Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for an international student considering various graduate schools for a Master's in Aerospace Engineering. Participants explore factors such as scholarship opportunities, financial implications, and the overall value of different programs.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- One participant is weighing options between several universities including Embry-Riddle, SDSU, IIT, Iowa State University, and the University of Minnesota, and is seeking advice on which may be the best choice.
- Another participant expresses confusion about the abbreviations used for the universities and requests clarification.
- Clarifications are provided regarding the names of the institutions, with participants explaining the abbreviations.
- Financial considerations are discussed, with one participant noting a 40% scholarship from Embry-Riddle, reducing the effective fees to $12,000 per year.
- Concerns are raised about the affordability of graduate school, with one participant stating they would not attend if required to pay out of pocket and suggesting reapplying for better funding options.
- Another participant emphasizes the importance of funding, suggesting that attending a top school without funding may not be worth the debt incurred.
- One participant suggests that working while pursuing a degree could be financially beneficial, as it may lead to a free MS degree while earning a salary.
- Concerns are raised about the value of a degree from a US institution in the aerospace industry, with a participant suggesting that the financial return on investment for graduate school can be questionable.
- A participant seeks recommendations for universities that offer good scholarship opportunities, given their GRE scores.
- There is mention of the verbal GRE score being less critical, and the potential need for a TOEFL test for non-native English speakers.
- Discussion includes the possibility of teaching assistantships for PhD candidates, though uncertainty remains about similar opportunities for Master's-only candidates.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing opinions on the importance of financial aid and the implications of attending graduate school without funding. There is no consensus on which university is the best choice, as individual circumstances and priorities vary significantly.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight the importance of financial considerations and the potential impact of debt on future career choices. The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and perspectives on graduate education funding.