Hi, I am a male interested in Computer Science (and possibly economics?)
Here are my choices:
Princeton: Attended preview session, very generous financial aid, guaranteed major selection after completing the pre-reqs, strong network
Carnegie Mellon: One of the top Computer Science programs in the country, received entrance into the School of Computer Science, plan to pursue 3+2 program with Tepper
University of Washington: in state, honors program, received direct admit to Paul Allen School of Computer Science
Georgia Tech: oos, more expensive than others,
UNC Chapel Hill: Received Honors Carolina, Accelerated Research Program, and Innovation Scholars (covers full tution, room & board, and potentially travel). CS major not guaranteed.
In terms of money my parents can afford all schools listed besides Georgia Tech so it is most likely out of the running. I am also more inclined to select a school where I have received entrance to CS or can assuredly select CS rather than compete in college again. I have visited both UW and Princeton and love both campuses.
I am currently mainly debating between Carnegie Mellon or Princeton (or maybe UW though I do want to go oos). My parents are immigrants so any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Congrats on all of these great choices. First, very few students actually do a 3-2 program. And with your obvious strengths and the award you received at Ch Hill, you will likely have no problem getting into CS.
The CMU 3+2 plan with Tepper is a bachelors + MBA, so a bit different than the typical 3+2 LAC/engineering BS programs. (I’m assuming that’s the program OP is talking about)
Quite different environments. You will need to figure out which one aligns best with your personality. I’d suggest picking between these two over your other choices. Can’t go wrong either way.
Except when it’s CS we’re talking about and Princeton and CMU are affordable alternate choices.
I am currently leaning towards Princeton because it allows me a path to potentially explore other interests that I may develop later.
Also, a big con for CMU for me right now is that I have heard stories about the toxic SCS environment and high stress load which would limit the college experience I would want to have.
If CS is your passion then CMU is hard to beat. That said, it sounds like Princeton might be a better fit. Assuming $20k isn’t a burden financially Princeton seems like a great fit. Plus you’ve already visited so I’m assuming you can see yourself there for 4 years. Good luck.
With CMU I am not 100% sure of the campus culture so I would appreciate any inputs regarding that. I will be unable to visit campus so I would love to hear any information regarding the work-life balance and culture.
In terms of job opportunities, I know that CMU CS grads have a plethora of options including campus hiring with companies including FAANG. I would assume Princeton would also have plenty of internships and opportunities given its own standing correct? I have very limited information on the career placement at both universities (besides the fact they are both good haha) but I would love to hear any other insights!
Definitely a more competitive culture vs Princeton. Based on students I know from both schools, you’ll likely have a more balanced life at Princeton.
Both schools will provide excellent internships and job opportunities. No difference in that regard.
It sounds like Princeton might suit you better. And hard to beat the price!
Yeah, I have heard about the somewhat not-so-pleasant environment for SCS at CMU. I was only wondering whether it would be worth it since CMU is considered top 3 or 4 for CS, but even then Princeton is arguably top 10 so I believe, at least to my knowledge, that it shouldn’t be a big difference.
If you have “bad vibes” or doubts of any college (CMU) avoid it, especially if you have better/as good options academically/financially. Princeton will provide as many job opportunities (probably more outside of CS) and it is cheaper. Seems like a no brainer to me.
Good that Ga Tech is out - you have to shrink the list. UNC too - no guarantee to major. That said, it’s a full ride - so if it truly helps your family financially, then you might leave it - but it does cause you uncertainty academically.
Very different schools. In many ways, since you have interest in both and Tepper offered you an assured entrance, that seems to be the way to go!!
The flip side is - you have Princeton (suburban, beautiful, strengths across all disciplines, maybe you can minor in econ).
CMU - more urban, more focused. many with experience there say it’s a fit school. Does it fit you ? Have you been?
UW - large state school.
CMU academically seems the best fit - but if you do a 5 year Masters, you lose the ability to do one later after you have more work experience - i.e. to boost salary or change careers. But given it’s CMU and you’d likely have a quant oriented degree, in this case that might not matter.
Sorry if I was unclear but I had received assured entrance in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon not Tepper. The 3 + 2 program was just something I wanted to pursue later on and I believe you apply to the program during junior year.
At Princeton I would major in Princeton BSE and then minor in Quantitative Economics if I could.
I haven’t had the opportunity and I do not believe I will have the opportunity to visit CMU’s campus that is why any feedback would be appreciated.