Carnegie Mellon students are curious about school work, the world around them, and one another. What they’re interested in, it seems, is everything. They want to be the best at whatever they do, which means logging in the study time, yet many students say there remains a robust social life for those who seek it out. “
I study a good deal but we all do it because we care about our classes and our future. However, I spend WAY more time going out and having fun doing whatever I want than I do studying,” writes a freshman engineering major. At CMU, what students most want is to learn as much as they can and figure out how they can best put their talents to use.
Academically, students say CMU is definitely challenging. “
Our QPA (our version of a GPA) is almost a half point below most other comparable schools. There's no grade inflation, leading to very tough courses,” writes a senior engineering major. Stress levels often run high among students, and it seems there’s always work to be done; fortunately, most people at CMU are collaborative and willing to share resources. Also, when they’re not doing their own research, professors are available for extra help or to discuss grades. “
Professors know who you are and are brilliant. CMU gives you a chance to learn from many great teachers and also prepares you for getting a job and how to live, work, and act in the real world,” writes a junior business major. When it comes down it, students say the hard work is worth it. “
It can be a tough school, but just as a summation, I think it's a pretty neat place to spend college, even if it means less drinking and girls and more late nights studying. You'll meet some really incredible people, and if you stay in contact with them maybe they'll look after you when they're rich,” writes a senior journalism major.
In between long study sessions, students like to stay involved on-campus by joining clubs, intramurals, and committees. “
Everyone here is a dork about something: drama, computer science, politics, art, psychology, engineering, science, anime, music, whatever,” says a sophomore psychology major. Traditions like Carnival and Buggy Races integrate competition and fun with science and work. They’re much-anticipated events that are telling of just how smart and motivated CMU students are, in every aspect of college life. Most students also like to stay aware and informed, following politics and current events on a regular basis. They stand behind their causes and put as much fervor into them as they do their school work.
Over and over again students claim that the rich cultural diversity at Carnegie Mellon is one of the school’s biggest draws. “
I honestly can say that I don't think there would be a single student who would feel out of place at CMU. That is the best part of CMU, the fact that soooo many different type of people are able to interact,” writes a junior engineering major. Students enjoy intelligent discussions with their peers and are glad for the fact that, as one junior engineering major puts it, “
everyone is smart so you don't have to dumb down your comments.” There are mixed feelings among students regarding the social scene. Some insist that the rumor “Carnegie Mellon is where fun goes to die” is accurate because the typical student is anti-social and studies all the time. “
In general the school is just awkward,” confesses a sophomore. However, most students can attest that CMU has parties just like every other college; “
Our social scene is just different, not non-existent,” defends a sophomore business major. Greek parties are popular, especially among underclassmen who can’t hit the bars in town. Those who live off-campus have easier access to the surrounding cities of Oakland and Pittsburgh. In sum, there is life outside of student organizations and class work at Carnegie Mellon - it takes just a little more effort to find it.
