Hey everyone, I've been looking into Carnegie Mellon's Computer Science program. The program looks really great but I'm a little bit tripped up on how hard it is to get in. What's the acceptance rate like? Also, any advice from current students or recent applicants would be super welcome.
Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science is indeed one of the foremost programs in the world, but it can certainly be challenging to get accepted into. The acceptance rate for this specific school within CMU, as of recent years, tends to hover around 5-7%. It's important to note that international students have a even lower acceptance rate.
The School of Computer Science does emphasize math skills significantly, so it's beneficial if you demonstrate a high level of aptitude in this area. This can be shown through not only your coursework and grades but also through significant achievements in math-related extracurriculars.
Moreover, successful applicants typically show a strong and clear interest in computer science. You can showcase this not only through coursework but also through extracurriculars such as coding clubs, hackathons, or personal projects. You don't necessarily have to be a coding genius already, but more so display a genuine excitement for the domain of computer science.
In terms of the application itself, crafting genuine and specific essays about your academic interest in computer science and why CMU’s program specifically appeals to you will be crucial. The admissions office will want to see that you have done your research and are undeniably drawn to their particular program.
Lastly, if offered, try to get an alumni interview. Carnegie Mellon does consider demonstrated interest in their admissions process, so participation in an interview can be beneficial. However, it's also an excellent opportunity to get a first-hand perspective and can give you valuable context that you can reference in your essays and further express your interest in CMU's Computer Science program.
Best of luck with your application journey!
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