<p>My S got in to both schools. Like to hear your opinions comparing their respective academic strenghs, intership opportunities, career path, on campus recruiting, etc.
Also like to know overall school social scene, workload and student body etc.
He has not decided on the specific field engineering.
Also, the fin aid packages are about the same. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I would say CMU for computer engineering/Electrical Engineering while Northwestern is better for industrial engineering and materials-type engineering. Overall, probably a wash on reputation and recruiting – pick the environment you like better. Both are in pretty nice locations, but school feel I think is a bit different with NU having a larger, more rounded student body.</p>
<p>S chose NU over CMU and other (top tier) schools. He was swayed by the ISP program as well as the choices to spread out his wings apart from research opportunities.</p>
<p>CMU is incredibly strong in electrical and computer engineering as well as in computer science, and these are the engineering disciplines where NU is weakest. Both schools may be at similar levels in other fields of engineering. </p>
<p>NU in my opinion has academic strengths in a wide range of areas, while CMU is very strong in a smaller number of niche fields. Better overall social life at NU and many would prefer Chicago to Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>What Daddio3 said about CMU’s comp/electrical engineering vs NU’s materials/industrial engineering is true. Anyways, if your S values, perhaps, a more diverse education (as its pretty easy to double major, minor, etc. at NU due to the quarter system), then NU would probably suit him better. If your son is completely set solely on engineering, then CMU might be the better option. Again, it depends on which field of engineering he intends to major in.</p>
<p>You can’t go wrong with either school. Visit both schools, pick which one you like best. </p>
<p>Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>NorthwesternDad,
What is ISP program?</p>
<p>The Integrated Science Program is a highly selective curriculum of natural sciences and mathematics presented in small classes at an accelerated pace. ISP courses emphasize the common base and relationships of the sciences and stress the importance of mathematics and the development of first principles. This foundation in turn leads to the study of advanced topics at the forefront of science.</p>
<p>The courses in ISP are challenging, the professors outstanding, and the opportunities for research extraordinary. In fact, there isn’t another program quite like it. If you’re seriously considering a career in science, research medicine, or engineering you should consider ISP.</p>
<p>Please refer to the web site: <a href=“http://www.isp.northwestern.edu/admissions/why-isp.html”>http://www.isp.northwestern.edu/admissions/why-isp.html</a></p>
<p>S is in EE and ISP and his research opportunities are plentiful. He has been doing research since his sophomore year.</p>