Hi CC!
I was fortunate enough to be admitted to both Carnegie Mellon and Cornell and I was wondering which one I should go for. For context, my major at the moment is ChemE but I may switch to MechE. I’ve done much more research on Cornell and right now my heart is kind of there, but I want to give both adequate consideration before rushing into anything. Insight into the following would be helpful, especially from current students/alum: housing, school spirit, grade deflation/inflation, general student personality, campus vibe, research opportunities, individualized attention/undergraduate focus, location, mental health, study abroad, opinions on distribution requirements, job recruitment/prospects.
I’m going to visit both in the next two weeks and I’ll be sure to update as each of those trips come around.
Thanks in advance!
I doubt there’s any material difference on the engineering side.
The nature of the schools and their settings are probably the most material differences.
I can comment mostly on Cornell.
The engineering college is but one part of a multi-college university. Due to the vast differences in the colleges there is a huge diversity of “types” of people attending. Social life often gets formed in the dorms, and friendships know no college boundary. There is a huge diversity in course offerings, and students routinely take courses in a number of its colleges. Similarly there is a huge variety of lecturers coming to campus.
You are far from this point, but FWIW the diversity also impacts the alumni experience. I’ve attended various alumni lectures and functions involving topics ranging from Nutrition, Regional Planning , Art, Psychology, History…
CMU is also a multi-college university. Its arts BFA programs are outstanding But, from something I recall reading, I’m not so sure they mingle much with the engineers. You might investigate the extent to which students in its various colleges mingle, if you care.
At Cornell the traditional liberal arts subjects at CAS are very strong and prominent, and these days Dyson has become a big deal. Engineering yes, but it does not necessarily just lead with engineering.
Due to all the other colleges the combined M-F ratio at Cornell is about 50-50. I have several friends who married people they met there.
I would say Cornell students do have school spirit.
Glad you are going to visit yourself. Academically these schools are peers for engineering. It will come down to campus feel and fit. Enjoy your visits and congrats!
I guess what I’m saying is, at Cornell you do not just feel like you are attending a great engineering school, you feel like you are attending a great university.
can’t really comment on vs CMU in this regard since I didn’t go there.
Thank you so much for the detailed response @monydad! It helps a lot.
Thank you @momofsenior1!!