<p>It's almost two weeks til national deposit day and I need to choose a college. Any help would be appreciated. I visited Virginia Tech over the weekend and loved their engineering department. It was phenomenal. (I realized that I had underestimated it since I had originally used it only as a 'safety'). Also, VT is cheapest for me and close to home. But on the other hand, I got enough financial aid from Carnegie Mellon to make it affordable. I have not visited it (and now it's too late). But, I hear it is a very prestigious school with high starting salaries and great job placement, so maybe this school could benefit me more. I do not know which to choose. Also, as an aside, I have also been accepted to Rose-Hulman and Georgia Tech but have mostly crossed those off my list, but if anyone has anything worth sharing about those colleges that would be appreciated as well. However, I mostly would like to hear about Virginia Tech vs. Carnegie Mellon's CIT for Mechanical Engineering. Thank you in advance to anyone who replies. </p>
<p>These two schools are very diffferent so you should visit CMU . My husband went to CMU and one of my kids just graduated from Virginia Tech, both in engineering. The social atmospheres are very different and neither of my kids were interested in CMU . They both wanted a big school with lots of school spirit and good sports programs. I would consider cost and social fit. Job placement from VT is excellent and they have a major Engineering Expo every year. These are both very good engineering schools. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Thanks, sevmom. I agree that VT is a big school with lots of school spirit and good sports programs, but could you tell me a little about the social atmosphere of CMU? Social fit is indeed a big factor that I will be mostly using for deciding (costs are roughly equal with financial aid). </p>
<p>I really think you need to visit before making this important a decision if you are leaning toward CMU. It is a great school but not for everyone .CMU has alot of engineering and computer science people, serious students ( along with a good amount of theater and arts people). There are more international students. There is a small frat scene, much smaller sports scene than VT. We have no idea whether it is a good fit for you -only you can decide that.I met my husband when he was still in college and have been through the campus many times since then. In general,there is just a more laidback vibe at Virginia Tech (with kids hanging out at the Drillfield,going to the big football games,etc.). These are both great schools but very different vibes.</p>
<p>I suggest you visit CMU before applying as the “feel” of a campus or college is one of the most important things. Also I’m not sure how much it applies to Carnegie Melon but at some colleges that are considered “the most prestigious” undergraduates dont get the attention from the professors compared to the graduates and many classes may be taught by TA’s instead of the best professors. It may be smart to go to Tech for undergrad then to a more prestigious school for a Masters degree.(I know many engineers don’t need a masters but if you have one its a bonus). Im not speaking from experience about either of these schools just saying it may be something you should look into before you make a final decision. </p>