I got into Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Carnegie Mellon University. Both schools gave me identical aid. Which one has the stronger architecture program? What are the differences in their programs?
A notable difference is if you need a fall back plan, there are more options at CMU. Also I’ve heard girl/boy ratio is pretty high at RPI but I’m not sure what CMU has. Is that an issue? Honestly no one can tell you which is better for you. I would say they are both top notch. It really depends on what you are looking for and which place fits! I would say fit is the most important thing you need to figure out. Where would you be the happiest? My D picked her school based on many things such as location, size, access to shopping, the town, restaurants, the college size, a collaborative atmosphere, etc. You ought to write up a list of what you like about each and see where that takes you. Good luck! It’s a nice problem to have.
@anonymous-otter127 Congratulations on your acceptances! Both CMU’s and RPI’s schools of architecture are consistently highly rated. I don’t know much about RPI and can’t provide a direct comparison, but to me the greatest difference would be the scope of each university’s overall offerings. This may make a difference to you if you decide that architecture isn’t for you after all.
CMU was one of the first architecture schools to feature interdisciplinary programs between the design, structures and technology aspects of architecture. Other programs have caught up, but I believe that CMU is still a leader in the point at which art, technology and architecture intersect.
I suspect that CMU is more of a pressure cooker than RPI. This can be a positive or a negative depending on how you deal with abstract, open ended assignments. My guess is that CMU will push you harder on design than RPI would. Some architecture students thrive on intensive creative challenge. Some find having to defend their design concepts stressful.
I’m sure internship and industry networking opportunities will be strong at each and your success post graduation will depend on how much you take advantage of them.
CMU encourages accepted students to attend their departmental open housesduring April. (RPI may also, but they weren’t promoting visits on their website.) Visit, ask questions, talk to current students. If something’s bothering you, figure out a way to articulate it.
you don’t have much time to decide, have you spoken directly to the departments at each school? Have your visited both? Pittsburgh is quite different from the Albany area.