About

See what students say:

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.”

Read More 

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Address
Admissions Office
5000 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Phone
4122682082

Email
admission@andrew.cmu.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Hunt Library
The Cut
Cohon University Center (Student Center)
Tepper Quad

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Shadyside
Lawrenceville
Cultural events/places
Pirates and Steelers games
Schenley Park
Cultural places include such places as: Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh Zoo, numerous theaters, etc.

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday, selected Saturday mornings
M-F: 8:30a-5p; (extended weekday hours available in January/February); Sat: 8:30a-12:30p January-April
4122682082

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Varies
Times: Mon-Fri 9:30 / 11:30 / 1:30 / 3:30
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Multiple times throughout the year.

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly

Advance Notice
Other

Contact Email Address for Visit
see Non-Academic Departments at https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/departmental-tours-events

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
see https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/departmental-tours-events

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Other

Limitations
Must be a high school senior and at least 16 years old.

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Traveling by Air: The Pittsburgh International Airport is 22 miles (approximately 45 minutes driving time) from the Carnegie Mellon campus. Pittsburgh has many tunnels and bridges, and construction that may slow travel to and from the airport. If you are visiting campus in the morning, you are encouraged to fly to Pittsburgh the day prior to your visit. Once you arrive at the Pittsburgh International Airport there are several transportation options to bring you to campus. While car rentals from most rental agencies are available, the 28X Airport Flyer Bus (sponsored by the Port Authority Transit), is one of the more popular options for visitors and students. The 28X stops in the heart of the Carnegie Mellon campus and typically takes 40 minutes en route to the airport. The trip is free for Carnegie Mellon students and costs $3.75 for other passengers. For more information about schedules and rates, please visit the official PAT website (http://www.portauthority.org). Uber, Lyft and taxi services are popular and easy to use in Pittsburgh. There are a variety options to accomodate your party size and specific transportation needs. The most centrally located campus pick-up/drop-off spaces are in front of the Cohon University Center or Hamburg Hall, both on Forbes Avenue. Traveling by Bus The Greyhound Trailways Bus Terminal is located five miles from campus in downtown Pittsburgh. For a detailed transportation schedule, please call 1-800-231-2222. The station terminal is located at the intersection of 11th Street and Liberty Avenue and can be reached by telephone at 412-392-6526. Traveling by Train The Amtrak Train Station is located at 1100 Liberty Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh and just four miles from campus. For more information on rates and schedules, please call 1-800-872-7245.

Driving Instructions to Campus
Traveling by Car Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 If you are using a GPS, the following address will take you to the East Campus Parking Garage: 5040 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Local Accommodations
Please see the Family & Parents page: https://www.cmu.edu/parents/events/travel-and-hotels.html
[+] More

Admissions

Applicants: 24,351
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Average HS GPA: 3.84





Academics








Careers




Tuition & Aid






Student Body



Campus Life













Articles & Advice