<p>I got accepted as a physics major at both NYU and carnegie mellon, but im not sure which school to go to. Carnegie mellon is definitely the more prestigious, higher ranked school, but NYU has more of a social life. Im not sure if life in pittsburgh would ever match up to life in NYC. </p>
<p>I need any opinions i can get please...</p>
<p>I think I had a similar decision between Carnegie Mellon and Vanderbilt. As of now I'm 90% sure I'm going with Vanderbilt, as to me college is more than just book learning but also about the social experience. </p>
<p>Not to say CMU has no social life but you'd have to try harder I'm sure. </p>
<p>Personally, it is my belief you will get pretty much the same undergrad education at most of the top schools. Grad is where you should worry about which has better education and research opportunities and the like. If you are incredibly worried about getting into a specific grad school or something, I'd go with CMU. Otherwise I'd rather go to NYU and have a better social life.</p>
<p>but to be devil's advocate. Your social life is what you make of it, no matter where you go.</p>
<p>social life is what u make of it, there are things going on at every campus, there are people in every college and people like to have fun when they are not studying. </p>
<p>NYU is not your traditional campus, i would not goto NYU ever. its overpriced and its not really all that good in anything besides Business.</p>
<p>I do go to NYU and have gone there for my undergrad degree and now for my doctorate. So you're probably going to assume that I will recommend NYU since apparently I like it enough to go there for seven years. </p>
<p>Jeffl gives a very simplistic approach to your situation saying NYU is <em>only</em> good in business, which is untrue. However, my brother is a pre-med chemistry major and I have known people who were physics majors so I know first hand that the physics department isn't as good as some of the other departments (i.e. Art History, Philosophy, Math).</p>
<p>So it depends if you are definitely going to major in physics. If you don't think you could change your mind, then I recommend going to another school with a better department. However, if you are going to major in Math for instance, then NYU would be a very good and logical choice.</p>
<p>Jon</p>
<p>when it comes to grad schools NYU isnt ranked that low, so i assumed their undergrad isnt that bad. im meeting with the head of the physics department at NYU on thursday, so that should give me a good idea of what they have to offer</p>
<p>Jon: as far as social life do you like NYU?</p>
<p>I would never choose NYU over another high-calibre school like Carnegie Mellon unless it's Stern.</p>
<p>green: why? does social life not matter to you?</p>
<p>Go to CMU, then get a great job in NYC.</p>
<p>"I would never choose NYU over another high-calibre school like Carnegie Mellon unless it's Stern."</p>
<p>Actually NYU liberal arts is better than CMU liberal arts. CMU is better than nyu in comp sci, engineering, and physics.</p>
<p>No, that is strictly my personal opinion after visiting the college. I thought the rest of the schools other than Stern at NYU were great, but did not necessarily give you an "edge" over the education that most good schools provide. On the other hand, I was very impressed with Stern and definitely worthwhile. And Venessa, of course social life matters, but I don't think it's true that you will lose your social life if you choose another school over NYU. NYU's social atmosphere is definitely a plus, but it shouldn't be the only factor that you would look at when selecting a school to attend.</p>
<p>green, to me social life is most important when choosing between NYU and carnegie mellon because both are already great schools, so i believe at either one i will receive a great education. the only difference would be the social aspect of the schools. new york city or pittsburgh?? and im not too sure i would much fit in with the certain type of ppl who go to carnegie mellon, the same way i wouldnt fit in with ppl at MIT. does that make sense?</p>
<p>VanessaAnne, I think your decision is pretty much made. If the social life is most important and if you like NYC, CMU and Pittsburgh are not going to cut it. You should visit if you can and actually see what the social life is at CMU, and what the kids are like so you can see whether you fit or not. Also, the social life at NYU is not like that of most colleges either, as it does not have an enclosed campus, and because NYC plays such a big factor in the students' lives. THings are much more localized at CMU as Pittsburgh is not as big of a city, and there are not as many choices as you will have in Manhattan. My son has spent time with NYU students, and though he did like the way the social life works there, he will tell you that it is NOT like a state U or other more typical enclosed campus school.</p>
<p>i am actually visiting tomorrow thru monday. my final decision will be made after that.</p>
<p>VanessaAnne:</p>
<p>You have the absolute right idea. If you are visiting the campus, see if you fit in there (perhaps even ask if you can stop by a class.) The #1 thing I loved as both an undergrad and a graduate that I was able to use NYC as a resource. I liked the social life during my undergrad years but that was three years ago and I'm not sure how things have changed. The undergrad students I teach seem to be having a blast.</p>
<p>The NYU physics department is fairly well reputed, it's just not as distinquished as some of the other departments. However, we do have Alan Sokal, our own local celebrity (look at the Sokal Hoax at amazon.com) They are putting a lot of money into physics faculty and resources recently. Definitely talk to the physics professor and see what he has to say.</p>
<p>If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me off the boards.</p>
<p>Jon</p>
<p>I heard CMU have little/no social life.</p>
<p>There should be alot more social life at NYU since the olsen twins go there. your chances of are for a better sex life is there.</p>
<p>thanks jon</p>