To anyone who attends CMU or knows about it, could they explain a bit about the interdisciplinary programs? These include computational biology and computational finance (the two I am interested in). Can you explain how difficult it is to gain admittance to these programs and what the acceptance rate. I am very strong in math (A+ in all math courses, highest math gpa in school, 35 math ACT, 800 Subject test level 2, captain of math team, leading scorer) Will this help me gain admittance to Computational Finance? It is a very good business and compsci school so I understand if this program is ridiculously competitive.
On another note, can anyone tell me how competitive M&T is? I am not really looking at it because it is probably a very high reach, just wanted to know the kind of people who get in. What is the acceptance rate like? Are these the sort of kids who turn down HYPSM to attend the M&T program (I would personally), but I’ll never be in that position
@kjake2000 yes there is a big number of kids that turns down HYPSM for M&T (and not just Yale, Harvard, Princeton but also even Stanford, MIT which are top in engineering, and with strong economics, entrepreneurship programs and culture). M&T is super competitive to get in but it definitely worth it. There is a separate m&t office that advises students and helps them with everything from recruiting to academics to student life. So it is like a ultra exclusive community within an already very exclusive community (Penn) where you get really individualized attention and help. Also the M&T alumni network is super tight knit and hugely successful and can help in many ways in addition to the already very strong overall Penn alumni network . Do not sell yourself short. Your stats are very good, you could have a shot at M&T. What is your GPA? M&T acceptance rate should be around ~4-5%.
I have a 3.9/4 UW, I feel this isn’t strong enough for this program, I was just wondering how competitive this program is, I do not realistically think I have a shot here. @Penn95
Thanks for feedback though
@kjake2000 Your GPA is well within the range for Penn. The Penn average was 3.93 last year, probably the M&T average is a bit higher (say 3.95-9.96 maybe), but at this level the differences are not significant. (4.0 vs 3.9 is not going to move the needle for anything). Not every M&T student has a perfect 4.0. Also the rigor of your course load and your high school is taken into account. Just based on your stats you are well within the feasible range for admission, unless there is something else you feel would negatively affect your application.
Btw just an fyi, at Penn there is also the opportunity to do a uncoordinated dual degree. So you essentially do the M&T curriculum (two degrees, one business, one engineering) but you are not part of the M&T program. So say you apply to M&T as your first choice at Penn and put Wharton or SEAS as your second choice. if you end up not getting into M&T but into Wharton or SEAS, you can then apply to enroll in the other school at the end of freshman or sophomore year and do the dual degree. Just putting it put there because many applicants are not aware that this is possible.
Ok, I will think about it. As an Asian male, applying to engineering programs (especially ones as competitive as this) seems like a guaranteed rejection. I am focusing on less selective (but still very good) engineering programs compared to M&T, such as CMU/Michigan. I would rather apply to a school I know I have a decent shot at instead of a surefire rejection at M&T.
Anyways, thanks a lot for your feedback, I will take this into consideration @Penn95
Being Asian will not reduce your chances at Michigan, race is not considered. I would still apply to M&T, weird things can happen. My cousin was turned down at HYPSM but accepted at Caltech (probably the best of the bunch), another race not considered school.
I know several Asian students in the M&T program, at least one of whom entered after first year, and at least three of whom aren’t even US citizens or permanent residents, @kjake2000 , so it’s not a “surefire rejection.”
Lehigh has a similar but less selective program, since it sounds like you prefer match level schools and don’t want the uncertainty of applying to reach schools.
“On another note, can anyone tell me how competitive M&T is? I am not really looking at it because it is probably a very high reach, just wanted to know the kind of people who get in. What is the acceptance rate like? Are these the sort of kids who turn down HYPSM to attend the M&T program (I would personally)”
Yes, there are plenty of students at Penn in general, and M & T in particular, who turned down more highly ranked schools. Still, Penn has its own approach to admissions, that weighs different factors. They tend to put weight on gpa, rigor, and understanding what interests the student. In Business majors, personal interest and motivation can be very important. It doesn’t hurt to try! Give it a shot, you may be pleasantly surprised.
