<p>Someone please convince me that Carnegie Mellon would be a wiser decision than Lehigh. Lehigh might not be as prestigious, but where would I get a better college experience? Which one would provide better east coast job opportunities? I don't party if that makes a difference. I just hesitate to go to CMU simply because I don't like being in an overly "dorky" or "nerdy" atmosphere (I'm just looking for some balance). I've heard rumors that CMU is overrun with that type. For example, I'd value a competitive intramural basketball league, could CMU provide that? Is it all study no play?</p>
<p>Have you visited both schools? </p>
<p>If not, don't worry about this question until after you have been accepted and visited both schools. If you're asking because you're thinking about applying ED to either one - don't if you haven't yet visited.</p>
<p>Both a very good schools academically and neither will hold you back in the job market on the east coast. So, choose the school where you'd most like to spend the next four years of your life.</p>
<p>Yea, I have in fact visited both. I liked them both and I feel like I can get in either one. However, the only two questions I have are (make it three q's),
1. Can I find people like me at Carnegie Mellon?
2. Would going to CMU provide me THAT much more earnings starting than Lehigh? (I don't think it could bethat much more)
3. Would it be smarter to be a 'bigger fish in a smaller pond' per se? Could I accel and achieve a better job with a better class rank and get better research opportunities at Lehigh (assuming CMU is more academically competitive student wise - not academics, well maybe academics)</p>
<p>It also depends on what you want to study. Computer Science? CMU! I'm not familiar w/ Lehigh, but I have a son at CMU if you'd like to email any specific questions. I previously asked him about the student body, and he said they have every type.</p>
<p>Seems like your heart is with Lehigh. Why not apply to both. Then you have some time to think it over.</p>
<p>With 5,000 students, I would think that there would be a core athletic, non-dorky types at CMU. CMU would definitely have a more diverse student body. </p>
<p>I agree with bettina that your heart seems to be with Lehigh. If that is indeed the case, why are continuing to consider CMU? Both have fine academic reputations. If you do well at either school, you will have a number of professional and academic options open to you after graduation. CMU may be considered slightly more prestigious than Lehigh -- but so what? It will still largely come down to your academic achievement level as to what your options will be after graduation.</p>
<p>I have visited both schools. Lehigh seems to be very campus based. I've read student reviews that indicate a high amount of idle time between tests. Bethlehem (spelling) is a dead city now-a-days -- after the steel mill died. The campus is nice, but there isnt much to do.</p>
<p>Finishing undergraduate school with a degree from CMU will be highly influential on your later endeavors -- especially compared to Lehigh. Your class rank won't matter much, especially since all the big time companies know that CMU is one of the toughest schools in the nation. </p>
<p>It's your choice.</p>
<p>EDIT: Just realized you posted this in October. Oh well.</p>