<p>I was admitted to both CMU and Bucknell for vocal performance. Carnegie Mellon is the better music school, but I’m still a little torn. Bucknell is known for beautiful and friendly (albeit very preppy and very wealthy) students and beautiful facilities and dorms and GREAT FOOD, and I’m worried that I’m making a mistake choosing CMU over a school like Bucknell.</p>
<p>I know everyone and their sister asks this question, but I just need some reassurance. There are plenty of normal people, right? Specifically in the CFA music department? There are attractive guys? The food isn’t THAT bad? Choosing CMU over Bucknell wouldn’t be a stupid decision?</p>
<p>I’m chuckling a bit over your post, though I know it’s serious business. I have a kid at CMU, and another who is choosing Bucknell (or Lehigh) over trying to get off the waitlist at CMU, somewhat against our mild protests. They are very different places, both amazing in their own rights. But if you want the very best answer and I know you don’t have much time, I’d pm completelykate.</p>
<p>I don’t know that you’d go wrong either way. They’re just different.</p>
<p>I had a friend who chose CMU over Bucknell and he has never regretted it. The program is a lot better. The food really isn’t that bad (we have a lot of variety and you can actually find a lot of tasty things on campus, plus you have all of Pittsburgh to eat and we do have some delicious food in this neck of the woods). There are attractive guys. Especially if you’re into CFA guys. It would not be a stupid decision. Go greek when you get here and you’ll have a great social life too. I mean, it’s not a state school, but it’s big enough that you can find what you’re looking for.</p>
<p>You should ask yourself what is more important to you: your music/vocal performance training or “great food” and being around “beautiful and friendly students” ?</p>
<p>Having said that, CMU food isn’t great, but it’s bearable (I ate it for 4 years and I’m still healthy and alive !). Besides, there are plenty of off-campus dining options in the city of Pittsburgh if you get tired of CMU food. Also, there are “beautiful and friendly” people at CMU too, especially in the College of Fine Arts.</p>