I’m beginning to apply to college right now, and I’m trying to decide between Cornell and CMU for my early decision. I’m planning to do ECE/computer engineering, so I’m not sure which one to choose.
What are the pros and cons of the college experience at both?
I’m also looking at a few other schools (UMich, Purdue, UIUC, UT Austin, GaTech), so if anyone knows what the ECE experience would be like there, I would appreciate it.
Thank you in advance!
I can speak a bit about Purdue. ECE is in the college of engineering. Purdue admits to a first year common engineering program with a secondary admission process into your major at the end of freshman year. There is an excellent first year engineering design course that all engineers take. My D loved it. She’s a junior this year in chem e and loves everything about Purdue. It’s a very collaborative and supportive environment.
I’m a Cornell grad as is my H. D didn’t love Cornell when she visited. Much different vibe than the other schools on your list. Her take was it was less collaborative than she wanted.
I will also caution you that every school you mentioned is very competitive for ECE. In the reach category regardless of stats. I’d encourage you to look for match and safety schools to add to your list.
Did you have a chance to visit? All schools you listed are top engineering schools and I would make the choice based on where you felt most comfortable/could see yourself succeeding.
Unfortunately, in the current situation, many students did not have that opportunity.
Few folks here will be able to give accurate comparisons of all of these. I can say that as a CMU Engineering graduate and active alumni member who was (pre-shutdown) on campus weekly, I’d have a tough time recommending it over Purdue, where my D is a Senior, if you’re paying the cost difference.
Hi!
I unfortunately haven’t had the chance to visit any colleges (besides UCLA), so I’m pretty much making my decision based on how difficult the work looks like it’ll be as well as the work-life balance.
Have you noticed a major academic difference (amount/difficulty of work mainly) between your experience at CMU and your D’s experience at Purdue?
Thanks!
Looking at her coursework and hearing about hours/effort/etc., it all sounds very similar.
I have no facts to support it, but I suspect the courses, topics, effort and hours needed, etc., will be very similar at the schools you mention. Certification requirements mean Plans of Study will be very similar at engineering schools, and all of these schools are T10’ish so probably similar levels of difficulty.
ED decisions are certainly difficult in this environment. It’s hard to absolutely sure one school is for you from virtual tours, brochures, etc.