Essay Question & Chances

Colleges & Universities A-Z Carnegie Mellon University
1

<p>GPA: ~94% (about a 3.9) (9-11) - School doesn't weight.
Rank: School doesn't rank.
SAT: 730 m, 610 cr, 620 w - 9 e
SAT II: 760 chem & 710iic & 700ic
Essays: Should be good
Recommendations: Should be great
EC: I have a lot of comm serv using my comp sci/comp eng skills & have volunteered in a nonprofit's finance dept (>400 hr). I also placed in several state comp competitions and one national comp competition. I have several leadership positions. I have my own technology and multimedia consulting company (we provide disc jockey services to data recovery to database powered websites to security camera setup).</p>

<p>I'm retaking my SATs again...expecting >750 m, >650 w, >650 cr.</p>

<p>Q1: What are my chances for the following schools w/ my old & new SAT scores:
(1) CIT - Computer and Electrical Engineering
(2) Tepper School of Business
(3) College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Economics
(4) School of Computer Science
(5) Information Systems</p>

<p>
[quote]

Please submit a one-page essay that explains why you have chosen your major, department or program. This essay should include the reasons why you've chosen the major, any goals or relevant work plans and any other information you would like us to know. If you are applying to more than one college or program, please mention each college or program you are applying to. Because our admission committees review applicants by college and programs, your essay can impact their final decision. Please do not exceed one page for this essay.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Q2: Do you think an essay integrating my interest in business with my passion for computer science/engineering would suffice for the above essay topic?</p>

<p>Q3: Should I just apply undeclared to CIT to increase my chances of getting into ECE?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your suggestions & opinions.</p>

2

<p>BUMP</p>

<p>New SAT Scores: 730 M, 700 W, 590 CR
Composite: 730 M, 700 W, 610 CR = 1340/2040</p>

3

<p>Undeclared CIT is a bad idea if you want ECE. Just say you want ECE. I don't understand the formatting of your "new" SAT scores. Did your scores go down?</p>

<p>Here's the deal. Your english scores aren't enough to save you a spot in Tepper, and your math isn't going to wow the engineering admissions. You're like right on the border. Write your essay about combining disciplines; CMU will love that.</p>

<p>I would put CIT/ECE as first choice, HSS/tepper as second, and HSS/undecided as third, if that's possible. The thing is, you could most likely get into HSS/undecided, but then you would have a hard time getting into ECE or Tepper. But if you can get your foot in the door (get into any program at CMU), you can get into any program if you work hard enough. This means you'd better be getting at least a 3.0 if you want any shot at Tepper or ECE from an H/SS undecided position. 3.5 would be better.</p>

<p>I wish you the best. Your essay could just save you.</p>

4

<p>My new scores total up to a 1320/2020, but if you combine my old and new scores it's a 1340/2040.</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice and info.</p>