<p>No problem.....</p>
<p>Well, I'm going to Focus on Math/Sciences then, from now on...</p>
<p>Any suggestions on Safety Schools for my profile?</p>
<p>good safeties would be the other UM campuses, good matches would be Northeastern University in Boston, George Washington University, American University, Syracuse.</p>
<p>UM == University of Minnesota?</p>
<p>Those campuses suck pretty bad... Duluth and Morris, their business program is NOT GOOD at all compared to the Twin Cities campus.... I hope I don't have to end up there</p>
<p>Twin Cities has an A+ in recruitment which is always good (Business week Rankings) and they are currently doubling their size with a "state of the art building" I hope that gives them a little boost on quality. I wouldn't mind going there at all.</p>
<p>You guys clearly aren't fully understanding my point...</p>
<p>I was not asking why you took intermediate algebra. I am trying to convey that your course-load is very weak. If you have to support that strength of your course-load by saying "philosophy (it is tough)" then I can infer that you, yourself know it is weak also. When we speak of what is a weak vs. strong course-load it is relative to the other applicants in the pool, I would presume. Weak is more or less a relative term, so lets go with that.</p>
<p>Carnegie Mellon is a top-notch engineering university. This is important because they are good at math. Finance people should be "good" at math. This is where the problem lies. Your SAT math score coupled with intermediate algebra and precalculus, will make you a weak applicant relative to the people with Calc. I, II, multivariate calc., linear algebra, differential equations, etc. Please note that any course with "Intro" or "cycle" is a weak course. So many applicants will have them...Adcoms are looking for people who want to learn rather than taking a bunch of easy courses to get A's and then proceeding to look at some of the top schools in the nation.</p>
<p>Also, by you saying "don't these look hard"...I can presume that they, in fact, aren't. Besides, it is even implied when you say "look hard". You are actually saying that they were not hard, but they look like they would be. Adcoms are not dumb. You are not conveying what you think you are conveying. I am certain they will join me in my opinion. </p>
<p>How do you know that getting a 4.0 in any institution is "hard"? Have you been to them all? Have you been to Bob's school of planting? Point being, getting a 4.0 in a bunch of introductory courses is not hard. I would suggest that you challenge yourself. What angers me so much is the fact that you are trying to take courses to get A's to show that you have changed. You are not going to college to get good grades, you are going there to learn. Take Calc. I and Calc. II. Being away from school for 3 years is no excuse. If you can learn Calc. I in high school, you can do it now. You are there to learn, challenge yourself, and develop. I am sorry, but intermediate algebra will not provide a means to do so. </p>
<p>Please take what I say seriously. Stop trying to impress people, and go to college and learn. Too many people forget what school really is about.</p>
<p>Ok, Ok... I think I know what to do now.</p>
<p>Since I still have this summer, upcoming fall, and upcoming spring before I apply to my Transfer school I have decided to make some major changes to the courses I'm going to be taking.</p>
<p>This summer I'll probably be taking:</p>
<p>Microeconomics
Business Stats II</p>
<p>I'm not sure if Physical Science I and Physical Science II (Which I'm signed up to take this summer would look good enough in my transcript, what do you guys think?)</p>
<p>These are the course descriptions:
1110 PHYSICAL SCIENCE I (4 credits) A single-semester survey of Physical Science, with laboratory. Includes selected topics in physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, and meteorology. Includes laboratory and computer sessions. Liberal Education Category 3 (LC)</p>
<p>1120 PHYSICAL SCIENCE II (4 credits) Science and Technology in Society (STS). An alternative perspective on Physical Science, using selected topics to discuss societal concerns and responsibilities. Includes laboratory and related computer-based small group sessions. Liberal Education Category 3 (LC)</p>
<p>Other options I have for Science Courses:
2100 ASTRONOMY (3 credits) A one-semester survey course, with emphasis on the history of astronomy, the science of stellar and solar system formation, the evolution of stars and galaxies, and modern cosmology and the fate of the universe. Liberal Education Category 3</p>
<p>2200 METEOROLOGY (3 credits) A one-semester survey course, with emphasis on the science of the atmospheric dynamics of weather and climate, precipitation, storms, and forecasting. Liberal Education Category 3</p>
<p>Obviously there is also Biology/Chemistry, but those weren't my FAVORITE subjects in HS and don't know how useful they would be for a B-School.. I'm willing to give it a try if you guys think it could give me an edge on my transcript for when the adcom's review it.</p>
<p>For the Fall Semester I was thinking I could take the following courses:</p>
<p>Macroeconomics
Calculus I</p>
<p>I was also thinking of taking Linear Algebra but it has a Pre-Requisite of Calc II and "Foundations and Discrete Mathematics" which I won't have. The odd thing is that I know someone who just took Linear Algebra and I doubt they had taken Calc II and Foundations... I could probably get into the course if you guys don't think it's highly necessary to have to pre-reqs.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help again.</p>
<p>
[quote]
