Chances for CIT

Colleges and Universities A-Z Carnegie Mellon University
1

<p>I plan to apply to CIT for ECE and am considering early decision in November. I visited the school a few days ago and received a good impression.</p>

<p>I go to one of the best high schools in New York City, and have an unweighted average of approximately 92.5. My grades in the sciences are very high (consistent 98-99). English and humanities have floated between 85 and 95 throughout freshman, sophmore, and junior year. Math has dipped a little bit lately, but never dropped below a 90 (94 junior year taking Calculus). I believe all the courses are honors. I took AP Computer Science A, but didn't do too well on the exam. I got a 3, but somehow got a 98 unweighted in the class. I knew the material, but I'm not a very good test taker, and it was more of a timing issue, as I didn't pace myself very well. Will be taking AP Calc and may consider taking AP Physics (though it would be through independent study, since my school does not offer it).</p>

<p>I've only taking the SATs once and I took them without taking any classes or preparation (bad decision on my part).
V-600, M-670, W-640
Poor, but I know with some practice, I can get them much higher when I take them in October. Will the scored be available, however should I decide to apply ED? I know all the material, I just have to calm myself and work on timing. I know I can get 750 on the math easily if I pace myself.</p>

<p>SAT II Physics - 660. Math IIc - 660.</p>

<p>Again, nothing special. I know I can work these up, too and I plan on retaking them in November. I think it's more of confidence barrier, since I took a practice Physics SAT II at home and scored an 800. :-/</p>

<p>Extracurriculars are nothing special, either. I was just in the American Computer Science League sophmore and junior years and Ultimate Frisbee club freshman year (it got shut down). I have a lot of community service, though (200 hours, ranging from teaching elementary school kids how to use computers and technology to helping out in an engineering firm) and I guess I should mention I play tennis recreationally (not on a team or anything, but I have taken part in a few tournaments with the league I was playing with). I may join Science Olympiad senior year, but I don't think that will help much.</p>

<p>I plan to double major in electrical engineering and physics.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Hey, gmmz, do you have a class rank? That is often a better indicator than average. Your grades do look fine, though your lack of AP courses are a little concerning. (unless there some you have taken or are taking that you didn't mention) I would definitely recommend taking AP Physics. Doing well in that course can boost your chances a lot as a prospective CIT student. Also since your high school does not offer it, it will show extra commitment. </p>

<p>Taking the SATs (both I and II) again is a good idea because your scores are a little below CIT's average. An 800 physics score, like you mentioned, would be great, but I don't think it's totally necessary. Just make sure you get over 700 on each the SAT I math, Math IIC, and Physics. </p>

<p>Also, you should be able to send in the November scores, as well as the October scores, before CMU makes an early decision (though you won't know what the November's scores are). Here was Krazy Kow's post on a previous forum. (Thanks Krazy Kow.)</p>

<hr>

<p><a href="https://acis.as.cmu.edu/application/...pplication.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;https://acis.as.cmu.edu/application/...pplication.pdf&lt;/a>
"You may apply early decision without having taken the required SAT Reasoning Test or ACT with Writing or SAT Subject Tests at the time of submitting your application; however, you should request that the test results be sent directly to Carnegie Mellon as soon as they are completed, but no later than December."
So I think you're fine with November test dates, as long as you have the results sent directly to CMU. </p>

<hr>

<p>Best of luck in the college process and feel free to ask any more questions you might have.</p>

3

<p>I don't know my class rank since the counselors don't allow us to see it.</p>

<p>If I can boost my math up to the 750 range, and verbal to 650-700, as well as above 700s on both SAT IIs, I should have a good chance of getting in, correct? It's definitely doable. I just need to stop my bad habit of double checking my answers, even though they're right, before moving on to the rest of the test, which kills my time and keeps me from finishing. The material is fairly easy. I just need to get rid of that bad habit.</p>

<p>Thanks again.</p>

4

<p>Yes, raise the SAT scores. I believe CMU counts SAT scores a bit more than grades though the administration would never say/imply such things. Just my personal opinion from observing applicants/acceptees.</p>

5

<p>Yes if you boost your SAT scores, you have a good shot. Also I'd again recommend taking the AP Physics. ECE is the most competitive major in CIT, and your AP courses taken aren't that impressive. CMU doesn't penalize applicants if their school doesn't offer many APs, but taking numerous AP courses (if you do well in them of course) definitely is an advantage.</p>

6

<p>October SAT Results</p>

<p>M - 800
CR - 650
W - 710</p>

<p>I just retook Physics and Math Level 2. I'm pretty confident I got at least a 750 in physics. Hell, I thought I got a 760 on the SAT Math and ended up getting an 800, so 800 on physics is definitely possible. Now, my only problem is Math Level 2. I doubt I improved much if at all. I keep running out of time. Will that hurt my chances much? I think the highest I could've gotten on that is a 710. Will it look bad if I take it again?</p>

7

<p>Hi gmmz, did you apply for ED in CMU? Did you get into ECE? Do let me know.</p>