I don't think I have any chance to get in SCS. take a look please

dividebyzero · 11-19-2009, 08:52 PM

My friends tell me I have no chance. This might be true. But what do you guys think? chance>0 ?

GPA: low 3.7-3.75 (i have very high math+phy+tech grades but Bs in eng+history+spanish grades)
SAT: 800M 660V 700W
SATII: 800 in math2, 750 in chem, 750 in physics

I am the president and founder of math (mu alpha theta) and science clubs
and I got first place in the FIRST robotics competition (regionals). Then we went to nationals and did ok.

I've also been in NHS for 3 years and taking the most rigorous courses offered. All IB!

I went to Governor's School for Math. I worked in an IT business over the summer to help them program. My IB extended essay is on programming. The supplemental essay I wrote talks about my interests in artificial intelligence and programming.

*TL;DR*
strengths: extracurricular activities/very high interest
weakness: GPA!

I just early decided in October!!!! Any chance for me to get in SCS? or should i forget about it?

larryjiii · 11-20-2009, 12:21 AM

You lack diversity, at least from how this reads. Your stats seem fine for SCS, seeing as you do well in math. But... seeing as I'm not an Adcom, and I'm applying for 2014, I have probably just as much of an idea as you do. Your ECs are somewhat bland by the way, and they're all tech/mathematics related.

LongPrime · 11-20-2009, 01:17 AM

I think your friends are a little jealous.

dividebyzero · 11-20-2009, 07:15 AM

By diversity do you mean academic diversity or where I'm from?

Because a) I think CMU CSC will mostly care about my math/sci/tech abilities and b) I'm asian/Indian.

On the CMU website it says that the average GPA for the School of Computer Science is ~3.78

My GPA is less than that. Does this mean I still have a small chance or do they cut off ED applications that are below the 3.78 mark?

LongPrime · 11-20-2009, 10:00 AM

"average", I imagine means the mean average.

Understand the rules of ED as CMU applies them. And be sure that you have a Plan B.

larryjiii · 11-20-2009, 10:38 PM

Lack of diversity in your experiences/ec's/etc. Basically, what I'm saying is, from what I've gathered, they're looking to find gifted students that are more well-rounded. You've got decent SATs, and the math/science background, so you won't be denied because of your lack of ability, it'll be lack of well-roundedness. Also, if it means anything to you, the math SAT is the most common 800.

busdriver11 · 11-21-2009, 01:17 PM

It would be good if some current students could comment on the well rounded factor. Obviously you have some serious activities here, would it neccessarily help if you were also in marching band? I don't know if CMU is that big on the well roundedness, if everything else looks strong.

larryjiii · 11-21-2009, 05:54 PM

I spoke with some of their current students, and they get the feeling that their office of admissions is indeed looking for more well-rounded students. Their techie culture is huge, and from what I gather, they are looking to move away from kids who like to sit in their dorm's on their computers all day. (granted, that's a horrible generalization, but every stereotype has it's origins in some truth.)

steelersngators · 11-22-2009, 10:43 AM

"I spoke with some of their current students, and they get the feeling that their office of admissions is indeed looking for more well-rounded students. Their techie culture is huge, and from what I gather, they are looking to move away from kids who like to sit in their dorm's on their computers all day. (granted, that's a horrible generalization, but every stereotype has it's origins in some truth.)"

You have a great point though. They actually have the Computer Science kids take a social skills class where they have to get like a certain amount of phone numbers, showers etc. every day

steelersngators · 11-22-2009, 10:52 AM

"My friends tell me I have no chance. This might be true. But what do you guys think? chance>0 ?"

Your friends must be jealous. I wouldn't say you are definitely in because SCS is one of the toughest programs to get into. Yet, I still think you have a decent shot because you applied ED. Congrats on winning at FIRST I hope my team wins this year.

kryptos · 12-08-2009, 02:56 PM

If you think that you dont have a chance with those scores you shouldn't even apply cause with that kind of insecurity you are getting nowhere in life. People will just walk all over you and tell you to not apply to a job just because they want to get in before you. Think man!

completelykate · 12-09-2009, 03:23 PM

"a social skills class where they have to get like a certain amount of phone numbers, showers etc. every day"

Hahaha! You're right, there is a course called Freshman Immigration that's mandatory. (I always wonder why it's called 'Immigration.' Where are they 'immigrating' to? The real world?) People joke about the shower requirement, but that's not part of it-- it's mostly stuff like "Go see a movie" and "Hang out with a friend, then take a picture to prove you did so" and "have dinner with at least 1 person outside your major". It's demeaning to the SCS majors who have no problem with social interaction, but it seems to be helpful for the minority that would prefer to remain hermits.

Anyhow, you're definitely not 100% in, but it seems like a solid match for your stats. Good essay topic too, as AI is one of the huge focuses of the CS department right now (as well as the RI and HCI departments beneath them-- I work in their office). Your GPA and lack of well-roundedness is going to hurt, but don't knock yourself as an impossible candidate just yet. You have definite potential!