User:Piquant83

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Contents 1 Q&A related to the MS Program 1.1 Immunization 1.2 Money Matters 1.3 Laptops 1.4 Thesis vs Non-thesis Option 1.5 Courses 1.6 Internships 1.7 Aid/Assistantship 1.8 Housing 1.9 Clothing 1.10 Books 1.11 Pending Actions

[edit] Q&A related to the MS Program

[edit] Immunization

Q1: What are the formalities to be completed?

Ans: I've consulted a doc here plus some friends who've been thru these procedures -

1. MMR shots - We've taken one shot when we were kids. But we have no record of that, so just take one more shot!
2. Tetanus - Just take a tetanus injection.
3. Tuberculosis - Important to take the test. The result might be positive. Doesnt mean we're suffering from it. Whatever the test result, get a chest x-ray done.
4. Hepatitis B - Have to take the shot if not already taken.
5. Chickenpox - Just indicate on the form that you have a history of chickenpox. No vaccination required.

Note: Don't hesitate to spend on the medical procedures here. It might cost you a couple of thousand rupees in all. Otherwise you will be forced to take the test in the US and each would cost $100!!

[edit] Money Matters

Q1: What is the visa amount and what would be the kind of financial documents required?

Ans: $50,182 has to be shown as liquid funds to VO. This accounts only for 1st year of study i.e 2 semesters. This amount includes summer tution but most students don't enrol for courses in summer. For 2nd year, it will good to show a portion of the amount in FDs, PF etc and the remaining as a loan.

Q2: What will the actual tution fees? To what extent will an internship or aid help?

Ans: The actual tution amount will be around $36,000( i.e. for 3 to 4 semesters, 2 is very unlikely unless ur a genius). One mostly earns around $5,000 per month during an internship(around $7,000 if its a hi-fi company). So the tution fee will come down by around $10,000.

[edit] Laptops

Q1: When is the right time to buy one?

Observation: It's pretty clear that a laptop is way cheaper in the US than here. After comparing prices of a few HP models, I find that it costs nearly double the amount in India. Since we have to register for courses online after the orientation (there will be a mad rush considering its first come first serve), we will require a computer even before the start of the program.

[edit] Thesis vs Non-thesis Option

Q1: Is it a must to take up the Thesis option in order to keep the option of doing a Phd open?

Observation: I've heard this is required if you plan to take a break after your MS and then pursue your Phd.

Ans: We have a considerable amount of time to decide if we want to take it up(by 3rd semester).

Q2: What does it take to do an MS with Thesis option? How grueling is it?

[edit] Courses

Q1: Does it ever happen that u dont get to take up the courses u want cos the max intake has already been reached, in all semesters?

Ans: According to a senior, usually doesn't happen.

Q2: During some semester(not sure which one) people tend to take relatively easier courses. Why? And which courses are easy?

Observation : It is advisable to pick easy courses in first sem - allows to get aquainted to the system and gives bandwidth to search for aid.

Q3: Are there any mandatory courses that are to be picked in complete course or a particular sem?

[edit] Internships

Q1: Do most people get one? Is it necessary to have contacts in the industry to get one?

Ans: Yes, most ppl get one and having a contact is an advantage though not mandatory.

[edit] Aid/Assistantship

Q1: Have RA TA positions in CS Dept already been filled? If open will they be available in first sem? What about the other depts?

[edit] Housing

Q1: In the long run what matters more, safety or cleanliness?

Observation: I think we all know by now that centennial is - clean, a little unsafe considering the distance. And homepark is not maintained but comparitively safer.

[edit] Clothing

Q1: What is the trend? What do we need to carry?

Ans: On a daily basis, ppl wear t-shirts and jeans, like most ppl here in India. For formal occasions, a blazer or suit is required. Light jackets will be required during Fall. A few warm t-shirts and a heavy jacket will be needed during winters. And ofcourse, a few ethnic clothes for india club activities.

[edit] Books

Q1: What books do we have to carry? And is it sufficient if only one copy of each book is carried among friends?

Observation: I have seen that few professors and courses they will be taking in fall have been declared eg CS 6210, and Algorithms(I forgot its code).We can carry books for these.Sharing books could be a problem cause if we land up picking same courses in same sem, which would be better from studying point of veiw ;) but then we will have our assignments and homeworks due on same date...hence could be a bone of contention.

Q2: Do seniors sell their books in Fall?

Observation: Yes and these can also be taken from library, they have a good stock of them.

[edit] Pending Actions

Since we are sharing the apartment each of us need not bring the same initial stuff. Cooking utensils etc can be shared and increase space for other stuff in baggage.This list needs to be worked on.