Carnegie Mellon University vs UMich for Biomedical Engineering

Colleges and Universities A-Z Carnegie Mellon University
1

I’ve been admitted to both CMU and UMichigan for Biomedical engineering, and am not sure about which to pick.
Since I am international, both have exorbitant costs, and hence that won’t be a decising factor.

UMich:

Pros:
Better BME program (#9)
BME program allows for different concentrations, and hence I would be able to focus on biochemical engineering and molecular engineering, which is what I want to study
I have fallen extremely in love with the university since I was accepted a month ago

Cons:
Overall school has less prestige
Weather (not important)

CMU:
Pros:
Very prestigious school
More BME faculty
Weather (not important)

Cons:
I will have to double major in biomedical and chemical engineering as BME is only offered as an additional major, and I am really not sure i f I am capable of handling a double engineering major courseload
Lower ranked BME program (#16)

I think the main hindering factor that’s not letting me choose CMU is the fact that I have to double major in 2 engineerings, one of which I am not even necessarily interested in (chem)
Not accepting CMU’s offer is very difficult on the other hand.

Does anyone have and advice or insights into what would be a better choice?

2

Sounds like you’ve already made your decision, and that the only thing holding you back from UM is the mythical, generalized concept of prestige for a school that isn’t even as “prestigious” as UM in the program you’re interested in. And to be honest, I don’t think you can say the weather is that much better in Pittsburgh compared to Ann Arbor (I grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated CMU with a BS in CivE.

3

So I went to Michigan and my son goes to CMU, and there is no question – Michigan is colder than Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, given the facts presented you should probably choose Michigan and get the degree you actually want. At CMU, one can double major, but it means very very careful course selection and little room for exploration. As for prestige, that should never be a reason to select a school, as it is a moving target. Good luck and enjoy your college experience.

4

@shortnuke @psycholing thank you so much! I spoke to someone who did BME at UMich and I realised it definitely is the place for me. I’ve pretty much made a decision because I will be able to study what I really want to study. Thanks so much for your inputs! :slight_smile: