Hi, all. I’m a Computer Science major in his freshman year at George Mason University. My grades in high school were abysmal my first two years, and took a dip my second semester of senior year as well. I took a gap year so I’d have time to sort out a recent ADHD diagnosis, then applied to Mason and was accepted to the Honors College there. My semester, so far, has been stellar, and I’m expecting nothing less throughout the spring, too. I feel I’m finally able to manage and balance work; plus I’m pursuing my own interests more than ever before.
For a while during my senior year of high school I had my sights set on Penn. I applied early decision and was rejected, but now I think I have a chance of getting in, provided I maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout my first year of college.
I’ll go over some of my stats now, though this isn’t really a “chance me” thread—I’m mostly looking for general counsel.
High school GPA, unweighted: 3.1
SAT, old: 2350/2400 (800 Math, 790 CR, 760 Writing)
Here are my current courses for the fall semester:
CS 211 - Object-Oriented Programming
CS 110 - Essentials of Computer Science
ANTH 114 - Intro to Cultural Anthropology
HNRS 110 - Research Methods
UNIV 100 - Introduction to Mason
That amounts to 14 credits. Next semester, provided I want to meet the eligibility requirements for Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, I’ll need to take 17 credits. Here’s what my schedule would look like:
CS 310 - Data Structures
PHYS 160 & 161 - Physics I, with lab
CHEM 211 & 213 - Chemistry I, with lab
ANTH 135 - Intro to Biological Anthropology
MATH 215 - Honors Calculus III
If you’re wondering why I’m taking anthropology courses, it’s because I’m thinking of declaring a minor in anthropology. I also believe there are a number of applications of anthropology to computer science, and vice versa; later on in the semester I might look into certain labs at Mason with that sort of bent. If I were to enroll at Penn, I’d pursue a degree in Computer and Cognitive Science, which has as much to do with cognition as with computers. Anthropology could help.
Now, provided I don’t get into Penn, this schedule would free my sophomore year for practically anything I want, so there are benefits to taking these courses regardless of whether I apply. And while it’s possible the spring semester will be a bumpy ride, I’m confident I can manage it.
Think this is doable? Any advice on how to proceed from here? Thanks in advance.