Going to Sleeping Bag Weekend alone (from California)

<p>I'm trying to find a flight that works but my best bet is arriving to Pittsburgh at around 11pm on April 13th and my mom is pretty against me staying in a hotel alone. </p>

<p>What should I do? Is anyone else doing this? </p>

<p>Would it be a dumb idea to try to find a flight in early morning of April 14th and travel all night so I can get to CMU by 8 am from the airport? I can't really sleep on airplanes and I don't want to be exhausted the entire day on the 14th.</p>

<p>Be careful about flying too late because the bus from the airport stops running after midnight or so. The bus ride from the airport to CMU campus is about 1-1.5 hrs, depending when you’re traveling. (more traffic likely in the morning and around 4-6pm)
You can try to contact CMU and see if they can find you a host that is willing to let you stay over his/her dorm the night before, and hope that your mom allows that.</p>

<p>Why not look to see if you can catch a redeye? You’ll get in around 6-7 AM hopefully somewhat rested.</p>

<p>Would your mom be okay with you staying in a hotel close to the airport and then busing to CMU the next day? I stayed at a Hyatt that was basically next to the airport; they share a parking lot with airport.</p>

<p>One thing to consider, and I may be wrong about this, but I think hotels will not allow unaccompanied youth under 18 to check in so if you are under 18 you may need to check this out before arrival. You have to present a license or some other photo identification when you check into a hotel, so just check beforehand. How exciting and wonderful that you are doing this. It is very true that CMU takes " demonstrated interest" VERY seriously, so if it’s truly one of your top schools, try to make it work. but, if it doesn’t, just show your dedication in other ways- personalize your essay, email your admissions contact with relevant questions, check your portal regularly, etc. Best of luck!</p>

<p>Red eyes to Pittsburgh are usually connecting and only get in to pittsburgh around 9-10am. </p>

<p>I like Selena’s suggestion to ask CMU to see if you can stay one night early.</p>

<p>Have fun!</p>