<p>This is a thread on the cornell forum, but I just wanted to hear the CMU side of things. I'm planning to major in mech engineering, but I am not quite sure thus I also want strong programs in cog science/psychology. I'm leaning towards cornell because of its reputable engineering program, but I'm having second thoughts because of its location. Would there be any reason to choose CMU over Cornell?</p>
<p>location is a good reason. middle of nowhere or a nice city?</p>
<p>Well, CMU has strong programs in cognitive science and psychology, though those programs have a sort of leaning toward the computer sciencey side of them, because SCS here is so important.</p>
<p>CMU has as reputable of an engineering program as Cornell; don't worry about that aspect.</p>
<p>Location is indeed a good reason. Pittsburgh is a great city, Ithaca...not as much.</p>
<p>Um...Pittsburgh's football team won the Super Bowl?</p>
<p>Seriously, you're in a situation that seems like CMU is more suitable for you.</p>
<p>I would think that CMU's mechanical engineering program is at least as reputable as Cornell's, but I don't have specific rankings. If you're interested in the mechanical aspect of robotics, CMU is an especially good choice.</p>
<p>Cornell is really, really cold. It has something to do with that lake. CMU is not as cold, and there are many ways to avoid being outside in the cold for more than a couple of minutes since the campus is so compact. That's one thing to consider :-)</p>
<p>CMU's cognitive psychology program is also really strong, 2nd in graduate rankings. (<a href="http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/grad/rankings/phdhum/brief/psysp2_brief.php%5B/url%5D">http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/grad/rankings/phdhum/brief/psysp2_brief.php</a>)</p>
<p>I turned down Cornell last year, but it wasn't as tough a decision since it was for CS.</p>
<p>If you want to experience other top fields perhaps CMU would be a better choice: Engineering/Creative Writing/Cognitive Psych/ArtsDrama/Business/CS.</p>
<p>Yeah. Come to CMU.</p>
<p>If your worried about the location, then Cornell probably isnt right for you, if you enjoy the isolated location of Cornell, then go there.</p>