| hey tehre, i could help with a little stuff about cmu. i went to cmu for my summer program!
i'm turning down cmu because it is too expensive (no financial aid :[)
cmu is hardcore. esp. they're architecture. i didnt sleep whenever there was a project due the next day. the professors can be tough, but they know what they're doing. however, pittsburgh is not an amazing architectural city to study at. it's not that it's boring, but it's not like other cities. the only beautiful things about it is the sports stadiums and the bridges (there are like 123049829034).
cmu's food is terrible. i almost died from hunger...try to get the smallest meal plan and buy food at local vendors (don't worry...they're CHEAP and filling). the dorms are okay - freshmen usually live in morewood tower E, which is the standard 2-person room with a hall bathroom. its across from the frats and sororities so you hear them a lot most nights. helicopters are always circulating the area, it's funny. you'll get used to that.
weather wise, cmu is ALWAYS raining. you like the sun? don't go to cmu. it rains more than seattle (seattle rains more days). luckily most buildigns aren't too far, but crossing the main cut can be tough with all that mud. invest in some nice rainboots and raincoat and lots of umbrellas! its winters can be a bit harsh if you're from cali...it can get really cold and it certainly snows a bit.
public transportation is free and usually very convenient to its local areas to go shopping, get food, hang out, etc. this is a huge plus! and also a VERY convenient shuttle from the airport - only a few dollars whereas a taxi is like $60!
i would say do your undergrad at cmu, but go to ucberkeley for grad! |