<p>I'm a High School Senior from NJ - Class of '09 - top of my class - intellectual - typical CC stats etc. etc.</p>
<p>After the ivy slaughter today, I found out that I didn't get into any of my top choice schools. Now that I have all of my decisions I'm going to have to make a choice between Lehigh, Rutgers - New Brunswick, and Carnegie Mellon (CIT wlisted ECE). I'm looking to major in engineering. I'm going to explore Computer Science, Materials Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, and see what works. I want a bit of flexibility in my options, but I also want to be intellectually challenged throughout college. </p>
<p>Financially, Lehigh and Rutgers are practically free to my parents. CMU, however, costs twice as much, which is quite a stretch to me and my parents. I'm going to try to bargain with CMU fin aid to see what I can get from them.</p>
<p>CMU was by far my top choice before I saw their financial aid offer. Rutgers is like where a third of my class goes, but I wouldn't mind going there. I liked Lehigh a lot, but I am a bit scared because they have a reputation for being a very "white" school (I'm Indian American), and a party school (Again I have Indian American parents. I have yet to be exposed to the sin and pleasure of college life). I'm not sure if I will be able to "fit in" well at Lehigh.</p>
<p>But I would like some of your insight to make my decision easier. </p>
<p>A big contingent of Indian-Americans and foreign Indians at Carnegie Mellon. One of DS’s roommates-bestbud is an IA. The parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles all attended the graduation (from NJ). However, all the student’s parents attended. If you can swing the cost factor at Carnegie Mellon, go for it. Your parents will be very proud to have you graduate from CMU.</p>
<p>I’ve heard that CMU actively encourages the students to tell them about finaid offers from other schools. From what I’ve heard, their aid office is one of the more accommodating, so I would try to talk to them, especially if that’s your top choice. Good luck!</p>
<p>You would still fit in at lehigh…its honestly not a big deal if your Indian. If Rutgers and Lehigh are both costing the same, go to Lehigh. If you don’t mind spending twice as much and you think its worth it, CMU would definitely be a good choice. I would stay away from Rutgers if I were you.</p>
<p>lol I hear the Indian population at Rutgers is off the roof. Are you Punjabi? I would recommend Lehigh, I absolutely love the campus and people there. I’m a HS senior but I go to Lehigh quite often as a program I’m part of an I love it there. I’m also Indian American. Wanted to go to Lehigh but way too much $$$.</p>