If you have to support that strength of your course-load by saying "philosophy (it is tough)" then I can infer that you, yourself know it is weak also.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That's quite an inference then. A more accurate conclusion would be that pcristani really did find the class challenging but realizes others may not see it as so, which is why he puts the disclaimer "it is tough." </p>
<p>As for Linear Algebra, it primarly deals with matrices. I wouldn't push yourself though. Calculus II is probably one of the hardest math classes for undergrad so if you can take it and devote time to it, give it a shot. The order is usually to take the Calc sequence, then Differential Equations, and then Linear Algebra. You are in no way required to do all of this though as many non-math majors take Calculus I and call it quits, but I think having Calc II as a non-math major is impressive to adcoms and shows a willingness to branch out.</p>
<p>If you think biology/chemistry is useless for finance, take a minute and think about astronomy... I hope you don't pick stocks based on the alignment of stars. </p>
<p>Once again, you fail to miss my point. Why are you trying so hard to impress Adcoms? Take courses this upcoming fall that YOU will be interested in. You pay to learn, not to impress Adcoms at other schools that you may not get into. Stop being foolish. </p>
<p>I do have a good background with mathematics, however, seeing as how I am a chemE. I can tell you that linear algebra (I know chemE’s don’t really use it, but I took it anyway) doesn’t involve calculus. Basically when you take linear algebra, you deal with matrices all day. You will be finding eigenvectors, determinants, doing vector computations, etc. I do not see the need for calculus and in general linear algebra is relatively simple. I thought diff EQ was much more difficult (even though diff EQ itself wasn’t terribly difficult). </p>
<p>Are you scared to talk Calc. II? Do you think you could do it with extra help, office hours, a lot of work, and a tutor? Maybe it is worth taking Calc. II and progressing into higher math courses the next two semesters. Not to insult you, but my brother is in high school and is taking calculus. Do you think taking calculus I in college is strong enough for carnegie mellon?</p>
<p>How hard is Calc. I? Limits…derivatives…continuity…I feel that you should remember that stuff from high school, but even if you don’t, you can relearn it on your own.</p>
<p>In short, take courses you are interested in. Take courses you find fascinating. Chemistry may not be practical “with a finance degree”, but it is just good to know in general. I think everyone should know organic chemistry and chemistry. Basic chemistry in the least is worth taking. What about thermodynamics? What about materials science? What about complex variables (a more theory based math course). What about game theory?</p>
<p>Have you considered physics? Everyone should have to take physics. I suggest taking a physics course to help develop you critical thinking and problem solving skills.</p>
<p>Once again, I am not trying to be mean. I am trying to help someone. I am tired of people just going through life trying to get a “degree”. It won’t mean anything if you don’t learn. Choose you courses because you want to take them, not because someone may be happy if you do.</p>
<p>I could be wrong. You may get in. I could be some person who never went to college and doesn't know anything. It is all, of course, possible. But if I were you, I wouldn't bet on it.</p>
<p>@brand_182
@tdjr21</p>
<p>I greatly appreciate your help as I was clearly in the wrong path to complete a strong transcript, and in no way was I trying to impress someone with something easy. I was just following the requirements of U of M and was using that as a guide. But anyways, that's all lost in the past, and I now know and understand a little bit more of what I need for myself and I appreciate you guys for that.</p>
<p>I'm not scared of taking Calc 2 at all... I took Calc 1 in HS and I did good on it, I received an A (This was 4 years ago so I can't just do a test to receive the credits for it) and I actually enjoyed Calc 1. I was thinking of Linear Algebra because I thought I could take it at the same time with Calc 1 this upcoming fall. I can't take Calc 1 and Calc 2 at the same time. So maybe I can take Calc 1 this Fall and Calc 2 this upcoming Spring.</p>
<p>Physics catches my attention more than Chemistry/Biology so maybe I'll go with that for Fall as well. </p>
<p>I have two big holes right now for the summer. I was planning on taking Micro and Business Stats II and two other courses... I was signed up for Physical Science I and Physical Science II which I don't think they would be challenging courses for me... any suggestions on other courses I can take over the summer?</p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>
<p>Do not listen to anyone and apply to all of the schools. </p>
<p>I did not even graduate high school, never took SATs, left early, took CHSPE and i am at UCLA. I spend 5 years at Community college before transferring
You at a State school ,,, you CAN transfer. Your personal statement will break or make your deal. Focus on your work experience and explain your poor high school record... make stuff up if you have to , really doesnt matter at the end of the day how you get to where your going. </p>
<p>In terms of taking a "more challenging " course load, thats kid of a give and take ... if you dont need biology and chemistry to transfer than do not take it. Math is always useful but if its not required then do not waste your time taking it.</p>
