Do I have a shot at UChicago MPCS?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
1

I want to apply for UChicago’s MSCP. I am aware that the university takes in students without a CS background, but I am unsure whether or not I am competitive enough. Is there anyway I can improve my application?

Undergraduate- Biochemistry Degree
GPA - 3.0
GRE Quantitative - 166 Verbal 156
Classes - intro to programming, Calculus 1 & 2, Linear Algebra
1 Year Work Experience in a Tech Company

My GPA isn’t that good because I started losing interest in the degree I was pursuing by the latter half of my studies and I just finished my degree for the sake of finishing it. I had a bit of an off day and I think I can score a 170-168 for my Quantitative score, but I don’t think I can bring my Verbal score any higher. Is it worth it for me to retake my GRE or can I still be competitive in getting into this program.

Any advice or comments are welcomed!

2

I know nothing about the MPCS, but a cursory google search led me to the following:
https://csmasters.uchicago.edu/page/gre-and-toefl-admissions-requirements

According to the following GRE score-percentile conversion sheet, your scores are well within range:
http://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_guide_table1a.pdf

I’m not familiar with how the intangibles will complement your MPCS application, but maybe someone else can. You can also see if your background matches those of successful applicants to the program:
https://masters.cs.uchicago.edu/page/alumni-profiles

3

Thank you for response!

4

HI Jayaway,

Can you tell me more about your background?
School? ECs? What quarter will you apply? Full time or part time?

Thanks,