice, you aren't making a "bad" or "wrong" choice either.
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For normal people I'd suggest going to McGill in a heartbeat.
But this is TL, so, Waterloo.
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EPT
