I’m either applying ED to Washu or CMU. I’ve visited both schools and think they’re great. I’m unsure what exactly I want to study and I admire Washu’s flexibility in this regard, but I also really like idea of Information Systems at CMU. I am being recruited for a sport by both these schools and I really like the people on both teams (social stuff isn’t as big a factor as other things). My trips to these schools were only weekend trips, so although I know that I like both these schools, obviously there are many many factors I missed out on. I’d really like some help, thanks! (This was posted in the Washu forum too)
Father of a CMU IS student here - son of a Wash U grad and I even took some grad courses there myself. Both are fine schools!
My daughter loves the IS program and the flexibility it offers - it’s way more than just ‘programming’ and the encouragement to double major or at least add a minor allows for some very interesting career permutations. I won’t go into them all, you can see them on the web site - pay close attention to the job placement info.
My daughter was originally considering Engineering when considering colleges, leaning toward Industrial Engineering, and CMU wasn’t high on her list since it didn’t have an IE program. But she picked up an IS flyer in the admissions office and that totally changed her mind about CMU as well as her choice of majors. IS fits her like a glove.
Having said all that, since you’re undecided on a major I’d say that if your interests lie primarily in the STEM area CMU probably gives you better options than Wash U. If you lean toward traditional liberal arts, social sciences, natural sciences or pre-professional programs Wash U is stronger.
And if you like combining computer science with anything else (finance, business, music, psychology, biology, art, entertainment, economics, robotics, etc.) then there aren’t many universities in the world better than CMU.
Just my opinion, of course…
To be honest, if you’re having a hard time deciding between the two, I would question the wisdom of applying ED to either one. Why commit now to something you’re not certain of? Are these reach schools that you feel going ED will make the difference in whether or not you get accepted?
If they are recruiting you for athletics, chances are you’ve got a good shot at getting accepted provided your grades, curriculum, and test scores fall within their typical ranges.
@shortnuke makes a good point. I suppose a lot depends on how serious the original poster is re the IS program, which has only a 9% acceptance rate (http://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/undergraduate-admission-statistics) and if ED increases the odds for acceptance.
I have no clue re the latter part. It’s almost impossible to get into via internal transfer, too, and I don’t believe it’s available as a second major/minor.
CMU’s ED plan is really geared to those who are pretty sure what they want to study. You are only allowed to apply to one college, for instance. And it’s binding, of course.
OP sounds more like he/she would benefit from being able to choose between these two once offers are on the table. I’d let the coaches do the work!