<p>Quoted from: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/carnegie-mellon-university/1036978-if-you-want-double-major-math-cs-do-you-apply-mcs-scs.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/carnegie-mellon-university/1036978-if-you-want-double-major-math-cs-do-you-apply-mcs-scs.html</a></p>
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A little known fact is that although it can be quite hard to get into SCS or MCS, it is actually very easy to transfer into them midway through the school year if you are already in CMU. Also, double majoring is crazy easy as well, as you don't need to be accepted to the other program to double major. There are no restrictions on the classes that you can take, so if you get into cmu as an H&SS major and just start taking CS classes you can get a CS degree without actually being accepted into the CS department. If you fulfill all the requirements you get a degree.
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<p>Is this true? Because, if it is, that's AWESOME.</p>
<p>There’s no free lunch. CS classes are almost always overbooked, and only CS students get priority. You might not get the class you want if you go this route.</p>
<p>You seem rather overeager to find a backdoor into SCS instead of getting through the regular way.</p>
<p>Getting into SCS is hard. Staying in is just as hard. Curb your enthusiasm just a tad, because doing compsci is way way more than just “taking the classes”.</p>
<p>Yes…according to my son and others who need the comp sci and math classes for prereqs either to get into SCS or minor in it etc …it can be hard to get into the classes. It is a little easier to get into some of the prereq/base courses if you take off sequence…start the sequence in the spring rather than the fall. However S has found that the profs are aware of this issue and if they see a kid with an “odd” major but an earnest interest in doing the coursework they find a way to get them into the class. The toughest part is surviving the classes.</p>
<p>I’m sorry if it sounds like I’m trying to find a “backdoor” into SCS. I just don’t have the stats and ECs to get in on freshman admissions.</p>
<p>I want to double major in computer science and math, so when I apply (which is next year), I’ll apply to the MCS as a mathematical sciences major and, if I get in, then try to get into SCS after the first year or so.</p>
<p>Just planning ahead…</p>
<p>OP…you are not alone. Lots of kids apply and matriculate with the plan of adding a major or a minor in a school that they did not get into as freshman. It isn’t a back door…coming in through one school and trying to move into another field is not only acceptable it is laudable. This stategy allows students to try out something they think they may want to do as a career in an area that, at 17, the student didn’t necessarily demonstrate the skills/aptitude to have a high probability of success. CMU is not trying to stop students from experimenting or being successful in a different college than they started in; In fact, they encourage students to take courses outside their college, minor or eventually change schools or majors if a student finds the best fit in terms of interest and aptitudes. I believe that when you are rejected from a school or program, the message you should take away is “at least at this point, you are not as likely to succeed here as other applicants.” Not…we don’t think you should major in computer science, or whatever"". </p>
<p>There is zero harm in applying to enter SCS as well as MCS as a freshman and you may surprise yourself, particularly if you make a good case for a double major. Also, getting waitlisted can be reassuring since it means that they think you could handle the work but you are not a clear “best” candidate for the program. If you are rejected, it may provide you with the incentive to do some prep work, perhaps the summer before matriculating to be prepared for the coursework.</p>
<p>It has been 10 years since DS applied to CMU. Time goes quickly.</p>
<p>DS, regular admissions. 1st-SCS, 2nd-CIT, 3rd-MCS. Accepted to CIT and MCS. He wanted SCS because his intended major HCI was housed in SCS but interdisciplinary. He proved himself in Meche freshman year and able to acquire HCI as a double major. He “backdoor” in that nearly all HCI students are Design/Arts and CS. His present, past jobs and internships all have some aspects of mechanical, design, and computer sci. He’s actually very good as a meche, but he wants to do design.</p>
<p>He currently is doing app design. Never has taken a straight CS class or programming. He does have a CS masters. </p>
<p>If your “heart is in the work,” AC.</p>