I was admitted into both as a computer science major.
I know that Carnegie Mellon is undoubtedly the better option if I’m going into CS when it comes to academics, however, I am extremely concerned that I will become overworked and won’t have a social life. I have visited both colleges and believe Columbia’s campus is much nicer, however, I can see that the courses at CMU are more concentrated and plentiful than the curriculum at Columbia. CMU’s comp sci program seems to equip students with all necessary knowledge within the first 2 years while Columbia’s curriculum seems a lot slower given the core curriculum and lack of advanced courses.
All in all, I’m lost and need some help with this decision. I don’t want to just focus on academics or social life.
I realize this is super late and there are only a few days left for decisions, but this is an incredibly hard decision and I’m just a 17-year old that doesn’t truly know what he wants to do in the future. A few pointers would truly make this decision a whole lot easier.
If you look at the big picture, the school should be preparing you for employment after you are finished. Given this scenario, I would undoubtedly choose CMU given the curriculum and opportunities you will have access to. It is far and above a better program for computer science.
My experience is even the most dedicated students blow off studying to have have some fun. Even if you argue that you need to work on a paper your roommates will talk you into going to a party. Don’t pick a university based on which university you think will be easier. If you enjoy your courses then you will do well in your courses and you will find time for a social life. Factors for you to consider:
1. Do you like Columbia’s core curriculum or do you want more freedom to choose your courses?
2. Columbia is in Manhattan. Do you consider being in a large city with the availability of national music groups and museums a major plus or would you prefer the quieter CMU campus?
3. How dedicated to CS are you? About half of all college students change their major.
4. Where do you want to work? If NYC then Columbia has an advantage.
CMU is excellent in CS. However, Columbia has strengths in many liberal art subjects that are stronger than similar departments at CMU. Don’t dismiss the importance of a liberal art training for CS. Many people are beginning to question our dependence on AI in decision making. For example, there is a growing belief that AI models that are used to determine the risk that a person charged with a crime will commit another crime may be based on discriminatory data. Where can you consider the social aspects for AI? Here are links for background information:
https://www.princeton.edu/news/2019/04/18/panelists-tell-un-expert-artificial-intelligence-offers-promise-and-peril-social
https://www.princeton.edu/news/2019/02/28/graduate-students-explore-ethics-artificial-intelligence
Good Luck!