CS major acceptance rates?

Hey friends, I'm planning on majoring in computer science, but I've heard it's super competitive. Does anyone have any info on acceptance rates for CS programs at top colleges?

Hey there! You're correct that computer science is a highly competitive major at many top colleges. While exact acceptance rates by major might not always be available, I can provide you with some general information about the competitiveness of CS programs at a few renowned colleges:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): As one of the most prestigious institutions in the world for technical programs, MIT's computer science major is inevitably very competitive. However, MIT doesn't have a separate acceptance rate for individual majors, so students are admitted to the overall institution. The overall acceptance rate in recent years has been around 4-6%.

2. Stanford University: The computer science major at Stanford is part of its School of Engineering. While Stanford also doesn't publish separate acceptance rates for specific majors, the admissions rate for the engineering school is typically lower than the overall university's acceptance rate, which hovers around 4-5%.

3. University of California, Berkeley: UC Berkeley's computer science major is extremely competitive as well. Though precise numbers are hard to find, it's reported that the acceptance rate for the College of Engineering, where CS is housed, has been around 9%. Keep in mind that California residents might have a somewhat better chance at being admitted compared to out-of-state and international applicants.

4. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): CMU publishes acceptance rates per college within the university. The School of Computer Science (SCS) consistently has the lowest acceptance rate among all schools, ranging between 5-7%. It's worth noting that SCS is considered one of the top programs in the nation, which makes it a highly sought-after destination for aspiring computer science majors.

5. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): As a tech-focused institution, Caltech has a strong CS program as well. Similar to MIT, Caltech doesn't have separate acceptance rates for individual majors. The overall acceptance rate in recent years has been around 6-8%.

Of course, acceptances depend on various factors, including academic performance, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations. It's crucial to have a well-rounded application that showcases your passion for computer science, achievements, and potential. Best of luck with your applications!