<p>the supplement? Would ranking a school number 1 give you a higher chance of getting into that school? Would ranking a school 2 give you a lower chance of getting into that school?</p>
<p>You get an equal chance at both schools.</p>
<p>So what’s the point of ranking them?</p>
<p>A double major is not the same as a dual degree. Ranking your schools shows a preference for which one you want to be your “home” department.</p>
<p>With MCS as your primary major, you have to take the MCS sciences core along with math. On top of those you take whatever CS courses the double major requires.</p>
<p>With SCS as your primary major, you take everything you need to earn the full SCS degree, and whatever math classes are needed to complete at math double major.</p>
<p>They are small differences, but should be considered. If you don’t like physics or chem, then SCS probably is the better choice.</p>
<p>You’ll want to understand double major vs. dual degree as CMU…kid points out.
Check their website.</p>
<p>If you want to game the system.- MCS first choice, you’ll most surely be accepted with solid stats but it’s less certain for SCS with a single digit acceptance rate.</p>
<p>So how you rank the schools DOES affect your chances of getting into them?</p>
<p>No.</p>
<p>We’re talking about what happens IF you get accepted to one or the other. A math/cs double major will have different experiences depending on their home departments.</p>
<p>I was asking that again because mom2012and14 said:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>which implied that ranking a school first increases your chances at acceptance into it.</p>
<p>What you have to remember is SCS is the most competitive college at CMU. The program is ranked either 1st, 2nd or 3rd with MIT and Stanford CS programs depending on the year. People accepted at MIT/Stanford get rejected at CMU SCS and vice versa. If your goal is to get into CMU then making MCS your first choice is the path of least resistance. Putting SCS as a second choice then gives you the chance you will be admitted for both colleges. Then you can decide which major you will pursue.</p>
<p>What if I were to put SCS first and MCS second? Would that decrease my chances of getting into MCS?</p>
<p>It will not “decrease your chances” to list MCS first or second.</p>
<p>We’re just saying, if your essay shows a strong and clear case for your interest in both fields, you most certainly will be admitted to MCS (higher acceptance rates) but quite unlikely you’ll get a spot at SCS (over 90% chance you will be rejected).</p>
<p>Adcoms aren’t stupid-- if you are sincere in your essay about a double major - thenfine. If it looks like MCS is your fall-back position, then you might get into MCS and rejected from CS with a cruddy financial aid package.</p>
<p>I’m just speculating here -that if you are a stand out MCS math applicant= you not only get in, but might also be ranked highly and get a more attractive financial aid package. Remember, CMU is open and transparent- they don’t meet financial need and they selectively use their $$ in a way to attract a balanced and diverse class. You might be more sought after as an MCS Math applicant and just another student who walks on water at SCS – which is essentially the entire accepted class.
SCS $$ goes to the demi-g-ds, URMs and women.
MCS less competitive better shot.</p>
<p>Speculation.</p>
<p>We don’t have your stats. But ask yourself, would you also be MIT, CalTech and Stanford material - if so, roll the dice and perhaps you get a spot at SCS and get a good package.</p>
<p>Are you an Asian guy? Don’t hold your breadth.</p>
<p>Hope your toenails are better-- the imagery is gross!</p>
<p>Okay. Thanks everyone for clearing this up for me! :)</p>