Academics
The dedicated students at Carnegie Mellon range from hard-core engineering majors to the artsiest of drama students, making this research university “a breeding ground for interdisciplinary collaboration.” The school’s motto—“my heart is in the work”—rings true for all on this Pittsburgh campus. Students say, “It is in our culture to stay up late, overload on classes, have more than one major, and to be extremely involved on campus.” The university, founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1900, gives students the opportunity to become experts in their chosen field while also studying a broad range of coursework across disciplines. CMU’s interdisciplinary environment is backed by the tremendous resources afforded students in whatever they choose, and the school “practically throws opportunities (internships, guidance)” at students. Though the course work is admittedly “stressful,” the professors “are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their subject[s],” and the “we’re all in it together” mantra is a universal refrain. “Academically, you get challenged, but so does everyone else, so the work-heavy culture becomes a social thing,” says a student. Though “there are some [professors] who are less reasonable grading-wise and/or are a bit boring in lecture,” for the most part, they are “enthusiastic and very invested in the students’ learning” and “will go as far as helping you pick out internships to apply for and giving advice on programs on campus and elsewhere.” Much as its mission statement promises, CMU “provides excellent preparation for your future, especially [through] the career center.” The residence life staff, RAs, and Housefellows are also “really committed to improving the social aspects of college.” For those who know what they want, there are “unlimited opportunities to pursue your passions.”
Student Body
At Carnegie Mellon, everybody is “quirky in an endearing way.” Basically, “there isn’t really a norm except for the fact that you can be yourself.” The mix of student interests and majors provides a curious but totally harmonious balance at every turn: “There are engineering students who can belt out any song from a musical and art students who are great at tennis. CMU students are diverse and unique and still able to come together to...create an environment where success is encouraged without risk of judgment.” “We’re all weird in our own way—we’re either a scientist or artist so we can seem a strange bunch...eventually the labels artist or scientist fades, and you become friends with people from all over campus,” says a student. Students “love their work and work hard, but also tend to be very involved in side projects, whether it be playing quidditch or creating a startup.” Basically, CMU is made up of “an incredibly diverse bunch of nerds—in the best way possible”; they’re “insanely driven,” and “all have hidden talents.”
Campus Life
Carnegie Mellon “students are unique for the amount of time they spend working on their studies,” and most social activity “is based off of academics.” “Carnegie Mellon offers endless opportunities for those who are willing to actively pursue it,” and students find that there are “many clubs on campus that are constantly looking for new members.” Despite the number of hours spent hitting the books, CMU has a decidedly non-competitive atmosphere: “Carnegie Mellon is filled with a bunch of high-achieving, non-competitive students that want to help each other.” Discussions “are just at a higher level,” and if students have to work late into a Friday evening, then so be it. Some at CMU “enjoy complaining about how stressed out we are, but that doesn’t stop us from overloading on classes, signing up for more activities, or taking on more leadership positions.” “You get to pick two: sleep, good grades, or a social life,” goes the student mantra, while CMU leadership is working to encourage balance. Recreation options include “a massive video game ‘community,’” as well as “not your typical Greek Life,” which “is a great way to open up lots of experiences.” The Pittsburgh location offers a “safe campus...but it is still within a city that offers many things to do,” including free entry into area museums, “great restaurants, and sports teams.”
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