4.5 out of 5 Stars
Sort by
Job securities, respect, prestige, ambitious and hard-working students, passionate people, great faculty
Downersworkload is really huge compared to some other schools but it really prepares one for the work place
CommentsBe prepared to work hard and get results. It's worth it!
Would You RecommendYes
CMU puts alot of pressure on students with the rigor and amount of coursework loaded on but as you progress it gets better. The class sizes are approx 15-20 people on average and the professors are pretty nice about meeting if you need help. There are plenty of opportunities for research and design but they are all very competitive.
Quality of LifeEverything is pretty good.
AdmissionsMultiple applications and essays. no common app form. Scholarships are available.
Level4
Graduation Year2013
Bachelor of Fine Arts in opera performance- conservatory program. (essentially all music and performing classes)
Also required to take 3 languages: french, german and italian. All classes are extremely small. Average class size at CMU is 15-25 students. Student to faculty ratio: 12:1.
Big study abroad opportunities.
Quality of LifePittsburgh is the 3rd safest city for its size in the country. Live off-campus alone, no problem walking home late at night after rehearsal.
Pittsburgh is fairly livable - not too expensive. On-campus living is extremely close to campus (2-3 min walk to the heart of campus max).
Great library and resources. 22 24 hour computer clusters scattered across campus. supports all systems (mac/pc/linux/etc.) Access to all Carnegie libraries in country as well as most universities in the city of Pittsburgh.
Students are extremely diverse, intelligent, driven and positive. So easy to get help and support from faculty, professors and friends. Students are extremely well-rounded and generally interested in different, dynamic things.
AdmissionsRegular decision Common application and standard supplemental materials, had to submit a prescreening CD by December 1st to music faculty - once I passed this round, I was asked to come audition at the school in February.
Applied for financial aid in February as well - CMU is a completely need-based institution, no merit scholarships.
Level4
Graduation Year2012
Studio based curriculum
Quality of Lifeabsolutely great
AdmissionsPortfolio based
Level3
Graduation Year2014
Academics are very challenging and require a large time commitment. There is a large emphasis on the general education program, yet there are lots of opportunities to explore majors. Academic advising is excellent and very easily available. Class size is small compared to other large universities.
Quality of LifeAll facilities are relatively new and maintained really well. The neighborhood is very calm, yet also has the perks of any large city. Most people are happy when they're not completely swamped by work.
AdmissionsThe admissions process was made very easy and simple. I had no problems when applying to CMU.
Level2
Graduation Year2014
FABULOUS
AdmissionsPortfolio, essay driven
Level3
Graduation Year2014
There are two required classes that all students in the school take, and then there are other classes that are required based on your academic department. There is a lot of opportunities to take many different types of classes if you have a broad interest in studying. Class size is about 25 students; however, in your introduction classes you can expect about 120-150 people. As a result, larger classes have recitations, which are basically reiterations of lecture taught by a teaching assistant. Our professors are so easy to approach and give out their email/cell phone numbers so that we can reach them whenever necessary. All professors are required to have office hours as well. While we are a prestigious university, students are not cutthroat when it comes to academics. They are very open to assisting students so that everyone is successful. The workload is somewhat demanding, but with good time management you can have a good balance of social life and school. We have a fabulous study abroad program that many students take advantage of. Research is very important at our school. You can very easily get involved with professors research, or apply for money to take on your own project.
AdmissionsCarnegie Mellon uses the Common Application as well as a supplemental piece that is unique to Carnegie Mellon. I applied under regular decision. I wrote 2-3 essays, received 2 letters of recommendation, and had took part in an interview with an admission's officer. The interview is not required though. About a month after I submitted my application, I received an account where I could keep track of my information on Carnegie Mellon's website. It was very convenient and helpful throughout the process.
Level1
Graduation Year2013
I interviewed with an admissions officer in the summer before my junior year of high school. I filled out the Common Application form for my school, as well as the Common Application supplement. There were three essays in total between these. Finally, I sent in my application early in November through Regular Decision and received my decision in April. I was applied and was accepted into the Information Systems program, the School of Computer Science, and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Level2
Graduation Year2012
Good mix of core classes and major requirements. Professors are awesome and very accessible. I have emailed a professor at 2 AM only to have them reply back 5 minutes later answering my questions. So they are pretty on top of their game.
Quality of LifeGreat dining, its different places all around campus. I live in my Fraternity House now and love it. Great city area, UPitt to the south, public parks on one side, and then two family-friendly neighborhoods on the other borders, so we are pretty enclosed. Campus is really nice because we have no thru streets, so its a walking campus.
AdmissionsEssays, Common Application, we have both Early Decision and Regular Decision
Level2
Graduation Year2012