I’m really not sure where to apply ED. My heart tells me to apply to CMU because they have a great IS(Information Systems) program and I can very easily double major in business. My brain tells me to go to Cornell because of the IVY reputation and strong engineering program(which contains ISST… similar to IS), and the USNewing(I know… I know… It’s very distracting though).
I like to consider myself a realist here but I’m only looking at the pros.
Cornell:
Pros-
Ivy Status(US News Ranking-Overall)
Higher Reputation with Consulting/Banking Firms
Good ISST program in Engineering
Campus/Atmosphere/Social is great
CMU:
Pros -
Everyone works hard(I like that)
IS program(Ranked #2 behind MIT)
Options(Double Major, Accelerated Masters in IS)
Good Job Opportunities
I will come out with higher GPA(IS is in H&SS school) if I decide on MBA
Am I missing out on any major issues? Any suggestions? I’m splitting hairs on applying to these schools. My academic/ec records make me a competitive applicant for both of these schools so lets just assume I got into both. Which one would give me more job/MBA opportunities? Also are either of these school going down in terms of reputation? I want to go to a school thats on the rise.
<p>it basically comes down to which school you "feel" better about sometimes...</p>
<p>and if you can't make up your mind you shouldn't apply ED...you might regret it come May.</p>
<p>If you don't truly have a strong first choice, don't apply ED. I only applied RD for financial reasons, but my thoughts on where I wanted to go and what I was looking for most changed a lot between september and May. 6 months from now, you might find that you'd rather be at a different school entirely.</p>
<p>Both schools are highly regarded from an employment standpoint. I'd try to do an overnight visit at each school to help form a better picture of the campus and learning environment. If you are really agonizing by the ED deadline, skip the ED option and just do RD.</p>
<p>I think CMU offers an Early Decision 2 option that you may want to look into. It could give you more time if you're still undecided. Or, if you decide that you want to do ED to Cornell and that didn't turn out well, I think you could do ED 2 to CMU. </p>
<p>Just remember that ED is binding. Be REALLY sure before you decide to choose that route.</p>
<p>Thanks! First of all, I want to go to both of these schools and know I'll be happy at both of them. The only problem is that I found about both of these great schools and don't know where I'd be happier. Both will help me get to where I want to be, but it's almost like flipping a coin. </p>
<p>The goal of my post here is to see if theres any insight anyone can provide me with at issues/things I may have overlooked that might help me see one school as better than the other.</p>
<p>Me at Cornell = =)
Me at CMU = =)
Me at UVA = almost =)</p>
<p>I'm trying to create some difference between Cornell/CMU so that I can be confident about making a good decision. Basically, which is the better of two greats? Any help would be appreciated and yes I'm still looking to apply ED as it gives me a more competitive advantage and less stress(don't have to apply RD).</p>
<p>I'd go to CMU because I don't like Cornell. First of all, you'll have to work incredibly hard which isn't so bad. But socially it and party-wise its weak which often leads people to be depressed. Cornell has hte highest rate of suicide in the nation out of all colleges. I'm a the work hard play hard type so this kind of environment wouldn't be good for me. CMU might be the same way, i actually wouldn't apply to either. </p>
<p>I'd apply to MIT for ED because its obviously superior to both and its ED for christ's sakes. For parties you can just go to BU, BC, Brandeis, UMass-Boston, Harvard, or any of the other Boston area schools.</p>
<p>confidential - Ignoring which school you'd like best (I think you've got the major issues covered, though you've mentioned Wall Street, which Cornell would be much better for) ED is your best shot at getting in Cornell period. Like I said, your ECs are good, but your GPA makes CMU a match and Cornell a rather large reach.</p>
<p>Panda1337, your information about Cornell is completely wrong. I speak from conversations with current and past Cornell students, and they all agree that Cornell is a more work hard, play harder environment. Also, Cornell does NOT have the highest suicide rate; its rate is about the national average (maybe slightly below). Another thing, MIT does NOT offer ED, but only EA. I don't believe MIT offers information science (IS), though I could be wrong. If I am correct, MIT would definitely not be superior to either school for his purposes.</p>
<p>bananainpyjamas: Yeah I understand that my only shot at Cornell is ED. But looking at the people who applied ED to Cornell from TJ and got in, pretty much everyone got a sport(a couple w/GPA lower than mine) and not much more. anyways i talked to a person who graduated from the IS program at CMU today and it sounds like CMU will work for me the best. With my research/job experience in high school, I can hopefully start looking for internships at end of freshman year(or sophomore).</p>
<p>If you really want to go to Cornell, apply ED, then if you don't get in, apply ED2 to CMU. </p>
<p>Seems like the best way to go.</p>
<p>People will tell you reputation doesn't matter. But in the real world, employers are prestige whores. The Cornell brand will carry you further than the CMU brand. Period.</p>
<p>As an employer of CS types, yes, Cornell will take you farther. At least here in Silicon Valley.</p>
<p>thank you thisSHHHHisBANANAs: thats exactly what i was thinking, but afraid to think. its still a tough decision, but inside thats kind of what i was hoping to hear.</p>