<p>I guess this question is similar to the "Overall vs engineering reputation thread," but with different schools.</p>
<p>So I got accepted into Rice and Carnegie Mellon for ECE, and now I'm confused where to go. There are many advantages/disadvantages about both schools (eg. Rice has the residential college system, etc), but considering only the academics, which school is better?</p>
<p>Some thoughts:
Rice is more prestigous and strong overall, and probably easier to change majors.
Carnegie Mellon has a really high ranking in the USNEWS Comp Eng rankings.
So do I pick a school with overall better academics, or a better department?</p>
<p>I'm probably looking to go for a graduate degree later on, either further continuing Engineering or MBA (depending on if I change interests).
By the way, how accurate are the USNEWS engineering rankings? I've heard they don't always reflect the quality of education in the schools.</p>
<p>Thank you in advance for the help, I appreciate it!</p>
<p>Not sure why you might think Rice has overall better academics. Since you mentioned USNews, Rice is #17, CMU #21 not a big difference, with Rice 4.1 peer assesment and CMU 4.2 so I think CMU's every bit as strong overall.</p>
<p>Engineering in general is higher ranked at CMU, and ECE is probably their top engineering program. </p>
<p>Since both are strong academically, go with wherever you think you'll be happier ouitside the classroom. Big difference in location, campus feel. Have you visited both? That's probably your best bet, if possible. You can't lose with either option.</p>
<p>2331, has good of answer as any. Ours wanted to be in the Northern US rather than Southern US plus he wanted a second major that few schools offered and if offered only by invitation.</p>
<p>I totally agree with 2331, and that's exactly the advice my son followed last year. He ended up at Rice as an ECE major, and he's been extremely happy with his decision. In the end, the academics and prestige of the two schools are really pretty close, but the environment of the schools are very different. The residential colleges at Rice make the environment very social and inclusive and supportive. Also (and I speak as a CMU alum), Rice has a LOT more happening socially -- a lot more parties and more fun. And the weather in Pittsburgh can be very gray and gloomy throughout the year. The biggest difference you'll notice walking around both campuses is that at CMU students tend to self-segregate -- Asians walking with Asians, etc, while at Rice is much more integrated (as a result of the bonds brought about by the residential college set-up). I didn't mean for this to put CMU down in any way, but for you to pay attention to factors that are important to you since you'll be spending the next 4 years at wherever you pick. Best of luck to you. You really can't go wrong with either school.</p>