Transfer requirements for CMU's College of Engineering?

I'm interested in transferring to Carnegie Mellon's College of Engineering. What specific requirements should I be aware of before applying? Are there particular courses or grades they focus on?

Firstly, Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering gives preference to students who have completed at least one full year of study at their current institution, thus ensuring that they've had a solid college-level experience before transfer.

Nevertheless, the college does not specify a required GPA for transfer applicants but given CMU’s highly competitive nature (especially within its College of Engineering), it's recommended to aim for a GPA of 3.5 or above in your current program. In addition, strong performance in math and science courses is particularly important as it's indicative of your potential success in the engineering program.

Regarding coursework, you should have some foundation in subjects such as calculus, physics, and chemistry. Courses in computer programming can also be useful, especially if you're interested in areas like Computer Engineering.

Keep in mind that course requirements and preferences can also vary depending on the specific major within the College of Engineering you're interested in. For instance, Chemical Engineering may have different recommendations than Electrical and Computer Engineering. It's a good idea to review the listed courses for your intended major on the CMU website or reach out directly to the department for more tailored advice.

Furthermore, an important factor CMU considers when reviewing transfer applications is the match between the applicant and the university. This is where your essays come in: you should make sure to clearly articulate why you believe Carnegie Mellon, and the program you are applying to, aligns with your academic and personal goals.

Also, Carnegie Mellon does require transfer applicants to submit standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) unless you are applying from an institution outside the United States, or you have been enrolled in a degree program since Fall 2022 or earlier.

Finally, the deadline for transfer application is March 1, with notification given around mid-May. Be sure to also submit all required materials, such as your college transcripts, high school transcripts, and letters of recommendation by that date.

Given how competitive CMU's College of Engineering is, the process is likely to be quite rigorous. However, starting preparing early, maintaining solid grades, and thoroughly understanding program requirements and expectations will set you up for a strong application. Good luck!