Any chance for me?

Colleges & Universities A-Z Carnegie Mellon University
1

<p>I'm real interested in Carnegie Mellon's CIT school for computer engineering, and I'm just curious to see if I'm even close.</p>

<p>SAT Math - 700
Sat Reading - 640
Sat Writing - 640</p>

<p>GPA: 5.6 out of 6.0 (my school uses a really awkward scale, I have straight A's in all of my classes since freshman year, but it's impossible to get a 6.0 because honors classes are weighted).</p>

<p>Class rank: 4 out of about 200</p>

<p>Classes: I've taken all Honors or AP classes in high school. I received a 4 on my AP Statistics exam and I'm currently taking AP Calculus. My other AP classes are History (3 on the exam), AP Lit, and AP Psych. My school doesn't offer an AP Physics class.</p>

<p>I'm taking Math1, Chemistry, and History SAT2 tests. I'm not too confident on my chemistry test because I took that class last year, but I still think I can pull off a decent grade.</p>

<p>For sports I'm on a private Swim team, I was state champion in one event when I was 14 but haven't gotten much better since (I might just barely be able to sneak on to the swim team based on what I've looked at).</p>

<p>Extra curriculars include NHS and Computer Club, and I also help out students in math and science in our library. </p>

<p>Also, I've been reviewing video games for websites (such as <a href="http://www.gamershell.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.gamershell.com&lt;/a> and <a href="http://www.driverheaven.net%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.driverheaven.net&lt;/a&gt;) for over three years now.</p>

<p>In my free time I've built a fully functioning Dance Dance Revolution dance pad, modified my PlayStation 2, and built my own computer. I'm not sure how much this counts for anything but I definitely have a passion for electronics. I also hope to minor in video game design.</p>

<p>I'm sure I can write a stand-out essay too, but what do you think my chances are? Also, does it increase my chances if I apply early decision?</p>

2

<p>Guess that’s a no, looks like I’m going to RIT :P</p>

3

<p>Dude. My high school used the same GPA system. It IS NOT out of 6.0. You’re much better off posting your unweighted GPA. And just because we couldn’t get the 6 doesn’t mean we didn’t try.</p>

<p>I say you should apply to CMU. It’s common app…</p>

4

<p>I dont know, they tell us our scale is out of 6. And to convert it, they tell us to multiply our GPA by 2/3 (which makes sense if you convert from a 6 point scale to a 4 point scale). With that conversion, I end up with a 3.7 GPA for having straight A’s through high school in all of the hardest classes, so take that as you want to.</p>

<p>I was planning on applying either way, I’m just curious to see how competitive it is.</p>

5

<p>Yes, my school is on a 6.0 scale too.</p>

<p>Our Valedictorian has a 5.6, so I’d say that’s pretty good. I have a 5.12 and am number 37.</p>

<p>Your GPA and rank look very competitive, but your scores don’t. Get at least a 700 on all the tests and at least a 750 for math (that’s what I’ve heard).</p>

<p>Your ECs are also very unimpressive. Do some volunteer work.</p>

6

<p>Do colleges really care that much about volunteer work (I don’t mean to sound rude, I’m just curious)?</p>

<p>I thought that colleges would rather have an entrepreneur like myself who has several years experience in the real world compared to somebody who volunteers at some random place that is in no way related to their field of interest.</p>

7

<p>No I don’t think they care much about volunteer work. The only thing my son did was volunteer in the computer lab of the senior center one summer. I think his work experience (in computer programming) and the letters of recommendation he got regarding that work was much, much more important. He did do that little bit of volunteer work though so that there wouldn’t be a total blank on that part of the application.</p>

8

<p>Hmm well I did do 8 hours of work at Habitat for Humanity, and I also worked with the local Youth Action Committee to organize two school dances for 6th graders. </p>

<p>CMU and UCLA are my two top picks right now and I’m just afraid to get shut out from both of them. I have an interview scheduled for the 21st I think, hopefully they like me :D</p>

9

<p>I hope so too. My son didn’t have an interview, so I can’t tell you what it might be like!</p>

10

<p>I don’t know where people got the misconception that schools are looking for saints. No. Colleges are looking for people who are likely to succeed. Volunteer work has ZERO bearing on your success in college and the workforce. Sure, you’re a better person for having done it, but common people - get real. I find it funny how everyone tries to put on their best face for universities.</p>

<p>News to you: if you try to make yourself look like Mr/Mrs. Perfect, you will blend in with all the other kids who are just as smart as you. Just be yourself, and things will fall into place… especially during interviews and on essays.</p>

<p>EDIT: CMU will re-calculate your GPA as they see fit, based on your transcript.</p>