<p>I agree. ppl are so quick to pop out of nowhere and say 'you dont stand a chance at this school..or that school' but seriously, you never know until you apply and get a decision. The guy has a 4.0(A's in every single class), he's definitely doing something right. I wouldn't be so quick to attribute his success to the 'ease' of the courses he's taken, especially if you havn't taken the classes before.</p>
<p>The comments about math are right on. Cornell and Chicago have already come out and said that while they were not going to revoke my admissions, my poor grade in a math class really concerned them. I guess Math does matter. They made it clear that if that were a poor grade in my Lit course it would not matter as much.</p>
<p>Ok, I think you guys need to learn something. </p>
<p>Sometimes you just do not have a chance. Not everyone can do anything they want. If you believe otherwise, that is unfortunate, and very short-sighted. Everything does not always work out, that is life. </p>
<p>Colleges want people who are intelligent. Colleges want people who are there to learn. A's doesn't equal intelligence, necessarily. Getting a 4.0 does not mean you are doing something right, in fact, one may say that you are doing something wrong. You aren't challenging yourself to the greatest extent possible, which is why you have a 4.0. If you get all A's, take harder classes. If you get all A's in them, take harder classes. A 4.0 may sound impressive until you delve deeper. If you have read my posts, you will understand that it isn't quite so.</p>
<p>I am right. Regardless of what you people say, not everyone should apply to schools they want to go to. Not everyone has a chance. I am sorry to say, but that is how it works. A 4.0 does not always give you a chance.</p>
<p>If you want to waste your money, that is fine, but I will tell you my 12th grade brother has taken more advanced math in high school, and since your major is "math intensive" compared to english, history, etc, you will not make it.</p>
<p>tdjr21 said what I wanted to say, so no point repeating.</p>
<p>My only advice is narrow your list down and research the schools you want to apply too. Transfer application is not like high school common app where one click get 30 applications sent; although it's beginning to look like it now. Each school asks for personalized essays: why-you-want-to-be-here essay, what-have-you-done-since-school essay, why-are-you-leaving-your-current-school essay; basically, it's a lot of essay writing. Some schools will ask the same essay so copy-paste is easy, some will ask for very specific essay tailored to their school. Unless you have a love for essay writing, don't mass-apply. Plus you wouldn't know enough about each school to make put in your essays; adcoms is trained to sniff out bullshot. I should know, I'm working in one.</p>
<p>In conclusion, I don't think it is impossible that you'll get in SOME of the schoos listed (MIT is impossible), but you need to be (a) realistic about your prospect (b) ask yourself why each school fits you personally and academically, and not because of the prestige, (c) what can you bring to each of the school you want to go, (d) have an understanding of what your education mean to you and where you want to go with it.</p>
<p>I agree with tdj!</p>
<p>tdjr has hit it right on the head. the classes you keep stating are "tough", are classes everybody else is taking. you need to do something to make you stand out from the crowd.</p>
<p>
[quote]
the classes you keep stating are "tough", are classes everybody else is taking
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Wow, nicely done. I think that's what I've been trying to say but never quite got it to come out that way.</p>
<p>Ok, thanks to everybody for their opinion, like I said before I'll challenge myself some more for my benefit which will benefit me in the long run...</p>
<p>I'm signed up this Summer to take 2 Physical Science Courses. I've heard they are easy courses, but I haven't been able to find any other courses I could take instead of those two. I'm also taking Microeconomics and Business Stats II and would like to take 2 other courses so I use my time wisely.</p>
<p>Do you guys recommend I take Physical Science I and II if I can't find anything else?</p>
<p>I also plan on taking Physics in the fall.</p>
<p>This is the course description:</p>
<p>1110 PHYSICAL SCIENCE I (4 credits) A single-semester survey of Physical Science, with laboratory. Includes selected topics in physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, and meteorology. Includes laboratory and computer sessions. Liberal Education Category 3 (LC)</p>
<p>1120 PHYSICAL SCIENCE II (4 credits) Science and Technology in Society (STS). An alternative perspective on Physical Science, using selected topics to discuss societal concerns and responsibilities. Includes laboratory and related computer-based small group sessions. Liberal Education Category 3 (LC)</p>
<p>^^ what i tried to do with science courses was to take courses which show my proficiency in mathematics. i took physics courses which had a calculus prereq (mechanics of fluids and solids, electricity and magnetism, etc.), as well as a chemistry course which dealt with sampling and data modeling (quantitative analysis). again, i didn't "need" to take these courses (as i am an econ major), but i decided to take these as opposed to their "easier", non-calculus prereq counterparts.</p>
<p>That is what I was recommending ^^. That is a good idea. It shows a willingness to learn and challenges you. What is physical science anyway... it seems like one of those really easy general science classes that ...I have never taken so I can only assume that they are easy.</p>