<p>I got into both as a computer science major. </p>
<p>I know that Carnegie Mellon is undoubtedly the better option if I'm going into CS. What I'm worried about is the fact that people at CMU are so overworked and that the social life is nonexistent. The latter fact doesn't bother me much, but I'd still like to be able to go out and enjoy myself even if it's only once a month. I'm also scared that, because I'm not as experienced in CS, I won't be able to maintain a high enough GPA to get into graduate school. I plan on studying a lot over the summer, but I'm not sure it'll be enough compared to people who have been prepared for this their entire lives. </p>
<p>Getting into Columbia was entirely unexpected. What appeals to me about Columbia is the location, the prestige, etc. Columbia isn't that great for what I want to major in, though. Its computer science program falls far behind CMU's. If I were to pick a school regardless of major, however, I would go with Columbia.</p>
<p>Can anyone help me decide what to do? I'm going to visit both schools near the end of the month and decide for sure after that.</p>
<p>If you think there’s a good chance you might switch majors, then consider Columbia. CMU is a topnotch school, but it’s hard to turn down Columbia.</p>
<p>ZebraRider, I was admitted to both. I know that I want to do CS, but Columbia’s CS program is pretty lacking. Are the opportunities really that plentiful? Do they make up for the fact that the CS at Columbia isn’t on the same level as CMU’s SCS?</p>
<p>No brainer - CMU’s SCS is the top (or one of top 3) programs in the country. They have fantastic research opportunities and facilties. Columbia’s CS offering is, well, meh…</p>
<p>You can always brag about getting into Columbia but if you’re serious about CS the choice is obvious.</p>
<p>When you visit, ask specifically about each school’s seeming shortcomings. At CMU arrange to speak to CS majors: “Yes but I want a life. What sort of lives do people have here?” At Columbia: “Why shouldn’t I go to CMU for CS?”</p>
<p>As a current CS sophomore (and, I should add, someone who isn’t a brilliant mathematician or programmer…I’m mediocre to reasonably good, but probably average for my peers in SCS):</p>
<p>We’re a little overworked, but not very. Trust me when I say that CMU’s motto, “My heart is in the work”, will become very real to you. The effort you put into classes won’t feel like it’s in vain…I get a deep sense of accomplishment from the work I put in, even in classes where I ended up getting a C.</p>
<p>There is absolutely a social life here if you want one. Consider joining Greek life (and ignore all previous assumptions and stereotypes you have about frat guys or sorority girls!) CMU’s Greek culture is very open and diverse even if you think you’re not that type of person. But even without that you’ll find a lot to do…if you join a fairly tight-knit extracurricular you’ll have a lot of people to hang out with, and the club/activity will often throw various parties during the year.</p>
<p>If you were concerned about these things…please don’t be, although CMU’s CS curriculum will likely be more work than you are expecting. But if you come in with open eyes and a willingness to work hard, it’s very rewarding.</p>
<p>For what it’s worth, the average GPA for my year was 3.15 or so during our freshman year. It tends to go up a little, so by junior year it’s usually more 3.2-something. How do you feel about that?</p>
<p>If after considering this and visiting the school you feel you’d be unhappy at CMU, then go with Columbia. But I’m hoping you’ll find that CMU is a better environment than you think…because it’s a wonderful CS school and will give you so many opportunities.</p>
<p>I went to their engineering invitational this past year (Columbia) and was fascinated by their FU department and the amount they invest in engineering. </p>
<p>As a junior, I am either going to CE CS or EE. I get fascinated by the city life and their engineering program seems flawless to me. Columbia and its prestige is the way to go. </p>
<p>These are both highly prestigious schools that have everything you need and more, so I don’t think it is worth agonizing about whether the CS dept is not as good as Columbia or potential for internships etc. Make this decision on the answer to “where do I want to spend the next 4 years?”. Visit each school, ask lots of questions, observe everything and it will probably become clear.
Don’t worry about not having a CS background coming out of HS, many students go to high schools where there are no technology classes, or decide on CS late in high school etc. We asked some pointed questions at CMU since my son was in that situation, and they make **no **assumptions about what you know coming in. Their introductory course comes in multiple “speeds” for kids coming from different backgrounds. They’ve got you covered
If I were you I would probably pick CMU. CS is not an easy major at any good school, so I don’t think the social aspect is a differentiator either. It is all about time management, developing good/effective study habits, and asking for help when you need it.</p>
<p>First of all congratulations!!! Both schools are wonderful and very difficult to make! At this point I would say its time to visit both and find out which one feels more like “home”. I know it’s cliche, but you are going to be spending thousands of dollars and living there for the next four years!! Best of luck, you can’t go wrong with either option. (:</p>
