What Students Say
Likes
- It is one of the Top 5 public schools in the US, apart from this: 1. Strong CS research ranking 2. Ample funding opportunities 3. California, so closer to Big tech 4. Weather is friendly
- Access to a world-class education with top-notch faculty, opportunities for interdisciplinary research, a diverse and inclusive campus community, cutting-edge facilities and resources, ample funding opportunities with teaching assistantships and other positions, and a prime location in the heart of the vibrant and innovative city of San Diego.
Dislikes
- Some limitations of joining UCSD include high tuition fees and living costs. The academic environment for masters may feel highly competitive and demanding. The on-campus housing options are getting more limited with a large student population coming in.
- With larger class sizes, it may be challenging to build close personal connections with peers and professors. Some students find the campus to be too isolated from the rest of San Diego and lacking in social activities compared to other California universities (I do feel that the beaches are great though!).
Required Exams for Admission
I have really enjoyed the research opportunities at UCSD along with the funding that I get thanks to it being a public school. Because of this I will be able to complete my MS in less than 4 lakh INR. The courses were also very engaging and I really appreciate the flexibility in curriculum which made this an enjoyable experience. Placement support could have been better and maybe more affordable food and housing options nearby would be welcomed.
Course Curriculum
Course is quite updated. Courses have a mix of theory, systems, and applications making it relevant for both research and industry. Curriculum is very flexible.
Faculty
I expect faculty student ratio for masters should be approximately 1:20 but note that there are some classes where there are 400 students in a class. Faculties are very approachable and always recruit masters student for work. Prof Arun Kumar, Prof Imani Munyaka, Prof Taylor Berg left a good impression on me.
Campus Life
Ample clubs, campus infrastructure is state-of-the-art, spread over 2000 acres, multiple sports gyms, stadiums, 8 floor library one of the best in the US, campus-wide 100 mbps WiFi, and we have our own amphitheatre and arts and music complex where events and shows keep taking place.
Placement
On campus placement support is not that strong. But we do have industry talks where you can network with people from companies like Google, Apple, Qualcomm, Nvidia, Intel. Almost everyone does get placed at the end (at least 95%) with median salary around 130000-140000.
Accommodation
Sharing rooms are available in some communities on campus. For them rent will be 600-700, while for single room it will be 980-1400 depending on total rooms in your apartment.
Exams
My scores: GRE 162 Verbal 170 Quant 5.0 Writing TOEFL 111/120 Class minimum scores: Depends on your years of work experience but a rough estimate GRE 148 Verbal 165 Quant 3.5 Writing TOEFL: At least 26 in speaking else need to give exams internally Research experience helps, the more time you spend with your recommenders the stronger is the quality of your LOR. UCSD values quality affiliations be in terms of work experience company, university name, or research paper acceptance places.
Fees
For one quarter (3 months), $11000 is the fees and living will be $1400 per month. Students tend to graduate in 5 quarters on average, but can be between 4-6.
Scholarship
I did not receive any scholarship. But have received funding through teaching assistantships which provide 50% fee waiver and $2400 per month stipend.
