<p>What are my chances of getting into UChicago & UPenn computer science programs.
I just took my GRE, and it was okay. Not really that great. What do you think are my chances of getting into UChicago computer science program and UPenn MCIT program. My major is journalism, and these programs are geared toward non-majors trying to do a switch into computer science. Here are my stats. </p>
<ul>
<li>Overall GPA: 3.8</li>
<li>GRE Verbal: 158</li>
<li>GRE Quant: 154</li>
<li>Two programming courses (one was a basic JavaScript course, another C programming)</li>
<li>Experience with web design and WordPress and basic PHP. </li>
</ul>
<p>Does anyone have experience with similar grades or experience with these schools? Do you think I have a shot?</p>
<p>I presume you are looking at M.S. programs. No one can tell you for sure about getting into graduate programs, however, you should look at the program web sites and they will tell you what their minimum GRE scores are. Then, if you do not have the answers you seek, call them. It seems that the GRE and the fact that you are coming from a non-CS major will be the biggest issues to admission and only the people in the programs themselves can tell you if you stand a chance.</p>
<p>Chicago:
[Applying</a> | Masters Program in Computer Science | The University of Chicago](<a href=“http://csmasters.uchicago.edu/page/applying-0]Applying”>Application Requirements | Masters Program in Computer Science | The University of Chicago)
Verbal: 50th percentile and above
Quant: 75th percentile and above</p>
<p>Penn:
[admission-stats.shtml[/url</a>]
<a href=“http://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_guide.pdf[/url]”>http://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_guide.pdf](<a href=“Program Offerings”>Admissions Statistics)</a>
Fall 2013 MCIT Average
Verbal: 159 (81 percentile)
Quant: 165 (91 percentile)</p>
<p>Your verbal score is ok, but your quant score should be higher:
GRE Verbal: 158 (78 percentile)
GRE Quant: 154 (57 percentile)</p>
<p>Unless you can get that quant score up, you’re going to have to find some other way to demonstrate strong math skills. If you’ve done well in some challenging undergrad math courses, you should highlight that in your personal statement.</p>
<p>Many of the students in these programs will have backgrounds in quantitative fields like Engineering, Physics, Finance and Economics. There are also students with backgrounds in English and History. In my experience, the students who succeeded without the strong formal math training going into the program were the students who were proactive and enthusiastic. They organized study groups, took advantage of office hours and put in the hours of study required to stay on top of the material. If you are able communicate that type of attitude in your personal statement, I think it might help as well.</p>
<p>I was actually just admitted into both of these programs. Your GPA is very good although my GRE’s were quite a bit higher than yours. The MCIT program has a 20% acceptance rate so that quant GRE would likely be a problem for you.</p>
<p>If I were you, I would buckle down and study the quant section of the GRE for the next month or too and then retake the test. I’m pretty sure Penn’s final application deadline is in march and Chicago’s isn’t until june so you have some time. Let me know </p>
<p>@DangeloBarksdale I was wondering about U of C. Do you happen to know the acceptance rate??
I’m a biochemistry major and have no cs background. Would I have a chance? I know on the website they said it’s designed for non cs background… but I’m still worried.</p>