<p>^^ we posted at the same time. Wanted to make it clear my son didn't transfer into SCS; he picked it up as a second major. It's my understanding (not 100% sure here) there's not a lot of space to actually transfer into SCS. S didn't want to do that...he wanted to major in IS and CS, both, so for him it worked out well. I think your assessment of IS vs CS is essentially correct.</p>
<p>Did your son finish out the year with physics first time, minus time out for medical reasons (hope he's OK), or did he have to drop it early on? Perhaps he ought to take the SAT2. If he lasted a reasonable time period last year in the course, added to this fall's retake, maybe he'll do better than he thinks. If not, if everything else looks competitive, perhaps a letter of explanation might be in order.</p>
<p>How easy is it to participate in an accelerated masters program? I was thinking if I get in, an IS undergrad w/ accelerated MBA at Tepper would be a great path.</p>
<p>Not trying to dominate this thread, but my son did an accelerated masters program (called amp @ CMU) in MISM (masters in information systems management). You need to complete application including long statement of purpose and what you hope to do with the degree. Also get 3 recommendations, and take the GRE.</p>
<p>If you're sure of a career in technology, MISM is good alternative (but certainly not as flexible overall) to MBA. Takes one extra year beyond undergrad, plus a mandatory summer term. It's a management degree. I'm sure the amp MBA is similar in that you have to go through all the channels someone from another university would applying to MBA at CMU. I think MBA amp is very competitive (more so than MISM probably). Great advantage is you get it all done in 5 years. Big disadvantage: you don't have significant work experience to take into the program. So you wouldn't get out of it what someone with 5 years work experience would. And you won't be able to contribute as much to your class. For that reason I think they go after very high gpa outstanding candidates (those who stand out in CMU's business or engineering or CS undergrad curricula).</p>
<p>From what I hear, every year a few kids transfer out of SCS and a few into SCS. If you want to transfer in you need to get good grades on the first level of required courses.</p>