CMU vs WashU

Colleges and Universities A-Z Carnegie Mellon University
1

<p>Hey everyone! </p>

<p>I've got only a few days left to make a decision between Carnegie Mellon and Washington University in St. Louis. Yes, many would consider them to be very, very different schools, but nonetheless, it's been hard to make a decision between the two! </p>

<p>So, I've been accepted to the Information Systems program at CMU, and if I went to CMU, that's what I would do. I've heard REALLY great things about the program, and that many top companies heavily recruit from the program, which makes it very attractive to me. I want to enter the workforce when I graduate, and want to get an MBA later on after a few years of work experience. I don't have a very specific area of interest, but hopefully something along the lines of marketing/consulting/business or financial analyst. Information Systems seems to fit the bill (many people from the program get internships/jobs at IBM, Deloitte, Accenture, etc.) </p>

<p>Now, at WashU, there isn't really a comparable program to Information Systems. I'm in the College of Arts and Sciences, and not the business school (I don't want to get a generic business administration degree for my undergraduate degree, I'd rather do something more unique). One major that is attractive to me is PNP, which is Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology. I still want to get the same type of job that I mentioned above when I graduate, and I know it will be much harder at WashU, and recruiting will be something I'll have to work harder for. However, I like the people, campus, and overall vibe a lot more at WashU, and that's why I'm confused. Is it worth giving up a great program at CMU and essentially a guaranteed job by the time a graduate to go to WashU? Or should I stick with CMU because the program is awesome, even though I'm not really a fan of the atmosphere? It's a bit to techy and cutthroat for me, and I didn't really connect with the people as much as I did at WashU. My parents are leaning towards CMU, because they want to get their money's worth out of an education -- and a guaranteed job (about 90 percent of Info Systems majors have jobs by the time they graduate) is enough to want CMU. </p>

<p>Any tips/advice? I'm really struggling to make a decision, and have to by May 1st, which isn't that much time! I really appreciate any help I can get. Thanks so much! </p>

2

<p>4 years is a significant time period - it is lengthy. Have a happy experience in your undergrad years and pursue a masters degree at a school that will “get you a job”. Since you seek an MBA, it does not necessarily matter which school you go to. Both WashU and CMU are recognized worldwide as top schools. Pick what feels right - go with your gut. </p>

3

<p>It seems to me that you are a bit intimidated with CMU. I say this because you list reasons of hard work and “cutthroat” and then you find other courses of study at WUSL that have nothing to do with your intended major. </p>

<p>Let’s examine this from the positive side. CMU grads get jobs because they are proven product. And if most get jobs, why do students need to “cutthroat” one another? Is this school a Tech school-you betcha, which is why students get hired. Do you have to be a techie even though you are doing a tech major-No you don’t. </p>

<p>At WUSL, you are trying to cobble something together that has nothing to do with IS/Business, yet you still want to do IS. WHAT? Your parents got money where you explore entirely different fields other than IS/Business? What IS recruiter is going to waste their time for a PNP major? </p>

<p>Your best reason for going to WUSL is that you don’t like the atmosphere feel at CMU and like WUSL’s feel better . You fill discover in your PNP classes that we humans will go with feel more than logic and reason. Hope this helps.</p>

4

<p>Is your plan to go to get a graduate degree (right after graduation) regardless of the undergraduate major? Is this affordable? Are you not sure of IS and really wanting to explore other options? I am curious- what type of jobs can you get with a PNP major? CMU is a very pre professional school- usually kids are there who know what they want to major in. I think that determination helps to get them through.</p>