Computer science: UT or GeorgiaTech

[Sunheightshorn]

My son swam at Texas and was the firts athlete to get a BS in Computer Science. At the time, it was a top 5 program in the the nation. It has gone on to become the most requested degree program at the University. It was a tough grind that gave no quarter to an athlete who had to travel to swim meets. My son always had to take his tests or deliver his projects early, before traveling. However, it was well worth it. He got a great job right out the door with Sun Microsystems, and has worked for Oracle, Microsoft, Apple and several others. He's currently earning his MS in computer engineering. UT is the way to rock.

my best friends son and one of my scouts is graduating this Spring from UT with A BS in Computer Science. I think he was in the Honors program.
He interned at Google for 2 years and is now deciding whether to work for Google or Apple. He's waiting on Apples signing bonus and complete offer. It's a strong competitive program.

 

[sprintdammit]

This is true with regard to theory and initial onboarding. But as a UTCS grad and a software engineering manager in Austin for multiple large tech companies, I've found that in the long run, the folks from Stanford, Texas, MIT, etc do better in the long run over more practical application coursework degrees. If you are just hiring coders, really any of them will do but the true badasses where everything they touch turns to gold I've noticed come from the theory schools. I don't really care about their first year or two, I care about their career after that because that's when CS folks really turn it up.

Regardless, both are good schools and he can't go wrong with either. I've always hired mostly UT, Stanford, MIT, and Cal. Even a few Aggies. ;-)

Good take. The caveat that I would propose is that the true badasses are more a function of pure intelligence and drive, rather than education, in the majority case. JMO

 

[Heightshorn008]

Congratulations - quite an accomplishment.

Visit both schools and he’ll probably know at that point.

Two great choices.

 

[Mark33]

After five years in the industry it will not matter where you went to school it will matter what kind of employee you are. When was the last time at anyone's office someone said, "Come over this week and watch the Georgia Tech game".

 

[Goozy-Wabber]

I’m a GT grad. Atlanta has a lot of modeling schools, all women colleges, Emory... A lot of gorgeous women flock to Tech to hook up with nerds who are on pace to pick up huge paychecks. It’s got pro sports and there’s a lot to do. Also most everyone is in the same educational ‘boat’ so you will be motivated to study. I was a Fuji and loved the experience. Also, Tech is huge nationally and internationally. Tech grads everywhere. A bunch here in Texas.

 

[orange_oso_fu]

My son was blessed to have a similar choice, but in engineering, not CS and he picked Texas and would tell you it was the best decision in his life. Less expensive, prestigious degree, ability to move majors into another highly rated major (which he did) and the ability to work out of state if he so choose, which he did. Ga Tech is an excellent school, but Texas is Texas.

 

[siger]

That is awesome. You must be very proud. That's one heck of a resume.

Thanks.

 

[cammac88]

Georgia Tech is a good school.

GT is a great university

 

[Mariano]

If he wants an internship at Facebook I can make some intros.

 

[coolnij]

If he wants an internship at Facebook I can make some intros.

Thanks Mariano. Perhaps next year after he does year 1.

 

[coolnij]

Thanks Mariano. Perhaps next year after he does year 1.

My son was blessed to have a similar choice, but in engineering, not CS and he picked Texas and would tell you it was the best decision in his life. Less expensive, prestigious degree, ability to move majors into another highly rated major (which he did) and the ability to work out of state if he so choose, which he did. Ga Tech is an excellent school, but Texas is Texas.

Thanks to all of you for the insights as always. Y’all are so helpful! Love this community!

 

[anon_i5889d0py7a2i]

I’ve stayed out of this—I had the same issue having a son get into UT (EE) and almost every high level school.
First, sports shouldn’t matter.
Admire you for not trying to sway him.
I’m a Rice grad (ChemE) and so is my wife. He got into Rice but didn’t like Houston or his campus visit.
ultimately came down to UT vs Cornell. Wanderlust.
What swayed him to UT was 1) he loves Austin and wants to stay here and 2)$$$.
He has since thanked me for nudging him to UT. He is so damn happy and doing very well academically amd socially.
You and your son are blessed.

 

[LonghornGary]

Daughter had a similar decision. Texas or GT and despite her growing up a Longhorn she ended up at GT and is wrapping up her 3rd year in CS and will be interning with Microsoft this summer. Has been a great decision... much smaller school with more individual attention. She's loved it Can't go wrong with either.. trust me a CS degree from GT will not keep your son from getting a job in Texas or anywhere else. All the major companies recruit there.

 

[TilGabriel]

Isn’t Georgia Tech like 80% men? Was at one time.

Something to consider.

YES. “In 2019, 7,481 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus. 30.9% of these degrees were awarded to women, and 69.1% awarded men.”

Okay, yes GT is all dudes. And ugly girls. Buuuuuut it’s surrounded by some of the hottest women on the planet in Atlanta/Athens. If he’s hetero he’ll be fine.

 

[TilGabriel]

Okay the merits of Texas are a known commodity. Let me talk GT.

one, super small tight knit community. Extremely well regarded academics. Great fan experience in sports. Incredible city to live in at the foothills of the Piedmont’s. SEC is on the sked every year with Georgia. Hot women are everywhere in Atlanta.

tour both. Go with your heart to undergrad and your head to grad.

there is no bad choice here. Only different forms of amazing. Congratulations!

 

[coolnij]

My son got accepted for CompSci into UT and Georgia Tech. Happy for him being blessed with them.

I’m a diehard longhorn - did my ECE at UT. But trying not to sway my son one way or the other.

Any insights from y’all would be appreciated and thanks in advance.

love this OB community. Thank you for all your help and input. My son decided to accept UT for CS. I’m thrilled out of my mind. So much of the industry is moving here. It’s cheaper for us. And he will get a great well rounded experience and a stellar sports program on the rise to enjoy next 4 years too.

thanks all. Hook’em 🤘

 

[Goozy-Wabber]

love this OB community. Thank you for all your help and input. My son decided to accept UT for CS. I’m thrilled out of my mind. So much of the industry is moving here. It’s cheaper for us. And he will get a great well rounded experience and a stellar sports program on the rise to enjoy next 4 years too.

thanks all. Hook’em 🤘

Congratulations!

 

[brockjoli]

love this OB community. Thank you for all your help and input. My son decided to accept UT for CS. I’m thrilled out of my mind. So much of the industry is moving here. It’s cheaper for us. And he will get a great well rounded experience and a stellar sports program on the rise to enjoy next 4 years too.

thanks all. Hook’em 🤘

Congrats. Both of mine were fortunate enough to go to UT and it took me back to my years there like nothing ever could.