University of Pennsylvania

Pros: Overall, the Masters BE program at Penn is great, and I would highly recommend it. Faculty are supportive and willing to help. Research opportunities are expansive. Program is malleable to one's interests. Career services is excellent and will go the extra mile to aid you in preparing and finding employment. The graduate student organizations often have happy hours, parties, and other events, providing an accessible social scene (including inter-college mixing). Students are generally fun and... Read More sociable outside of academic demands. Never felt unsafe on campus, there are safety patrollers throughout nearly 24/7. Plenty of valuable networking opportunities. Large diversity in student body, a number of international students and students from all over the country with differing backgrounds. Cons: Cost of living can be high. Some students can be competitive, although I would say the majority are collaborative. No financial aid for Masters students, but it is possible to find a paying research position. Workload can be demanding, but that is expected in a graduate program.

Cons: Classes fill up quickly and are competitive; weather is tough for living, especially in winter; expense of the program is exorbitant and almost unmanageable. Pros: program is top rated and professors are so knowledgeable; supportive campus services; public transportation and campus safety are great; great location and great city with lots of things to do; students are friendly and work hard studying but also like to have a fun time; variety of courses offered in the program to target your individual... Read More interests; career support