<p>I got into Carnegie Mellon and UPenn, and now I don't know where to go. I'm majoring in Computer Science at CMU and Digital Media Design at UPenn. I know CMU is the best for CS, no contest, but if I change my major CMU might not have that edge over Penn. What should I do? Is Penn engineering good enough to pass up CMU?</p>
<p>I can tell that socially, CMU/Pittsburgh is a hole.</p>
<p>Can't imagine anybody except a pocket-protector-industry lobbyist who would advise you to go with CMU.</p>
<p>To be blunt: All recruiters/employers will tell you CMU. Our median salary is 72k for CS and we just had one of our faculty go into Google here in Pitts (visit the CMU board to see). CMU also get the most kids into top firms like Microsoft/IBM and the only real competitor for CMU CS is MIT.</p>
<p>No offense to Tourguide but I don't think he understands how valued CS majors from CMU/MIT are to employers like Microsoft and other top firms.</p>
<p>CMU...there's no reason to go to Penn for computer science if you're accepted into CMU...the best CS school...</p>
<p>CMU: 72 Median
<a href="http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/career/employ/salary/scs.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/career/employ/salary/scs.pdf</a></p>
<p>Upenn: 58k for CS and 60k for Comp Science Engineering (not sure what this is)
<a href="http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/seas/prelim.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/seas/prelim.pdf</a></p>
<p>Post # 1 seems to indicate op isn't positive about major. Ok, CMU CS grads get lots of attention. I'm guessing the Penn grads aren't exactly flipping burgers til all the CMU grads get jobs.</p>
<p>I would take UPenn over CMU in a heartbeat . . . unless I was into Computer Science.</p>
<p>CMU is absolutely amazing in Comp Sci and Robotics (heck, they practically invented it) while UPenn is an amazing school overall. Don't be fooled by names, look up stats like the ones AcceptedAlready has given you for both schools and you might be surprised.</p>
<p>I wouldn't trust a bunch of CC kids to tell you how good CS at CMU is. And as for CMU being socially dead, that is a common misconception that is a couple years outtdated. I don't want to post 5 pages worth of info here and ruin your thread so visit the CMU board if you wanted to check out the REAL current info.</p>
<p>The thing is, I don't want to do pure CS. I want to do computer graphics, which is why DMD in UPenn seems just right. I just wonder about the quality and how good each looks in the eyes of grad schools and employers (less Microsoft, more Pixar haha).</p>
<p>CMU has tracks in CS which include graphics to engineering and even networking. I think it comes down to whether you want to work with computers or not. CMU is basically in the lead along with MIT in all computer-related research and have always been among the first/best in the field.</p>
<p>If you are going to change your major or are considering it (not computer-related), then DEFINITELY GO TO UPENN.</p>
<p>I'm from Penn, so I hate to say it, but if you're relatively sure you want to major in CS I'd go to Carnegie Mellon.</p>
<p>That being said, if you're unsure, Penngineering is really good about giving you background in all of the major disciplines so you can really get a feel for what you like best.</p>
<p>In either case, you'll do well. Let me know if I can help out at all.</p>
<p>You sound like me, those programs were my two top choices. Unfortunately, I was rejected at both.</p>
<p>I would go to CMU for CS. Its the only major that I would take over Penn (everything else Penn by a longshot), but if its what you want to do CMU excels.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I wouldn't trust a bunch of CC kids to tell you how good CS at CMU is. And as for CMU being socially dead, that is a common misconception that is a couple years outtdated. I don't want to post 5 pages worth of info here and ruin your thread so visit the CMU board if you wanted to check out the REAL current info.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>This entire post is correct. CMU and Pittsburgh is a pretty fun place with the right people. I visited a friend in college there and surprisingly I had a blast. The school is pretty nerdy if you can handle that :)</p>
<p>
[quote]
The thing is, I don't want to do pure CS. I want to do computer graphics, which is why DMD in UPenn seems just right. I just wonder about the quality and how good each looks in the eyes of grad schools and employers (less Microsoft, more Pixar haha).
[/quote]
</p>
<p>My good friend graduated from CMU is now doing his PhD in computer graphics at MIT. Anything computer-related is top notch at CMU.</p>
<p>My mind is itching to want to go to UPenn, and I admit it's partially the name factor, as well as worry about being stuck in CMU if I decide to change majors, but at the same time, I want to get a good education.</p>
<p>Dude, you're not going to get a bad education either place. If you can afford to choose between those schools, go where your heart tells you (cliche? i think so) Either way you're getting a top notch education.</p>