Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Reviews

Carnegie Mellon University

Mathew from Jensen Beach, FL

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
The amount of things you learn throughout your classes is amazing to me. Just this past 2 weeks, I've learned so many things about programming that it has made a noticeable change in how I approach problems.
Am enjoying being here
I really fit in, and everyone here seems to be very intelligent and good-natured. Everything administratively, from housing to course design, just seems to make sense.
Bang for the buck
The average carnegie mellon graduate gets a lot of money per year, and has better opportunities for advancement than the average. This college will pay for itself if you put your effort in.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared to work hard, and you will learn more than you thought you could.
Great for these types of students
Intelligent, hardworking, team players, creative, logical, good-natured

Jacob from Pittsburgh, PA

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
It seems as if though I am learning in a day what I once learned in a week while in high school. I am not only learning a lot about my major but, also about street smarts as well as other fields. Everyone is so knowledgeable and it doesn't take long to get a question answered.
Am enjoying being here
I love it here. The people are a lot friendlier than they were back home. They know how to have a good time but, they also n=know how to get down to business when it gets down to it.
Bang for the buck
This can always be up for debate. Although the cost is very high, the experience is priceless.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure that if you have any problems with procrastination like I did when I was first starting out, that you get over them fast!
Great for these types of students
If your a fan of people who really love to learn a lot but who may not necessarily be the most involved in sports, then this is the place for you.

Hira from Hamilton, NJ

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
You definitely get a great education at CMU. The professors are masters in their fields of study, but they still care a lot about the students. For example, my physics professor told us he wouldn't be in class the next day because he would be in Washington, DC helping solve the oil spill crisis in the Gulf. However, he always has office hours and encourages the students to take advantage of all the academic services offered.
Am enjoying being here
I love it here at Carnegie Mellon. It is an awesome environment for many reasons. Most top-notch schools are specialized in only science and technology or only arts, but CMU has it all and because of that, you are surrounded by students who are passionate and smart in all kinds of fields, which often leads to interesting encounters between majors. Also, you get free bus transportation and free admission to local museums and other things to do, so there is always something fun to do in the great city of Pittsburgh!
Bang for the buck
It is true that Carnegie Mellon doesn't have the most amazing financial aid services, but the education that you are receiving here is definitely worth it. Also, you would definitely enjoy being a part of the great history and fun family that is CMU.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to show the quirky, fun side of yourself too when you're applying. Carnegie Mellon is full of wacky people and the admissions office likes to see that in the prospective students.
Great for these types of students
If you're passionate about what you do so much that you consider yourself a nerd in your major, come here, you will be in good company!

Paige from Elk Grove, CA

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
There isn't wasted time in class and the teachers are always using the basic physics and chemistry we are learning to explain much more complicated ideas such as how to find galaxies in the universe and why scientists know that dark matter has to exist. Each class is fascinating to be in.
Am enjoying being here
The people at CMU are really nice and there are just so many types. Of course there are the nerds, but there are also the drama kids and the partiers and people who are just normal. Everyone is there because they deserve to be there and it can create fascinating discussions.
Bang for the buck
Carnegie Mellon University is insanely expensive, but the amount of learning that goes on in one week shows why it is so expensive. They are kind of random when it comes to giving out scholarships so even if you really deserve a large financial package, you might not get it. However students earn inordinate sums of money after graduating so it is worth your while.
Tips for prospective students
I would put a lot of work into the essays you have to write to get in here because they count for a lot. Also try to be doing sports or drama or some sort of extra curricular. Carnegie Mellon is really hard to get into, but it is worth it. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.
Great for these types of students
Students who can either plan projects out and get them done in small chunks, or students who can pull all-nighters and still turn out good work. While when I was researching this college I saw that a lot of people said there were no parties on campus, that is a complete lie. So if you like to party you should be able to get your work done also. You can't skate through Carnegie Mellon.

Sam from Pittsburgh, PA

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Carnegie Mellon University is ranked as one of the top universities in the nation. It's a small research university that gives the feel of a secluded campus while being in the city of Pittsburgh. It is very easy to get involved in clubs and organizations on campus.
Tips for prospective students
While GPA and SATs are extremely important, colleges look for students who will add to their campus. What extra-curriculars do you do? Do you play a musical instrument? Sports? Do you lead a club? Do you volunteer? These are things that colleges want to see.
Academic Rigor
Carnegie Mellon is known for being academically rigorous. It was even featured on The Simpson's for it's toughness. That being said, there is a lot of help available to all students. Upperclassmen are very willing to help, as well as Teachers who hold multiple office hours and answer emails quickly.
Dorm Life
I am very good friends with everyone on my floor. The lounges are pretty large and most students spend their time outside of their rooms.
Food and Dining
The freshman meal plan is required. There are multiple dining options and they serve a decent amount of food. The freshman meal plan is slightly overpriced, so after freshman year you should just use cash and eat at all the great locations in Pittsburgh. Each dorm, as well as each apartment room, has a kitchen.
What to do for fun
Carnegie Mellon is right next to the City of Pittsburgh, and with a free bus pass included in your ID, it's easy to get around the city. Every weekend there are cheap movies played in an auditorium. There are also many clubs that meet to do fun activities during the week.
Bang for the buck
Carnegie Mellon is very expensive. The school does however offer good financial aid, and can often bring down the price to meet other colleges.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a fence on campus that different organizations paint between the hours of 12am and 6am. It works as a great advertisement for clubs and organizations.
Great for these types of students
People who care about their education, nerds, geeks, musicians, artists,
Clubs and Activities
There are tons of clubs offered and if one doesn't exist, it's extremely easy to create one.
Campus Safety
The University of Pittsburgh campus is right next door, so with both police forces, there are few crimes.

