Cornell vs Carnegie Mellon?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior trying to decide between Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University for engineering. Can anyone provide some insight on the differences between these two schools, especially in terms of academics, campus life, and career opportunities?

Both Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University are top-tier institutions, especially when it comes to engineering, so you can't go wrong with either choice. Let's break down some differences between the two in terms of academics, campus life, and career opportunities.

1. Academics: Cornell is a member of the Ivy League and offers a wide range of engineering programs, including Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, and Computer Engineering, among many others. The curriculum is rigorous and focuses on creating well-rounded engineers with the theoretical foundation and hands-on experience needed to excel in the field. Carnegie Mellon is well-known for its programs in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The coursework at CMU also emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

2. Campus Life: Cornell is located in Ithaca, New York, which is a college town known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including gorges, lakes, and waterfalls. It has a larger student body and offers more diverse extracurricular activities and club options. Cornell's campus is also a mix of historic buildings and modern facilities. Carnegie Mellon is located in Pittsburgh, where students can benefit from an urban setting, providing more internship and job opportunities nearby. Additionally, the campus is vibrant and technologically advanced, but the student body is smaller in comparison to Cornell, which can create a more intimate community atmosphere.

3. Career Opportunities: Both schools have strong reputations and alumni networks in the engineering field, which can lead to excellent job and internship opportunities. Cornell's Ivy League status and extensive resources may offer access to a wider network of employers and connections. Meanwhile, CMU is nationally renowned for its engineering, computer science, and business programs, with strong relationships with major tech companies and top engineering firms.

Ultimately, the choice between Cornell and Carnegie Mellon depends on the specific engineering field you want to pursue, the campus environment you prefer, and the location that suits you best. Visiting both colleges, if possible, and speaking with current students or alumni can help you get a better sense of which one would be the best fit for you.