Carnegie Mellon vs. others for engineering

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I've been put on the waiting list for Carnegie Mellon, and I've been accepted to the following schools:</p>

<p>U. of Washington (I live in WA)
Purdue U.
Northeastern U.
Drexel U.
Worcester Polytech. Inst. (free application; "why not")
Northern Arizona U. (free application; "why not")</p>

<p>My question is: should I take up going to Carnegie Mellon (if I get in) for undergraduate engineering? Or should I go somewhere else, get better grades, and <em>then</em> go to a prestigious graduate school such as MIT/CalTech/etc? Any thoughts?</p>

<p>I'm torn between going to my best option now (Carnegie Mellon) because I won't know my plans in four years, or going to an "easier" school now and saving big schools like Carnegie Mellon for graduate school... -->Money is an issue...</p>

<p>Thanks for any advice!</p>

2

<p>I would definitely go to Carnegie if accepted off the waitlist.</p>

<p>If not...then I would go to Washington</p>

3

<p>^ Agreed. Try to get off the waitlist. Do you know the proper steps?</p>

4

<p>I didn't know you could get off the wait list...</p>

<p>They said I was on their "priority" wait list, which ostensibly means they'll consider me before others on the "regular" wait list.</p>

<p>What steps do you mean?</p>

5

<p>If you are on priority, you have a great chance! Send in additional essays highlighting your interest in the program you applied for and perhaps an extra rec or two. Last year the chances were in the high 70%'s I think for priority so I'd say you are good if you can show interest and send in some new info such as better grades/E.C.'s/essays.</p>

6

<p>OK; I'll do that.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>