<p>Im so confused on whether to do the great public school, or the prestigious private schools. Money is not an issue, and I loved all 4 of the campuses (CWRU, SCU, CMU, Cal Poly)</p>
<p>Majoring in Biomedical Engineering (Mech Eng. at CMU, but hope to minor in bme). What do you guys think? Gotta make my decision quick!</p>
<p>Also, hows the alumni network at cwru? is it strong? Im looking forward to having great contacts if i do end up attending (highly likely)...</p>
<p>We’ve looked at Case and CMU. Both seem strong for engineering. CMU does seem to have the stronger reputation and name recognition far away. </p>
<p>Since money is not an issue, you can make your decision soley on fit. Appreciate your good fortune, since many families need to sort through tough fit vs finance tradeoffs this month. </p>
<p>Other factors to consider might be travel logistics and % of students on living campus (apartment living can be tough if you live far away). Also check into the Case co-op opportunities. </p>
<p>I bet you can’t go wrong with any of your choices. So consider advise from your parents if they have a preference - they know you the best. Good luck!</p>
<p>Of the four, SCU is not known for engineering and is more of a safety school. Cal Poly is very large, (obviously) more techie, and more well known in California than the rest of the country. Case has the highest ranked biomed program of the bunch (by US News & World Report) and where DS last week decided is where he wants to go. (it really clicked for him during our visit!) CMU is ranked highest for engineering (again, US News) and is the most selective of the bunch.
All the above really means nothing with regards to fit. That really is the most important thing. You say you love all 4 of the campuses. How did those visits go? Were they open house type visits or just walk arounds? Did you do dorm overnights? Sit in on Classes? Talk to random students or student panels? Eat the food? Check out the surrounding areas?
As parents we are hoping there’s an “aha” moment when our student realizes that a particular school is the one for them. I never expected that to happen with DS, but it happened for him at Case. It may not have happened for you. You may see each school equally enjoyable. But when you decide, place more weight on fit than stats.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>CMU is extremely strong for its engineering. Did you visit yet? Case is also very good. It’s your choice!</p>
<p>Good luck and congrats!</p>
<p>Carnegie Mellon > Case western > Santa Clara > Cal Poly–SLO</p>
<p>^^^^^^^^^^</p>
<p>A blatant case of disinformation designed to keep Cal Poly SLO for the locals.</p>
<p>For a more practical engineering experience at a more conservative school CAL Poly SLO is an excellent choice. Depends on what you want from a college (i,.e, “fit”)</p>
<p>You’ve got to go with Carnegie Mellon unless Case is offering scholarship money.</p>
<p>Actually, if a comparable school is offering significantly more merit money than your first choice, you can let them know (letter is usually best) the situation, stressing that they are your first choice (give reasons) and include a copy of the offer letter from the other school. At this late date, a call an admission counselor would be best to start things off.</p>
<p>CMU and Case are not really comparable and Case awards more solid merit aid awards proportinately to induce high-level students to attend.</p>
<p>alright. but between slo, scu, or even uci? i really want to do bioeng, and cmu isnt really the greatest in that field. great school in general though. i took case off of the list, personal reasons. </p>
<p>so between slo, scu, uci? which would be better? i want to go to a good grad school, and ive heard slo isnt the best for grad school.</p>
<p>Okay…IMHO you’ve taken the best engineering school and the best bioeng school off your list. Of those you have left, a small private and two large publics all in California, pick the one that you think fits you best. (see my first post)</p>
<p>If you really want to do bme then go to case. Its the best in the field out of your options.</p>
<p>However if you’re willing to compromise your first choice major then cmu has a good name for recognition in engineering in general.</p>