I was recently admitted to both CMU and Cornell for CS but I do not know which school to pick. I am really just rolling the dice at this point and I see positives and drawbacks with both schools. Although I have heard CMU is the best for CS, Cornell has generally a better reputation. I am worried that if I go to CMU, I will be surrounded by introverted people, is there any truth to the rumors of the student body of CMU? If I go to Cornell, will I lose out on any recruitment options for a job post graduation that I would have if I went to CMU? I think I like Cornell better in terms of its environment and student population, but CMU’s academics seem to be unrivaled at any school. I was also accepted into the Meinig program at Cornell which seems like a huge honor. What would you guys do if you were in my position? Choose the more renowned school in general, or choose the school that is better at the major you are studying? Any advice is helpful at all (I have to make a decision by the end of today)!
First of all, congratulations on being accepted to two of the very best CS programs that there are.
You are in both an amazing spot and a tough spot. Amazing , because there are no wrong answers - both will provide you with a top education, and top credentials. Tough, because they are so close.
In general, CMU has the more innovative and ground-breaking research, while Cornell as a superior undergraduate education.
The recruitment opportunities are the same - you son’t be missing out in any by attending Cornell.
You also seem to be more attracted to Cornell by way of atmosphere, environment, and student body. My recommendation would be to attend Cornell for your undergraduate, and then, if you want to go to grad school, I would recommend CMU.
You can’t make a wrong decision here. They are both great schools and you won’t limit yourself with career options at either. I would focus more on fit issues.
Here are some things to consider:
What kind of undergraduate experience do you want? CS at Cornell will have more out of major requirements, especially if your doing CS from CAS. Is that something that excites you or would you rather have more of a stem focused experience? Look up both 4 year plan of studies for CS and see the differences.
Do you want urban or rural? How about size - 7000 vs 15000 undergrads? Is one location easier/cheaper for you to get to than the other?
Personally I think both of these schools have enough students that you’ll find your people. FWIW, my D felt the student vibe was similar at both CMU and Cornell but that was for engineering, not CS.
If cost is different enough that it matters to you and your family, and you are otherwise looking at them equally, you may want to consider the less expensive one.