Case File: Joshua Schmieder

The following are excerpts taken from transcripts of a conversation with a Carnegie Mellon student.

Name: Joshua Schmieder Year: Sophmore Major/Minor: Mechanical Engineering/Music Theory Hometown: Warwick, NY Why Carnegie Mellon? Carnegie Mellon has a great Engineering Program. It also has an outstanding School of Music and a very prestigious reputation. I really liked the “rural-city” feel. It is close to Schenley Park which makes it feel rural, but also really close to the city allowing for the culture and conveniences of a metro area. How did you choose your major? As a high school junior, I knew I was good in the math and sciences and I really wanted to apply this knowledge to real world problems. Do you live on- or off-campus? I live off-campus because I joined a fraternity and decided to move into the main house. What do you do for fun during the week, in addition to your homework? I hang out with friends a lot, play the piano and also take part in many different activities including intramural sports. Are you involved in any campus organizations? Yes! I am involved in Mock Trial, Kiltie Band, All-University Orchestra, AEPi, AEPi Buggy, AEPi Greek Sing, AEPi Booth. What is your favorite class? Please describe. Again, I have a few: Stress Analysis (MechE) because we analyze the forces and stresses in a various mechanical systems, Harmony (Music Theory class) and/or Nature of Language (Philosophy). Are you planning to work on any research/internships? Not yet, but I am beginning to research some new project ideas on my own. What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh (or favorite place off-campus)? I really like to walk around the surrounding neighborhoods and to go to the movies at The Waterfront or Robinson Town Center. What is your favorite memory of Carnegie Mellon, so far? Definitely, the Kiltie Band Games! Are there any fun traditions that you want future Carnegie Mellon students to follow? Buggy, Spring Carnival and the Fence! If there was one thing you could tell a prospective student about Carnegie Mellon, what would it be? I would emphasize that there is a real mix of technical and fine arts students and everyone else in between. You will always learn from the other people in your classes because they come from a variety of different academic and personal backgrounds.