The key governing factor for my selection of Gatech was the research work pursued by my advisor and the overall research culture in the college. Other secondary reasons were overall university ranking, ranking in the particular department/area I plan to study, location in terms of city vs university town etc.
Course Curriculum :
Every course has a different flavor and hence different learning experience. Most of my courses were theoretical in nature and I really learnt a lot through assignments and discussions in classroom.
Exams :
Admission requirements for Gatech are very standard. You need to send your resume, LoRs and statement of purpose (SOP) discussing your interest in higher studies and the people whose work genuinely interests you. In addition, you also need to provide your GRE and TOEFL scores. There is no minimum requirement on GRE score (I got 317/340) but you need atleast 90/120 marks on your TOEFL exam. I had a score of 114/120 on TOEFL.
Placement :
Located in the heart of a big city attracts many companies to visit the campus and hence, the placement opportunities are immensely available. Also, many MS student convert to PhD and PhDs get post-docs easily from the campus and sometimes in the campus itself.
Internship :
No
Events :
Campus life is vibrant and engaging. During the semester, almost every day some event or the other happens ranging from cultural events to educational talks. Gatech has amazing research facilities, campus wide wifi, huge recreation center, and libraries with very comfortable sitting couches and computer facilties.
Fees :
Approx. 15,000$ per semester and usually it takes 3-4 semester in MS program and 10 semesters in PhD (although you most likely will get funding in yout PhD)
Scholarship :
No
Faculty :
The faculty is really smart, friendly, and approachable in Gatech especially in terms of research. Since, it is a tech college many people do applied activities with industrial collaborations for which they hire students and a lot of learning happens in that process.
Hostel :
I live off-campus in an apartment complex of 2 bedrooms and 1 living room with 3 people which is located about 2 miles from the campus. I pay a total of 700$ including utilities for this apartment which is quite basic in Atlanta.
