My daughter has 3.93 GPA with 1490 SAT with 770 Math score. Please suggest some schools. Can she get into Upen or Carnegie Melon? Is Penn state computer science program is good?
(Edited by moderator to reflect accurate test scores).
Sorry for the typo. The SAT score is 1490.
And is her math score really 470?
To answer your questions: there are plenty of good CS schools. Fill out the chance me/match me template so we have more information.
Penn and CMU are unlikely for almost everyone.
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Yes her math score is 470.
If her math sub score is a 470, there is no way her SAT score is a 1490. Please clarify.
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She could potentially apply test optional, but how is her math aside from the SAT? Is this score an anomaly? (In which case a retest might bring it significantly higher?)
CS is math heavy, and if her math isn’t strong she will struggle. What exposure has she had to this major? What draws her to a CS degree and career?
Good point. I missed that.
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Cost constraints / budget - No constraint
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US citizen
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Intended major(s) - Computer science , Data science
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GPA and class rank.
3.9 un weighted. 5.1 weighted. Class rank : 1 SAT : 1490, Math: 770 , English: 720 -
Extracurriculars
captain for Speach and debate, mock trial , soccer, Key and leo club (organized a red cross blood drive), NHS
Awards. NJHS national outstanding student, National outstanding rural student -
Essays, recommendations, other.
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Demographic factors of possible interest (legacy, gender, race/ethnicity). Female/ Asian
Please suggest.
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i dont know my mind is saying 770 and I was typing 470. Sorry about that. Her math is 770 and english is 720
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If you are in PA, Pitt is an excellent safety as they have rolling admission so your daughter will have an early decision.
Yes, she has a shot at CMU and Penn but both are reaches.
If she likes CMU, look at RPI for a match.
If she likes the bigger state schools, take a look at UMD as they have a great CS program.
(I’m assuming your D is not a senior and you are starting to pull together a list for next cycle.)
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What is your home state? I’d start with looking at your state flagship.
Do you have any location or size preferences?
Some of the top CS schools are large publics (GT, UIUC, Purdue, UMD, etc.). And then the highly selective schools like Penn and CMU that you mentioned, plus others of their kind.
Her best chance would be at CMU applying binding ED. That’s because they strive for a 50:50 gender ratio and they fill a large chunk of their class through ED 1 and 2.
We are from PA. She is Senior. She missed the ED. What is the ED2 ?
Where has she already applied?
The ED2 deadline for CMU is 1/3
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ED2 is the second round of early decision at some schools (like CMU). The deadline is Jan 3rd at CMU so if that’s of interest have her apply asap. Like ED1, it is binding if accepted so make sure it’s her top choice.
But research the school well. It’s considered by many to have an intense culture, and is not a good fit for everyone.
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No She will apply in the christmas break.
What acceptances does she have as of now? Where has she applied in the early round?
Good to know. Thank you for the responses. Is Penn state computer science is good? What about the Ohio state ?
Unfortunately she could not applied to any colleges yet as there was some death in our family so it took 4 months to settle. We are scrambling now to apply any help is much appreciated.
I’m sorry to hear that.
She is a strong student, so I’m wondering if you might want to consider a gap year and have her apply for Fall 2025. That way she could get into a great school that will fit her interest and academic level.
Penn State is a good school too. Not top tier for CS but good enough. If a gap year is not desirable, that’s a fine choice. Rutgers also has a good CS program and it’s not too late to apply there.
I’m very sorry to hear about the death in your family. My condolences.
Be prepared that she’s going to have a lot of work ahead of her over the break. Many schools have a number of supplemental essays. (For example, my daughter applied to 8 schools and had 19 essays to write). DadofJerseygGirl’s recommendation of a gap year is worth considering.
Many of the large state schools recommend that applicants apply early action for popular majors like CS. She’s missed that deadline for both OSU and PSU (as well as other schools that were mentioned) . I don’t know enough about either OSU or PSU to know if it’s still worth an application .
I second applying to Rutgers.
RPI is a likely/match and their regularly decision deadline isn’t until 1/15.
Lehigh is another strong school. Their deadline is 1/1.
There is time to ED2 to CMU if it’s her first choice.
Drexel may be worth a look as a safety, 1/15 deadline for RD.
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