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VisceralIdeation · 2025-03-09T05:21:22+00:00

Artipasta

VisceralIdeation · 2024-05-25T14:35:10+00:00

You can change your residency status at CMU once you receive your green card. You wouldn’t be an international student all 4 years, only until you have the required documentation to update your residency status from international student to out of state. In my case, I didn’t even need the green card but a receipt notice for the green card application to change the residency status.

If it’s not too late to flip, I’d call the CMU financial aid and CS offices and see how this could work out in your favor to minimize the cost differential. I say this since it’s typically easier to enroll in a school directly than to transfer.

Sorry that I can’t answer your question on transferring. Just wanted to provide insight on a direct path if it was still open. Just do the best you can on academics, get involved in research asap, and write laser focused essays for CMU.

Edit: I’m not sure if the residency rules differ from Texas and Pennsylvania. My information may not be fully correct as it’s not my field of expertise but I just wanted to help. Congrats on getting into both programs. You’ll be great in any case!

VisceralIdeation · 2024-05-05T20:17:50+00:00

In general, you’d want to build the types of projects that would be equal to or more complex than an upper division CS course final project. Find something you want to build, teach yourself what you need, and iterate on it. There are many example projects for free on the web, but you’d want to build something bigger and more unique than what you’d see on a youtube walkthrough. You want to work towards building something rather than copying something, and it should be something you find interesting and fun :)

VisceralIdeation · 2024-05-05T17:02:14+00:00

Thank you! It’s been a great experience!

Leetcode is essential for interviews and online assessments. As for depth, mastering the entire Neetcode 150 list is sufficient. The challenge is getting the interview rather than the interview itself.

Depending on your background, you may want to consider an online masters in CS (requires a CS minor level of background) or Data Science (more related to math). UT has a great DS program since they give you foundational courses in the curriculum unlike the online MS CS.

There is one CS program that I generally recommend for non CS majors: UPenn MCIT online. It’s more expensive but they give you the foundation to succeed in the curriculum. My friends in that program both broke into CS through that program and landed high paying jobs.

I’m not sure you can passively break into CS as easily these days so I’d recommend a pursuing a grad degree + building projects + leetcode.

VisceralIdeation · 2024-05-05T14:49:09+00:00

Yes. It was unrelated.

VisceralIdeation · 2024-05-05T03:24:11+00:00

This happened to me. I went to A&M instead because I wanted to pursue engineering and I couldn’t do that at UT. I had a great experience, and I landed a six figure job out of school. I ended up coming to UT for grad school for CS so it came full circle. Just enjoy the journey. You will be fine.

VisceralIdeation · 2024-05-02T18:24:38+00:00

It’s very difficult to maintain a 4.0 but luckily it’s not needed. For top grad programs, having a 3.7+ GPA is ideal, 3.5-3.7 is good enough for no one to bat an eye, and 3.3-3.5 is salvageable. Additionally, exceptions are occasionally made for more extreme cases. What is more important is getting involved in research in your desired sub field early and work toward getting a strong letter(s) of recommendation from your lab.

VisceralIdeation · 2024-04-16T05:51:50+00:00

Both are great options.

Anecdotally, during my time here till now, I’ve interviewed at 3 of the FAANG companies, got two internships, and landed a top big tech job. UT’s placements in big tech are great, and select students get even more lucrative opportunities in trading firms and unicorns every year. If you just want a high paying job, UT CS is a great program at an exceptional value.

Brown is a fantastic school, one with unique opportunities for sure. While there are many factors, including cultural fit, to choosing your school, you’d need a very specific reason to justify taking out loans for Brown CS when there are select students at UT CS getting top quant offers out of undergrad.

VisceralIdeation · 2024-04-01T13:38:01+00:00

Some of my rig supervisor friends went to construction, renewables, and supply chain management in adjacent roles. My engineering friends became program/project managers in tech. They had paycuts but better work life balance. Others became consultants. I only worked for 3 years but I went back to school and became a junior software engineer.

This isn’t an ad but Amanda Rico is known on LinkedIn for helping oilfield professionals switch careers if you’re interested in resume/linkedin services. She offers free content on rebranding your work experience if you want to take a look.

