CMU vs Illinois Urbana-Champaign

<p>Hey guys,
I need your help while giving a final decision. I got admitted to illinois industrial engineering program. I know that they are one of the top universities in engineering. However, let's assume that I'm also admitted to CMU, since I'm waitlisted and hopeful! </p>

<p>I'm a social student with lots of extracurriculars. I manage my time very efficiently, and I don't want to be in a place where there are bunch of computer nerds doing nothing but staring at their computer screens.</p>

<p>I'm considering illinois for the industrial engineering program, and CMU for its Civil engineering program. they are both challenging. However, they are both pioneers at these majors. However, as far as I observed, CMU is more research oriented and more focused on practical engineering, which is better. </p>

<p>Also, I may consider transfer after my freshman year. So which university has a better reputation at engineering departments of ivy's, such as princeton? </p>

<p>thank you for your time.</p>

<p>unless Princeton has changed their policy they do NOT accept any transfers</p>