Caltech vs. Carnegie Mellon CIT

mom2012and14
Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:54:19 +0000

I cannot stress enough how you need to visit CalTech.

You already know you would be happy at CMU and that academics is top notch-- especially # 1 in research. Caltech has unbelieved research opportunities as well- but the best robotics is happening at CMU.

You already know I suppose that Caltech has like MIT a very specific freshman curriculum and a smaller incoming class. At CMU, you have no such restrictions and will have the opportunity to immediately take more classes at more levels and yes, research oppts are there when you walk in the door.

It’s tempting to pick Caltech b/c it’s caltech. You still need to visit. Also, join the FB page and see if you are getting or picking up a different vibe in the type of student at Caltech vs. CMU? D has this choice for CIT 3 years ago - she elected CMU and has never regretted the choice. Something about the responses in the discussion threads in the caltech FB page just turned her off-- but it may not be so for you. A visit is essential.

It’s rather close to May 1 - and you aren’t going to get a financial review in time to make a difference to your choice at this point-- so don’t count on that this late in the process. Hopefully that is not essential to your choice – didn’t sound like it.

Congrats-- !!