In the ‘Why CMU’ essay, it says to explain why I have chosen my programs (I am applying to computer science first choice and information systems second choice). Since CS and IS offer similar opportunities, would it reflect poorly on me if I mention both in a similar light (i.e. “Both the CS and IS programs offer unparalleled opportunities to explore my diverse interests”), and then justify for each (i.e. CS with its required minor, and IS with it’s ‘4-core curriculum’)? Does this kind of decrease my chances for both CS and IS, since I’m complimenting other programs in my essay? Or would it be better to keep my interests in these programs separate and talk about them in separate paragraphs?