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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]CMU grad here. I studied Information Systems, not CS, and the acceptance rate is better there. I didn't choose it for taht reason, but because I prefer IS over CS (I prefer applied to theoretical).

I was a B student from a good public school in this area. I also had a suspension on my record, but for something that's not illegal (so not fighting or drugs). My GPA was low B's, and my SATs were above average, but not amazing. I did have excellent work experience and recommendations -- I was doing summer internships at real companies helping them with computer stuff.

CMU, at least when I was there, was a pressure cooker school so they would give you a chance, but there's a lot of work so you have to prove yourself. Both my roommates freshman year failed out. One was a straight-A student from smalltown, PA. I guess you get an A just for showing up. He finsihed the first semester with 4 Fs and 1 D.

I was willing to work, and proved myself. I even graduated early!

Not sure if it's still like that, but I encourage him to try if he really has a love for computers. I did, and I think it came through in my application, so they took a chance on me. I guess it paid off for them, as I'm doing well and am a mid-level donor as well.[/quote]

[b]Thank you for this information.  My DS is really really good with computers (I work in a computer intensive research field, so I know).  Maybe he does have a chance at CMU.  When he enjoys what he is doing, he works very hard.  But, if he is not interested, wild horses can not make him do it (he is the opposite of me here... I was always a very "good girl" who does what she is told).  Maybe we'll apply just for the heck of it...  But it would be a real "Hail Mary" application, and I do need some sensible backup choices.[/b][/quote]

This is me to a T, personality-wise -- did well on tests and could write my way out of anything, but never did homework. As a result, I was a C- student in HS; not because I was dumb, but because I was bored and unmotivated. I went to West Virginia (not for computers or other sciences) and graduated cum laude in an area I thrived in. It really is about finding the right fit where it's enough to push him to excel but not necessarily a pressure cooker if that's not an environment he will excel in. I don't know about WVU's computer science program specifically, but it is part of their engineering school, which is very good. Much better than many people who aren't familiar might think. If he can handle the, um, celebratory atmosphere (that is, apply himself and have some self-discipline and put down the beer when necessary), it could be a good fit. [/quote]

You do sound like my DS!  West Virginia is indeed on our list; I had heard that it is a good place for somebody who has potential but is maybe maturing late.  And he is not at all a party kid.  He has a group of about 10 friends that he plays D&D with for recreation, so maybe that will be fine.  [/quote]

I went to WVU for CS.  Really high SAT/ACT scores but totally unmotivated as a student.  I feel like I got a good education there, and got a full ride to a very good graduate CS program.  The PP was correct about the party atmosphere; it can really mess up kids without enough self control.  It's definitely worth looking into.[/quote]

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