Caltech or Carnegie SCS?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Ok, here goes.</p>

<p>I know both are amazing schools, and I'm lucky to have the option to choose between the two. That being said, idk which one would be better for me!!!</p>

<p>I know Caltech is somewhat more prestigious overall, and is known for its rigor and excellence in engineering. But I'm scared of the workload, and the fact that if it's too hard, it may screw you over in employment/grad school. Their grade deflation policies worry me, and so I feel like I won't have as much grad school/job security if I were to attend.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Carnegie SCS seems to have really great job placement, and has one of the highest median salary straight out of school. That's really appealing to me, but the only problem is that idk if I want to do computer science for a career. Also, I feel like overall Caltech is better respected, which might be helpful in finding jobs/connections later? idk. (<a href="http://www.cmu.edu/career/salaries-and-destinations/2012-survey/pdfs-one-pagers/2012_SCS.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.cmu.edu/career/salaries-and-destinations/2012-survey/pdfs-one-pagers/2012_SCS.pdf&lt;/a> )</p>

<p>I guess I could always do compsci at Caltech, but I'm just afraid there's gonna be too much work/stress there. I'm attending prefrosh weekend, so I guess I'll get a better idea, but the decision is really killing me... :(</p>

<p>Any input would be appreciated!</p>

2

<p>Carnegie Mellon is good but it isn’t that good to be compared with Cal Tech. </p>

<p>Why are you scared of work load ? If you can get accepted to these, you can handle the work load. A Cal Tech degree is elite and respected world wide.</p>

3

<p>But carnegie’s SCS is up there… And looking at the employment, it seems even better than caltech’s postgrad employment, in some ways. Idk… I’m just scared cause I hear so many stories about caltech’s insane workload and constant stress levels</p>

4

<p>I would guess that CMU SCS also has a difficult workload. STEM majors are going to be rigorous no matter where you go (especially if it’s CMU or Caltech). I think it would be best to choose based on other factors.</p>

5

<p>Caltech. Congratulations on your acceptance.</p>

6

<p>Your visits should help you decide where you feel you will better fit in. CollegiateDreams is correct that STEM majors are going to be rigorous wherever you go (FWIW I did my undergrad in chemical engineering and my D is about to finish hers in physics. We went to very different schools but both had to work hard). Good luck!</p>

7

<p>Does the “C” in hypscm stand for Carnegie-Mellon?</p>

<p>I think you just learn to deal with the workload at Caltech. There are so many things about Caltech’s approach to math, physics, and other subjects that attending Caltech is an opportunity not to be missed. You never hear: “at CMU they teach…” or “the book they use at CMU is…”</p>