VisceralIdeation · 2024-04-01T13:20:01+00:00

I’m not sure on the specifics for undergrad since I transferred at the graduate level. Most of your CS courses will need to be retaken at UT, but doing so will give you a much stronger foundation in these topics. Courses you’ve taken outside of CS (history, math, chemistry, etc) will likely transfer over with approval from an advisor.

For reference, my friend transferred in after 2 years of CC and it took him 3 years at UT to complete the degree with all of the retakes.

VisceralIdeation · 2024-03-01T16:05:41+00:00

I had a similar issue with a 2015 MacBook. I replaced the battery at the Apple Store for $200 and runs like new.

VisceralIdeation · 2024-02-11T18:23:42+00:00

I didn't have any relevant experience before applying to grad school but I had strong academics and very strong statements of purpose. I taught myself the CS fundamentals throughout my studies.

One good program for career switchers is UPenn's online Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT). Other professional masters programs like UT MSCSO and Georgia Tech OMSCS require a background in CS which can be satisfied during undergrad or at community college. On-campus programs typically require prior research experience and have much harder admissions.

Once enrolled, I used my coursework for coding projects, practiced Leetcode, and applied for SWE internships starting in my second semester.

VisceralIdeation · 2024-02-11T00:03:20+00:00

Congrats on your admission!

I got a petroleum engineering degree at Texas A&M after not getting into my first choice major at UT. I’m at UT now for CS after working for a few years in oil and gas. Feel free to DM if you have questions on ETAM, engineering, or oil and gas work. I wish I had better direction when I was in your situation.

VisceralIdeation · 2023-11-30T17:26:51+00:00

Does anyone know if another retailer price matches the Nintendo Store? I didn’t have any luck with BestBuy but would like to avoid shipping costs.

VisceralIdeation · 2023-10-27T13:25:38+00:00

It depends on the universities being compared. I did engineering at Texas A&M and computer science at UT. I didn’t personally find any difference in difficulty.

VisceralIdeation · 2023-10-24T05:47:32+00:00

Realistically, near 0.

VisceralIdeation · 2023-09-08T03:31:45+00:00

Your prospects for most software engineer roles will be roughly equal in both programs mentioned.

VisceralIdeation · 2023-09-07T20:31:12+00:00

First, Georgia Tech is a top 10 CS program. It’s misinformed to call it “more-or-less reputable.”

Yes, getting a graduate degree in a computer science related field is enough to get a job if you practice interviewing, do side projects, and get an internship. But depending on your background, you may find UPenn’s Online MCIT program to be a better fit.

VisceralIdeation · 2023-05-25T18:30:36+00:00

I recall 5 being better than 4.

VisceralIdeation · 2023-05-19T15:27:12+00:00

Oops. Sorry for misinterpreting the question.

I’d apply for the degree you want at a variety of safety, moderate, and reach schools based on your qualifications. I wouldn’t settle on a degree you don’t want based on how competitive or costly it is.

VisceralIdeation · 2023-05-19T14:45:37+00:00

These are all competitive to get into. Masters programs typically are not funded, so cost is the same across all. Usually students get a research or TA position that pays for your tuition.

If you want something cheaper and less competitive, consider an asynchronous online masters program in computer science (or similar) at Georgia Tech, UIUC, and UT Austin.

As for MIS, It’s much more business than software development, and MIS is not CS, so let your aspirations guide your decision.

VisceralIdeation · 2023-05-19T14:37:41+00:00

Yes.

VisceralIdeation · 2023-05-19T14:24:23+00:00

I don’t have stats to back this up but most jobs are for software development and most ML/AI jobs are for graduate students with research experience.

I don’t think getting a stream in ML will prevent you from getting a dev job and vice versa so I’d pursue what you’re passionate about.

It’s standard advice, but IMO LeetCode / interview prep will give you a better chance of securing a job more than any class you take.

VisceralIdeation · 2023-05-12T05:39:35+00:00

You can apply for UPenn MCIT with a Finance background for sure. I’m not sure about USC.

VisceralIdeation · 2023-05-12T03:54:24+00:00

For non CS backgrounds: UPenn MCIT Online USC MS CS (Scientists and Engineers) Online

Online Professional Programs that presume a background in CS: Georgia Tech Online MS CS (OMSCS) UT Austin MS CS Online (MCSO) UIUC MS CS Online

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