I’m currently undecided between these three schools. I was accepted for pure CS, but I’m open to change and experimentation. They’re all affordable, but for what it’s worth, Cornell is the cheapest by a decently-sized margin, and UPenn and CMU are similarly priced.
CMU SCS obviously has the strongest CS program, but I feel like I might be limiting my ability to pivot into another area. I’ve heard that SCS is particularly stressful, which might take some adjusting to since I come from an unranked high school where I coasted by for four years. Pittsburgh has plenty to do, but I feel like the campus might be a bit boring and not inclusive enough (I’m a first-gen URM). It’s also pretty far from my home, which would make moving in and coming back home a bit harder.
Cornell is more diverse both in people and education, and the CS program is still top-notch. I believe the “any person…any study” philosophy would make me a well-rounded student. I’ve heard Cornell is also stressful, but the people there are much nicer in my experience and I feel the campus’s location would probably create stronger friendships. It’s beautiful, but it’s the furthest of the three from home and isolated compared to the other two (though I know I probably wouldn’t leave campus very often).
UPenn is also pretty diverse and lively, but the CS program is a bit lacking compared to the other two. I’ve heard the pre-professional culture is pretty overwhelming at times, and there seems to be a superiority complex attached to Wharton. That being said, I think the entrepreneurship focus is pretty appealing, which contrasts with the other two more engineering-focused schools. The One University policy would also be great for experimenting with courses across colleges. UPenn’s campus is nice and the closest to home, which would make traveling back and forth the easiest.
For my career, and for my personal development, which one is the best option?