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
A prestigious university that's strong in all departments, such as business, engineering, computer science, and the arts. Located in an up-and coming city, CMU is lively and entertaining for a college student looking for a small town feel. Academics are rigorous but extremely rewarding.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to give it shot. If someone tells you it's too difficult, give it a go, and only you can decide for yourself whether you can do it or not. Challenges are created by you, not others.
Academic Rigor
Definitely a academically rigorous school, but is not highly competitive among the students. The community is extremely supportive and students are willing to go out of their way to help one another.
Dorm Life
Dorm life varies across the campus. All dorms have their advantages and disadvantages, but overall, they are what you expect. Most students become really close to their hallmates.
Food and Dining
Dining on campus is average. There is no central dining hall, just individual restaurants scattered throughout the campus. There is a pretty good variety in terms of cuisine. Outside of campus, there are more places to eat.
What to do for fun
There is a giant mall about 45 minutes away from campus. Museums and the conservatory are free to CMU students. Also, transportation is free, so nowhere is off limits.

Sarah

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Carnegie Mellon is an amazing university and provides endless opportunities to its students. The experiences one will find here as a first year are incredible and I would never trade this year for anything. Everything from the people to the majors to the clubs are so diverse that no matter who you are, you can most definitely find your place here.
Tips for prospective students
Find the perfect balance between school work and extracurriculars- don't risk your grade, but make sure you're enjoying yourself!
Dorm Life
The majority of dorms are very nice, and they provide many opportunities to meet new people.
Food and Dining
Food plans are very limited, but the food itself is not too bad.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Painting the fence, rolling chair races, Kiltie band
Clubs and Activities
Anything you wish to participate in will be here

-M

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
It's expensive, but the culture and opportunities are top-notch for anyone willing to work hard and delve deep into their studies-whatever they may be. Sports aren't huge. Also, the plays and other performances are unbelievably outstanding.
Tips for prospective students
Consider whether you really love what you intend to study and be open to changing your major, or you may very well find yourself hating your tenure here if you do not truly enjoy your work.
Academic Rigor
It's true, you have to work very hard.
Dorm Life
I really love my floor and all the people in it. Everyone is passionate about something, often completely different from your own passion. The resultant diversity, academic and otherwise, is very much a hallmark of the university.
Food and Dining
There's a place to eat that will satisfy just about anyone. Just don't expect too much beyond the notion of 'good' food.
What to do for fun
You can code, paint, draw, do math, do physics, sing, act, or anything else you would be doing as part of your actual work.
Bang for the buck
This could easily be a 3 if you let the years just fly by given the cost of the education. But if you commit to your studies, the rewards are very lucrative with a very high expected starting salary for grads.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The forbidden steam tunnels
Great for these types of students
-nerds (I'm one too, just admit to it already)

R from PITTSBURGH, PA

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
CMU is academically rigorous, and somewhat open to interdisciplinary study. If you want to supplement what you're learning in your major, it's likely there is room in your schedule or a unique opportunity for pursuing your broad academic interests.
Am enjoying being here
The city and campus environments are great and the students are social but with a focus on academics. You'll find many great minds and great conversation!
Bang for the buck
Our tuition is a hefty price tag, but doing things like living off campus and cooking for yourself can greatly reduce the cost. Additionally, CMU actually offers very generous need-based grants, so you never know exactly how much you'll end up paying until you sit down and work closely with a financial aid officer. I'm paying less than I would at a state school in CA as a resident, which is amazing and a serious blessing.

The people you will connect with and the supportive network of professors, instructors, and professionals is very much worth the money spent.
Tips for prospective students
Talk to everyone and take advantage of their knowledge. Don't feel intimidated by the intellect of your peers, but rather learn form what they have to offer! Know that you will spend most of your time working and studying, but the end result is worth it.
Great for these types of students
Those interested in Technological Fields (Computer Science, Engineering, Robotics.)

Hailey from Ridgefield, CT

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
This school is all about its academics. Everyone you meet here are really focused on doing well in their classes and getting the met out of their education.
Am enjoying being here
Despite what some people say, this school can have fun. There's plenty of activities and clubs to get involved with. There's an active and very fun Greek life. You can find your perfect niche anywhere.
Bang for the buck
This school knows how to get you a job. The teachers know their stuff. There are resources everywhere to make sure that you are doing well in school. The career center is great! The tutoring is also very useful, and almost everyone takes advantage of Academic Development.
Tips for prospective students
Obviously keep your grades up. Carnegie Mellon loves to see kids who are well-rounded (computer science majors who are musically inclined, etc.) so make sue you have a wide range of activities.
Great for these types of students
You have to be prepared for a hard curriculum. You also have to want to do well, and you will. However kids who do more than just academics are the ones who truly thrive here.