CS university, do I chase prestige or freedom.
Hello, I would like honest feedback and an opinion about the critical decision I have to make in less than a day.
I am currently trying to choose a university, and I'm torn between two contrasting options. For simplicity, let's call them University A and University B. They are vastly different, and each comes with distinct pros and cons.
University A:
I haven't seen a single positive review about its computer science program, students say the curriculum is outdated and lectures lack practical application. However, its degree carries notable prestige. On the downside, this program is intensely demanding and would leave me virtually no time for side projects, hackathons, or skill development, relying entirely on heavy theory and mathematics.
University B:
On the other hand, it is viewed as a lower-tier institution with older facilities and a less rigorous academic reputation. However, it would give me the breathing space needed to build practical skills, take supplementary courses, participate in hackathons, and actively develop my portfolio.
In short:
Option A offers prestige and a strong diploma.
Option B offers time, flexibility, and the freedom to pursue self-directed study.
Complicating matters is family pressure: my relatives strongly want me to choose the prestigious option, especially since I achieved high scores on my entrance exams.
Yet, I worry that a purely theoretical path will leave me feeling stagnant and lacking a real-world portfolio when I graduate. I've heard advice from many developers suggesting that a university won't teach you everything anyway, and that success in this field comes down to self-reliance and building things on your own.
Since other alternatives are financially out of reach for me and my family, I am restricted to these two choices.
What do you think is the best path forward? Should I lean into the prestige of traditional theory, or prioritize self-driven practical experience?
Thank you in advance.