<p>I plan on visiting Princeton again sometime this month, because I haven't really spent a lot of time with students. I might also visit Cornell again, however I don't really like how big it is and it seems like more of a party school than the other two. When I visited last I loved both campuses, however I am absolutely in love with everything CMU. I love all the social aspects of CMU - Tartan, Scottie, The Fence, Carnival, Buggy, Scotch'n'Soda, nerdy people, etc. etc.</p>
<p>However I don't know if this social aspect of CMU outweighs the academic excellence of Princeton or Cornell Engineering. Especially considering that Princeton's strongest engineering discipline is Chemical whereas it is CMU's weakest program. Plus, Princeton is generally strong overall in all other departments like humanities. Whereas CMU is more technically focused (plus business and drama), but it's not exactly known for humanities. Then, Cornell is definitely the strongest overall in Engineering of the Ivys.</p>
<p>Obviously I've already done a lot of thinking about this, but I still can't make a decision. I could really use any other thoughts or opinions on what I should do?</p>
<p>Well, I’m obviously a little biased towards Cornell, but I think you should whittle down the choices to between Cornell vs. Princeton. These are two amazing schools and you can’t really go wrong with either. A couple of my friends go to CMU and one of them will be heading there this fall, and according to them it seems to be very computer-sciency (I think all freshmen have to take a CompSci class regardless of major) although I could be mistaken.</p>
<p>Cornell has a really strong engineering program and I believe Princeton isn’t too far behind. If you’re able to, I’d recommend visiting both campuses again and seeing how you like their locations/vibe and everything since that’s what it may come down to. If I were in your shoes I would probably go with Princeton, since it seems like a good fit, but it’s your call! Must be an exciting decision to be making </p>
<p>It all depends on fit, When you visit, take notes of the atmosphere. However if your biggest concern about Cornell is the partying and size, I was concerned about that too when I first got in. There are many students who go out and party but my group of friends and I don’t party and it’s easy to find others who feel similarly. All schools have a party scene and it’s just as easy to find it as it is to have fun without it. The upside of Cornell’s size is that you can always find something to do on campus that doesn’t involve partying or drinking. Also I thought that I wouldn’t see people that I recognized in my classes. CoE is basically a college within a college. I am a freshman in CoE here and am seeing all the same people in my classes. It isn’t as big as it seems because you are basically with all the other freshman engineers. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t base your decisions on others though, when you visit the campuses make sure to take in the atmospheres and decide based on how you feel about them.It’s a hard decision to make but remember that you can always transfer if you don’t like whatever you choose for some reason. And also, don’t worry about the reputation of the schools’ programs, no matter which you choose, all will give you a great education and get you a well-paying job, especially as an engineer.</p>
<p>1) Cornell’s engineering is tops especially for MechE in terms of rank, resources, and all the shiny new buildings and awards they keep getting.
2) I was also once scared about Cornell being too “fratty” or too much of a party school. I couldn’t have been more wrong - everyone finds their clique and you will too. If you’re looking for own “nerdy group”, the engineering school has no shortage of them – everyone in there is a nerd and you’ll make friends in no time.
3) CMU over Princeton or Cornell would be a serious mistake IMO. The resources afforded to Ivy League Schools are outstanding and the name carries weight when it comes time to find a job. Microsoft and Google are always on campus at Cornell. I always saw engineering kids with freeby toys every other week that the firms kept handing out to attract applicants.</p>
<p>I thought OP was admitted to all three universities at first. But then found out he will be applying… I think OP should apply to all and worry about which one to attend later. None of these universities are easy to get in and the admission process may eventually help you to decide.</p>
<p>I’ve been accepted to all three school. Yes, I did go to Princeton Preview, but I’m still not completely sure where to go.
I liked Princeton when I visited but it wasn’t an obvious choice that it’s where I want to go. I still haven’t revisited Cornell, so doing that might help my decision.</p>
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