<p>Hello guys!</p>
<p>I am a recent admit to CMU Class of 2017.
I was also invited to two programs: SHS and QSSS.
My plan is to experience one of the two programs during my first year and then major in Computer Science starting in my second year.
What program do you think will let me prepare best for CS? In other words, what program will help me to change my major more "easily" to CS?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>SHS and QSSS have absolutely nothing to do with Computer Science. Neither program will make it easier for you to switch into SCS. If you’re dead-set on switching though, just get A’s in all the freshman-level CS and math courses. Spaces in SCS are limited, but its not impossible to become a primary CS major. Good luck!</p>
<p>I see.
But can I take CS while enrolled in one of the two programs? (sort of like a double major)</p>
<p>You can do that, but I’d advise against it (I’m assuming you’re in H&SS). SHS makes you take a lot of science classes, none of which are required for CS or humanities majors. This means that you’ll have to take more classes than normal to finish your two majors in four years. </p>
<p>QSSS makes you take a lot of math and stat courses, none of which are required for CS. You also have to write a senior thesis, which means you’ll be doing a lot of extra work on-top of the demanding work-load for CS. </p>
<p>Its your decision, but just so you know, SHS was meant for people with one humanities major and one science major; QSSS was made for people who are studying data-driven social sciences (Econ, Statistics, Political Science, etc.).</p>
<p>Thanks for all your help!
Btw, I am just wondering if you were accepted under ED1?
If so, did you get any information about academic advisors?
(I would love to discuss my problem with my designated academic advisor)
Also, do you know when do we have to send all the dining programs and housing plans by? Which ones are you going to do?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Yea, I got in via EDI. I haven’t gotten any info from CMU about academics, housing, or dining yet. From what I’ve heard, we can only sign up for housing and dining in March along with RD admits. </p>
<p>Each CMU college has a different advising system, but there are other people you can talk to about your situation. I’d recommend contacting the head of your undergrad program and talking to him via phone. </p>
<p>As for my preferences, I’m planning to choose the Red 9 plan for dining. I am also debating between Mudge and Morewood; they’re both good dorms so its hard for me to pick one :).</p>
<p>I’m a junior in the QSSS program, and I’m double-majoring in CS. Courses like Matrices and Linear Transformation and Probability Theory that you have to take for QSSS double-count for a CS major. Also, 15-381: Artificial Intelligence is an optional elective to fulfill the computational methods part of the QSSS program, and it fulfills the applications part of the CS degree.</p>
<p>@Wyferno, I stand corrected. I got my info from a CS major who told me not to sign up for SHS or QSSS (I was admitted to SHS and might do a 2nd major in CS).</p>
<p>Thanks for the information Wyferno.
Several questions came up to my mind.
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Keep in mind that QSSS is not a major; it’s an honors program to complement a DC major. </p>
<p>To declare a double-major in CS, go talk to Tom Cortina in the spring of your Freshman year ( you should also talk to him in the fall about which courses to take when, but he cannot declare a CS double major until you have completed your first semester here).</p>
<p>Re:housing, according to the acceptance letter, ED admits get priority in housing assignments.</p>
<p>@JZMOM2, not exactly. CMU allows students to sign-up for housing after RD decisions are released (usually in late March). For obvious reasons, RD admits take some time to decided whether they will enroll or not. Thus, ED admits get “priority” because they know they’re going to attend and can sign up for housing as soon as its available. </p>
<p>Although ED and RD admits can sign up for housing at the same time, ED admits get a head-start on the process.</p>
<p>Went back and read the letter, didn’t see it but pretty sure I read about “priority” somewhere. In any event, the CMU website indicates the housing application will be available in mid-February.</p>
<p>Really? When I asked the admissions office about housing, they told me exactly what I wrote in my previous post. Also, they told me that info on housing comes with the “Fat Packets” which are mailed at the same time to all admits.</p>
<p>JZMOM2: If CMU hasn’t changed the process since 2008 when my S made his decision the housing is allocated by the date you send in your deposit. The reason ED would get priority in this is because they would send in the deposit in January before the RD kids even get their decisions. Even with this and the fact he didn’t make his deposit till April and he got into Donner. Back then Mudge wasn’t exclusive Freshman housing and he didn’t like the small rooms at New (Stever).</p>
<p>Whatever the process, I hope everybody gets their first choice!</p>
<p>Thanks for all the information guys.
I just have one question for @Wyferno.
I think I will be doing QSSS instead of SHS.
But, really quick, can you tell me real pros and cons of each programs?
Also, if I were to do QSSS, what mathematics courses should I study to get prepared (I am pretty weak at math)</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>QSSS:
Pros
<p>SHS:
Pros
<p>As for math courses for QSSS, you should focus primarily on calculus and matrix/linear algebra. If you are weak at math, you should be more worried about the math courses you would need to take for CS. You should also study some discrete math (a necessity for CS, very useful for QSSS).</p>
<p>do you HAVE to take either physics, chem, or bio if I am enrolled in the SHS program?
Can I just take computational finance?</p>
<p>Can students in HSS take enough MCS classes to get into the SHS program?</p>