I want to apply to this program this year (Junior in HS), and I want to take 15-122 (Principles of Imperative Computation) and 21-127 (Concepts in Mathematics). I have experience programming in Java (1 year of IB Computer Science SL and 28 project euler problems solved) and I’ve taken abstract algebra in school. Would these classes be beneficial for me, in terms of learning? Also how impressive does it look on college apps (assuming I get decent grades in the courses)? Also what is the acceptance rate?
Also reviews of/statements about these two courses would be helpful. Thanks
I attended this past summer - it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I took 15-110 and some statistics class. I know two guys who took 15-122, and they said it was nearly impossible. Neither of them got grades good enough to take with them. I think that everyone in the program benefits from the program in learning, especially the computer science classes. I’m not sure how impressive it looks, but I believe it has given me a slight advantage. The acceptance rate is pretty high, right around 75%, if I remember correctly. I would recommend 15-112 for you, but if you’re confident enough in your abilities, go for 15-122.
I’ve solved 28 problems on project euler, so this should indicate something of my mathematical/computational ability. I’m also decent at math (96.0 on the AMC, but never qualified for AIME). Is this good enough for 15-122? What were the credentials of your friends who took 15-122?
My son took the two courses you are interested in last summer. He was able to earn two As. He has a strong background in math and worked very very hard for the six weeks, taking about a half day on the weekend to have fun and studied most weekends. He felt the mathematics proof course was fun and more challenging, but both courses were really fun! One hint, you will be asked to send your AP Computer Science scores, your transcripts to get into these two particular courses. They are well taught but you need to apply right away and pay right away for APEA. There is a "first come first served " aspect to getting the course you want at CMU summer school. You are not actually enrolled until you send the check. My son was wait listed for BOTH 15-122, and 21-127. He got in off the wait list after sending his score of 5 on AP Computer Science and going over his programming background and math scores, for PSAT, SAT Subject exam etc.
Now, do not think getting As in these two hard courses will get you into MIT or CMU Computer Science College, however, they may HELP get you into Georgia Tech, RPI and other solid engineering colleges, who are aware of CMU’s difficult courses, if the rest of your college application is stellar.
However, what you will get is an excellent summer school experience and the ability to transfer this credit to most major universities across the USA. Good luck. Be sure to have second or third choices on summer school courses at CMU as the two your are interested in, are always over subscribed. Pay the day they send you the acceptance package, send the check that day for the best chance at getting into your first choice classes. Hope this is helpful.
My son, an APEA student last summer, taking 15-122 and 21-127, two high As, was wait listed at CMU College of Computer Science and rejected from College of Engineering, his second choice! Another APEA student we know got in, after taking an APEA physics class, and doing a summer research experience at CMU. This was a special arrangement this student’s parents helped him arrange, so not generally available. The strongest math team kid at our high school got a wait list at CMU CS too. It seems it may have been a hard year for admissions to CMU CS.