CMU or UPenn for CS Undergrad?

[collegedecider]

I got into both but I'm really confused on which school to pick. I'm not really sure about what I want to do with my career. I would like to work on some of the startup ideas that I have or maybe work in finance/AI space. UPenn:

+ Possible double degree with Wharton

+ Less stressful/more social life?

+ More prestige in VC/business world?

CMU:

+ Better professors for CS/Better CS Education

+ More CS Prestige (#1 for CS)

- Stress culture

Would I miss out on any CS opportunities (jobs, interships, startup opportunities) by going to UPenn instead of CMU?

[uejfiweun]

I feel that it practically doesn't matter where you go for CS undergrad, especially if you're choosing between two schools that are commonly known to be great. CS undergrad, apart from a few courses at the tail end of your degree, is mostly cookie-cutter, you're not gonna be learning anything different if you go to a different school, and chances are you'll mostly be doing self-study anyway.

I would personally choose Penn in your position because my guess is that more non-CS people have heard of it and know it's a top school, and like it or not that kind of name recognition does help you out in various things.

[giardini]

Unless you test very high in your field, avoid a school having a great reputation in that field.

Nothing worse than entering physics class on day 1 and realizing that you're seated between Albert Einstein and Paul Dirac.

Good state universities have both excellent pools of students AND room for others. Go to UPenn and study business.

[quantified → giardini]

Why would it be bad to be seated between Einstein and Dirac, and not be Neils Bohr? You'd be 3rd in your class not 1st, but if you're not #1 or #2 that works out fine as well.

[collegedecider → giardini]

Thanks for the input! I was leaning towards Penn bc its more interdisciplinary anyways!

[quantified → collegedecider]

Fwiw I really disliked CMU while I was there for its stratification. Get some education outside of CS as well!