@Just4Years No idea. There are probably other factors like income. The deadline for the diversity app already passed though.
@Hamlon Thanks. Not for this year. But do they even verify income or just base on that one essay about your racial/ethnic identity and/or socioeconomic background? For SAMS you don’t even need to use that essay. So it’s just a check box of your racial/ethnic identity?
@Just4Years I’m pretty sure. SAMS has students from every background. I’m not sure about the other stuff because I’m doing APEA. Calling @ak2018
From CMU SAMS site it says this below. Anyone knows if other diversity camps apply the same ‘guidelines’. Is there anyone not from the below mentioned groups who got into any diversity summer camp?
We strongly encourage students from the following backgrounds to apply:
- Students from racial backgrounds that are underrepresented in science and engineering (African American, Hispanic/Latino or Native American)
- Underserved students, coming from low socioeconomic backgrounds (which may be indicated by qualifying for free/reduced school lunches)
- First-generation college students (a high school student whose parent(s) haven’t received a bachelor’s degree)
@Hamlon Got it!
@Just4Years Yes some did. In our group chat of accepted students, there are two girls of white and Asian descent. I don’t know income-wise though.
I am guessing it’s an OR among the three. If you are an Asian or white you have to be low income or parents not gone to college yet. ‘Fair’ enough.
@Just4Years What do you mean by “fair” enough?
I was accepted into SAMS and I’m Caucasian, however my family’s income is relatively low.
@Just4Years The program is meant to encourage diverse students, who likely have not had as many opportunities due to their background, to come and learn more about STEM for a summer. If you do not fit the background they describe, but have faced adversity due to another factor in your life, you may be accepted. It is about the program’s goal, which is why they encourage those students to apply - they want to provide them with a greater chance to succeed. Typically those coming from the described situations will greatly benefit from the experience, I for one would never have had the chance to spend my summer at Carnegie Mellon without SAMS.
@emmaka Thanks for the info. Can you tell me if CMU asked for your family’s income info (like tax return and the like) in the application? I am wondering how CMU determines if one’s income is low enough for the SAMS program or scholarship for the other summer programs.
@Just4Years They did ask for family income info, but they basically only asked for an estimate. I don’t remember them asking anything else more than that about income. Because of that, income is only a fraction of what is considered. A good friend I know got into SAMS with a 6-figure income, but a low GPA and SAT score. I do not think they are looking for the perfect applicant, they are looking for applicants who are promising. Ones that they can help the most. So you would also have to factor in test scores, classes, grades, and other things.
Thanks @ak2018 I think they just need one of the three preferred conditions. SAMS also is only for diversity. I am guessing the other camps (open to others as well) will be more limited on scholarship for diversity route.
I got accepted into the APEA program a little while ago. What couses are you guys taking? Also is there a group chat or anything for those who have been accepted?
twas lit
Hi! i just applied for this program and i really want to get in. I’m really nervous. Can someone tell me what their acceptance rate is? and when we will get the results?
I have the same question as lola27. I just applied a few days ago and I was wondering how long it takes to get admission results.
Hi, I was wondering if you’d heard back about admission yet? If so, how long did it take? I applied last week and would like to know.