CMU vs. Columbia vs. Penn (computer science/engineering)

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Okay, so I got my decisions from the two Ivies yesterday- definitely excited, but now I'm having difficulties deciding where I want to actually go. Here's what I think about the three so far:</p>

<p>-The academic levels seem about the same, though CMU did just get a new CS facility and has its own school. I know Columbia has the Core program, but that doesn't really bother me unless it would restrict my course choice to the point where I'm taking more Core classes than CS classes my junior/senior year. Being able to take business classes at Penn appeals to me a bit as well- might not hurt in the long run.</p>

<p>-I went to visit Penn's campus and I really liked the general mood and environment there. I also sat in on a couple of classes and it seemed like I'd fit in (i.e. I knew what they were talking about, profs seemed responsive to questions, etc.). Going to visit Columbia next week over spring break, but they sent me a likely letter so I'm guessing that means they thought I'd fit in there as well. Stayed at CMU for 6 weeks for a pre-college program (the video game one, if anyone's curious), and had a really good time, but I haven't actually been there when classes were in session.</p>

<p>-A 5-year program that lets me get a master's in the fifth year would be nice- I'm pretty sure I saw that Penn and CMU have one, dunno about Columbia. Can anyone tell me?</p>

<p>I know for sure I want to go CS/CE, but at the same time it probably would be good for me to take a couple of business courses (not necessarily minor/double major) and get a reasonably well-rounded education wherever I'm at. The other thing I want is to be in a place where I can get a decent job after college...my sister went to NYU and parlayed it into a well-paying job at Capgemini (though she was Stern, so it might be different), and I'd like to get a job in the city where I'm going to school after finishing up my degree(s?).</p>

<p>I've actually taken some courses in AI, parallel computing, computer architecture (working with assembly and C), and APCS-AB (got a 5), so it'd also be nice to know how deep the undergrad CS curriculum goes at each school, if possible.</p>

<p>So...which one should I choose? I'm in at SEAS for Penn, Fu for Columbia, SCS for CMU.</p>

<p>Sorry about the disjointedness but I can provide clarification later if needed. Thanks in advance for the help.</p>

2

<p>Cost differences?</p>

3

<p>Not an issue.</p>

4

<p>Then choose for environment. After visiting Columbia, if you still prefer Penn, choose Penn.</p>

<p>I would lean to Penn as well.</p>

5

<p>^Appreciate the input. Thanks.</p>

<p>I’ll just go ahead and bump this once…</p>

6

<p>If you know for sure that you want to major in CS or CE, then you couldn’t do better than at CMU.</p>

7

<p>Go to Penn! Your talents at computer programming will shine through regardless of program at the undergrad level.</p>

<p>If I had 3 applicants for a job, and all 3 were competent programmers and one also had some business classes, well hey…</p>

8

<p>If you’re absolutely certain that you want to go into CS, and you want the best possible education in CS: CMU, indisputably.</p>

<p>When one school is so far ahead of others in a field, pretentious labels fall away.</p>

9

<p>Columbia or Penn depending where you feel most comfortable when you visit. I would prefer Columbia personally, but you might like Penn’s atmosphere better. You gotta visit.</p>

10

<p>SCS is untouchable. Go with CMU.</p>

11

<p>CMU has an incredible Computer science program, so if you’re sure that’s what you’re into, then definitely go there. SCS is light-years ahead of many other places…</p>

12

<p>CMU is one of the top 3 CS schools in the world. Its reputation among top computer-related companies (Microsoft, Google, etc.) is unmatched by any other school, except perhaps MIT .</p>

<p>Penn and Columbia are good overall, but neither one is particularly strong in CS. I think it is a no-brainer decision.</p>

13

<p>CMU also has an undergrad business school in which you could take classes.</p>

14

<p>I agree. I’d go with CMU</p>