Carnegie Mellon or Vanderbilt for undergrad???

College Search & Selection
1

Hey guys. This is my first time posting on cc. I know the ddl to commit is only 2 days aways and it’s a bit late to ask this question right now, but I’m still struggling and can’t decide between CMU and Vanderbilt…

I am admitted to Mellon College of Science at CMU and CAS at Vanderbilt as an international student for class of 2022. No financial aids at both schools but cost isn’t a concern. TBH, i’m not sure about what my major will be at college but it’s definitely going to be STEM related. Right now, I’m planning to either double major in math and cs (or perhaps computational finance if my GPA is high enough) at CMU or double major in math and econ at Vanderbilt, but I know it’s possible for me to change my mind at college. Career-wise i’ll probably want to work for tech companies or maybe consulting companies after graduation.

I understand CMU and Vanderbilt is very different in social life and academics (One extremely “nerdy” and stressful and the other extremely social and laid-back), and Vanderbilt CAS is obviously better in terms of liberal education bc CMU MCS doesn’t seem to have one. CMU, however, prepares students for their career better especially when it comes to tech companies recruitment. i’m not a fan of greek life and i’m not really into doing research at college btw, but again that might change.

Any advice will be appreciated!

2

also, which school is better at sending students to top-tier grad schools for STEM?

3

One correction: CMU has a liberal arts college – see Dietrich. https://www.cmu.edu/dietrich/ I don’t know details on all of their departments, but will say that psychology and decision science are particularly strong.

4

For STEM, I would give the edge to CMU but you have great options on the table! You can’t make a wrong choice with these two schools.

5

CMU all the way for STEM, very respected and you are right top tech firms recruit from there. It may have its “geek” elements, but there are groups for everyone. Vanderbilt doesn’t make any top rankings for STEM, Engineering etc. Pittsburg is a great city too!

6

Since it’s less than 12 hours left to decide I’ll ger to the point. CMU for the major. Vandy for everything else and close on the major over the course of your life.

7

Thanks for all of your inputs!! I’ve made up my mind and decided to enroll at CMU. After all, where else could a STEM major go

TurnTartan