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Are the kids pretty geeky at CMU? If they are #1 in computer science, it seems like their geek factor is going to be right up there. I'm interested in engineering, but at a school with some balance.

By Roger (Roger) on Wednesday, September 05, 2001 - 08:32 pm: Edit

Hi, Survivor4. Like any technical school, CMU has its share of geeks, but because of its superb art school (esp. drama and architecture), some strong social sciences like psych, etc., there's quite a mix of students on campus. Depending on your preferences, you'll probably be able to find a crowd you'll enjoy hanging out with.

It's been a while since I've been on campus, but from what I've heard there is still a tendency for the fine arts types and techies to self-segregate to some degree. My impression is that this is mostly a combination of shared classes and a natural tendency to talk to people interested in the same stuff you are. When I was on campus a million years ago, there were definitely good friendships formed across the colleges, and mixed groups that did stuff together. (It seemed like the architects were in their own world, though - one's impression was that their life was long stretches of having fun punctuated by three-consecutive-all-nighters to get projects done. Kind of weird, but they seemed to enjoy it.)

By all means, visit the campus - CMU is a great school for both computers and engineering, and should offer plenty of diversity. I might add that it's located in Oakland, next to Schenley Park, and a 5-minute walk from University of Pittsburgh and the huge Carnegie Museum, Library, & performing arts complex; there are several other campuses nearby, too. You don't have to worry in the least about having only other engineers to talk to.

By Survivor4 on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 09:59 am: Edit

Thanks, Roger. How long has it been since you have been there?

By Roger (Roger) on Thursday, September 13, 2001 - 09:21 am: Edit

I almost hate to admit it, Survivor, but I'm approaching my 30th reunion as an alum. I have visited the campus numerous times since then, though, and have kept up with developments there. It's been fun to watch the school emerge as a center for computer and software engineering, and to continue its strong position in the era of the Internet and e-commerce.

By Mackenzie on Wednesday, September 25, 2002 - 10:23 pm: Edit

I spent my summer at CMU. Playboy ranked the student body as being the third ugliest in the country. I guess you learn to get over that kind of thing It's a nice school. Pitt's there too, if worse comes to worse.

By chrisd on Thursday, September 26, 2002 - 06:53 pm: Edit

My daughter spent the summer at CMU; loved everything about the experience except for the food. She's interested in mechanical engineering, and CM is her first choice school. Remember that besides the computer folks there is a good number of musical theater students--not a group one thinks of as unattractive.

By theman on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 02:21 pm: Edit

Playboy has never ranked colleges, ever.

By Potter on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 02:28 pm: Edit

yeah, what the hell is Mackenzie talking about??

By Odds (Odds) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 12:09 am: Edit

yes they have. i dont want to post the link but you can go look for it yourself.. it's on the website.

By Odds (Odds) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 12:10 am: Edit

but about CMU being ranked.. don't know about that. i think they only had top 5.

but CMU girls are ugly without a doubt. collegeprowler.com has some good ratings.

By Lobi (Lobi) on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 02:13 am: Edit

ChrisD and theman, If i had my way, I'd tell y'all to shut the f++k up - Of course playboy has ranked colleges, in many categories. Best looking students, worst parties, best parties, wildest girls...

Well I assume your type who are talking about geeky schools have never heard of playboy. It figures.