Carnegie Mellon University vs. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?

College Search & Selection
1

I’m interested in storyboarding and writing for video games and I can’t decide between these two schools. I would love it if current students or alumni could give me tips? Here’s what I have for pro and con:

Carnegie Mellon- I love this campus and student body. I’ve always wanted to be in a city (all the other schools I applied to were either in Boston or New York City), and I am in love with Pittsburgh. However, I was only accepted into the Dietrich Humanities School so I would have to major in Creative Writing and minor in Game Design with their IDeATe program, which isn’t as perfect as RPI’s GSAS program. I’m concerned that being a CW major will make me less valuable in the job market. Also, CMU did not give me nearly as much aid as RPI, so going here would be a financial stretch.

RPI- The Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences Program with a concentration in Writing is perfect for me. The classes seem interesting ad engaging, and although there is less of a focus on Creative Writing (my real passion is writing fiction), I would have an amazing chance at a job out of school. Also, I got so much money from RPI that I could go here for very little. However, I myself am from Upstate New York and I know from the get-go that I would HATE Troy. The campus seems pretty enough, but again, my dream is to be in a city. I’m worried that Troy would suck the life out of me. Also, I’m not interested in Greek life and I didn’t at all like what I saw in terms of student housing.

Specific Questions:
-What is job placement like with a CW major and Game Design minor from CMU?
-Is Troy really as bad as I think?
-Will I be able to study abroad at either school?
-Is RPI overrun with frat douches?

Thank you so much for your help, you have no idea how much I need this!

2

Bump!

3

Probably not good. If these are your only options, go with the RPI program. Plenty of people survive Troy.

4

I don’t think the CW major will be very beneficial. It’s honestly just a fluffed up English major. Now, a Game-Design related major from RPI is something desirable, especially in this technological, growing-gaming world. I would go with RPI and heck with the location. You’re getting a solid education in a cool/fascinating field for a very low cost.

I’m not from upstate NY, but I don’t think Troy will be that awful. You can find plenty of things to do. I don’t believe RPI is overrun with frat guys. If we’re going to roll with any stereotype, there are probably a lot of nerdy/techy guys there.