Software Engineering
University
Recommendation
App
Data-driven recommendation system helping prospective students discover universities aligned with their academic goals and preferences.
The Challenge
Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions students make, yet the process is often overwhelming. With thousands of institutions offering varying programs, costs, and cultures, students need a data-informed way to narrow their options.
Technical Approach
I built a recommendation engine that analyzes multiple factors to suggest universities matched to student preferences:
- • Data Collection: Aggregated data from public university datasets including rankings, admission rates, cost, and program offerings
- • Recommendation Algorithm: Implemented collaborative filtering and content-based filtering to suggest similar institutions
- • Interactive Visualizations: Created charts and graphs to help students compare schools across key metrics
- • User-Friendly Interface: Built with Streamlit for rapid prototyping and easy deployment
Key Features
Smart Filters
Filter by location, cost, size, programs, and admission selectivity
Similarity Matching
Find universities similar to your favorites based on multiple attributes
Visual Comparisons
Side-by-side comparison charts for tuition, acceptance rates, and rankings
Personalized Results
Weighted recommendations based on stated priorities and preferences
Data Visualization
A key component of the app is making complex university data accessible. I designed interactive visualizations that allow students to explore relationships between factors like cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Students can identify patterns and make informed decisions based on data rather than prestige alone.
Technical Stack
Backend
Python, Pandas, NumPy
Frontend
Streamlit
Visualization
Plotly, Matplotlib
Impact & Learnings
This project demonstrated my ability to translate complex datasets into actionable insights through thoughtful UX and data visualization. It reinforced that good engineering isn't just about algorithms—it's about creating tools that genuinely help people make better decisions.