<p>Hey everyone! I need to decide between Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland College Park, and Carnegie Mellon by May 1st. I am very interested in electrical engineering but also enjoy some computer engineering and computer science topics. I'm looking for opinions and advice unrelated to the costs of each school. Here are my influences:</p>
<p>Johns Hopkins:
School: Whiting School of Engineering
Special Programs: Dean's Innovation Group
Concerns: The reputation for competition among students as well as for poor athletics/social life.</p>
<p>UMD College Park:
School: A. James Clark School of Engineering
Special Programs: Banneker Key Scholar and Honors College - University Honors (the generic honors program)
Concerns: College Park's poor reputation as a college town.</p>
<p>Carnegie Mellon:
School: Carnegie Institute of Technology AND School of Computer Science
Special Programs: none
Concerns: Reputation for poor athletics.</p>
<p>I would never consider myself a partier but I am concerned about missing out part of the college experience, like attended school athletic events.
Any advice or suggestions are welcome! Thank you!</p>
<p>There is PLENTY of partying at JHU. Believe me, I know.</p>
<p>JHU:</p>
<p>I think maybe people try to outdo each other for bragging rights at best, but competition is not hostile. Many people study together and help each other out, and the only side of competition I see consists of people working hard and doing what they can to be the best they can be.</p>
<p>I can’t really speak for social life or athletics. I’m not involved in either; I spend my weekdays preparing for my weekends, which I spend off campus.</p>
<p>First of all, lots of good athletics at JHU and CMU. More so at JHU, as the lacrosse is as good as it gets (well, this year, not so good). The intramurals are excellent at both schools as are the availability of athletic facilities. Plus Pitt is right next door, literally, if you want some Big East action, while at CMU.</p>
<p>The difference is in atmosphere due to the student body, in my opinion. My last two kids had no interest in JHU and CMU due to that. UMD was on the list and he was accepted there, but isn’t going. So it really depends on what you like in terms of campus feel, intensity of academics overall.</p>
<p>men’s lacrosse is ranked #2 in the country and is regularly featured on ESPNU. But you’re right, not as good as it gets this year since they’re not #1…=).</p>