Chance Me! CLA CS

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Minnesota
1

I’m an instate student hoping to attend the University of Minnesota Computer Science BA program.
Yes I said BA because BS is probably out of reach considering my GPA. I can always transfer in ,so I don’t honestly mind.
I have a good explanation for my GPA in relation to my ACT score.
I had severe depression and social anxiety ,which I am overcoming.
I’m also a first generation college student.

Here are my stats.

GPA - 3.35

ACT - 30
E - 33
M - 32
R - 28
S - 26

ECs and Achievements

  1. Programmed a successful app that was presented on product hunt, a tech repository.
  2. Invited to speak at CAIR to speak about my app and to encourage youth to explore the sciences.
  3. Robotics member.
  4. Website administrator and co-founder for a non-profit organization.
  5. I found multiple vulnerabilities in a school grading system called InfiniteCampus and reported them professionally. They were all fixed later.
  6. Soccer member
2

Hi @Inject9. You don’t list class rank or degree of difficulty for your coursework so it’s hard to tell without more information - however, you seem to be in a good spot due to that ACT. Here are the most current admission stats (mid 50% range):

http://admissions.tc.umn.edu/academics/profile.html

More detailed information, including historical stats and subscore ranges, can be found here:

http://www.oir.umn.edu/student/characteristics

And then, here are the primary and secondary admissions criteria. Being a first gen’r will definitely help your application:

http://admissions.tc.umn.edu/admissioninfo/fresh_overview.html

There is a section on the application which permits you to include a personal statement, should you feel it’s appropriate to put your GPA in context and give some explanation about your personal obstacles and what you’ve been doing to overcome them. You should definitely seek the input of your HS counsellor or a trusted teacher on this issue. That individual can look over your entire application and help you figure out how best to supplement your application with a personal statement and/or letter of recommendation.

You have many strong points in addition to your ACT. Be sure to list all your EC and leadership accomplishments because they are impressive. With the input of your guidance counsellor or another competent adult you should be able to explain your GPA so that it demonstrates your efforts and success in overcoming a personal obstacle and presents your application in the strongest manner possible.

Good luck!

3

Agree totally with Mamelot. You’re in good stead for CLA (the B.A.). CSE (the B.S.) is probably a reach, but you seem aware and realistic.

I also agree with Mamelot that you should seek input and/or guidance from a counselor on how to communicate your challenges and how you are addressing them. First, and foremost, because it is important that you do address them. College is degrees more challenging than high school, so it is vital that you are aware and managing your obstacles. Secondly, a clear personal statement to the U about this provides context to your grades and demonstrates a mature self-awareness that you seem to have.

Best of luck! Minnesota would be lucky to have you!

4

Thanks for the analysis guys.
I was about to finish my application ,but I wasn’t sure If I should list CLA CS as my primary and CSE CS as my secondary major or the other way around.

I think my EC’s could potentially push me into CSE ,so I’m kinda confused.

5

@Inject9, here is a description of the differences between the BS and the BA. Clicking on the “Which one should I choose” is also helpful. A lot depends on what you want to get out of your college years with this major: do you want something very concentrated in science and math, or would you prefer more broad exposure to the liberal arts, perhaps double majoring or minoring in a non-technical field? You are going to find that the CS major attracts very bright, hard working individuals with similar EC’s to yours regardless of which degree is opted for so it really depends on what YOU wish to get out of your studies.

https://www.cs.umn.edu/academics/undergraduate/guide/degree-programs/cs-major

@Khidala mentioned that the BS was probably a reach with your current stats. CSE admits tend to score north of 30 in ACT math and science, given the strong focus on those subjects in the college curricula. I believe your math score is fine, but your science is below the 25th percentile of enrollees and that lowers the probability of acceptance. Therefore, retaking the ACT would be a good idea if CSE is your first choice of college. You don’t mention class rank or difficulty of coursework but the admissions committee is going to look very carefully at these as well, particularly how many honors or AP courses you have taken in the STEM subjects and what your grades in those have been. These factors, more than your EC’s, will determine whether you are accepted to CSE.