Decisions: UCLA or CMU?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Carnegie Mellon University
1

<p>Hi guys,</p>

<p>I'm just a regular guy from Malaysia who's having an uneasy (read:very tough) time deciding between these two colleges. I got admitted to both, and with the deadline approaching, my head is swirling from the pressure. Can you guys help me figure this out? I'm doing mechanical engineering as my major.</p>

<h1>1) How does the student life compare in UCLA and CMU? This won't be the all in all decider, but it would be nice to know which is better. Yes, i do prefer the Cal weather, but I don't want the skies to determine my future!</h1>

<h1>2) How are the future job prospects for these unis? Carnegie ranks 6th in the world in engineering (behind the uber engineering unis) so i assume prospects are good. Does UCLA compare, with its lowish (relative) rating? This is very important to me, as the unis are very expensive and i need to be able to pay back the loans ASAP.</h1>

<h1>3) Which uni has the better programmes for its students?</h1>

<h1>4) Which uni gives me better chances of transferring or gaining admission in the aforementioned uber-unis? (Caltech, Berkeley, MIT etc) for my graduate degree? It would be nice to know this, personally, as I have not given up on them.</h1>

<p>This list may seem daunting to answer, but if anyone, preferably alumni, can answer ANY aspect of this list, it will be greatly, greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance!</p>

2

<p>Since you are out of state and an international, I expect that you are gettling little/no aid.</p>

<p>If costs are similar, go to CMU. It is a private school with more personalized attention, although UCLA has its merits too. The CMU education will really prepare you for an amazing job and internship and you will probably be able to pay back your loans.</p>

<p>If you plan on going to grad school from either school, plan to work for a few years before going to grad school, since the OOS at UCLA and CMU are both very expensive and you wouldn’t want to go to grad school with that much debt (trust me, I know people).</p>

<p>As for graduate school at an uber-uni, I don’t think it matters. Do well in college but more importantly, find something you are really passionate about and do research as an undergraduate and you will be set for a great graduate school, even if it is not one of those aforementioned schools. </p>

<p>The “top schools” like Caltech, Berkeley and MIT may not even have the best graduate programs for what you will end up wanting to do, so worry about your undergrad first. However, don’t give up on your dream of a top grad school and if that is what will motivate you to do well, focus on it.</p>