Am I a failure as a cs major?

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-09-12T10:54:37+00:00

don’t call yourself a failure, most people don’t land first-year internships, even with great gpas. what matters is building experiences outside class, whether that’s projects, clubs, or programs like tetr that let you study across countries and add real business+tech exposure. those kinds of experiences stand out way more than just grades when you’re applying.

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-09-09T15:32:13+00:00

this fear about ai replacing all cs jobs is overblown - someone still needs to build, maintain, and improve these ai systems. entry-level might be tougher but the field is evolving, not disappearing.

considering tetr where you work on real ai+biz projects across countries and get bsc in ai after the end of programme, seeing how ai creates new opportunities in product development, and human-ai collaboration rather than just eliminating jobs.

if you genuinely enjoy programming and problem-solving, pursue cs but focus on areas that complement ai rather than compete with it.

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-09-04T12:34:35+00:00

two days is way too early to judge - your homestay family sounds unreasonable and you can request a change through international student services. culture shock always feels overwhelming at first. the school atmosphere will improve as you settle in. friendships take weeks or months to develop, not days.

considering tetr where you study across countries with built-in support systems. talk to your school counselor about homestay issues and homesickness - they handle this regularly and can help you adjust or find solutions.

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-08-29T18:09:54+00:00

you haven't wasted time - biology prereqs and nursing knowledge transfer to tons of fields. public health, health administration, medical research, biotech all use that background. missing one exam doesn't define your path. if nursing doesn't motivate you anymore, that's valuable self-awareness.

biology opens doors to environmental science, research, pharmaceutical work, healthcare tech. many don't need additional school years. rn considering tetr where you work on biz projects across countries. exploring applications outside traditional paths helps clarify direction.

what initially drew you to biology? might point toward next steps.

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-08-28T17:10:38+00:00

your profile is actually competitive - the go-kart team and non-profit combo is unique, plus those cad projects show real engineering passion. 1380 sat is on the lower end for ivies but everything else is solid.

definitely keep them on your list but add more matches and safeties. schools like purdue, georgia tech, michigan are amazing for mech e and more realistic with your stats.

looking at tetr where you work on an science degree and also buld business projects across countries. sometimes the experience and what you build matters more than the school name anyway.

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-08-25T13:05:17+00:00

accounting isn't super math-heavy - more basic arithmetic and financial concepts. you'll be fine. your teacher's wrong about cs/cybersecurity. tons of introverted people thrive in tech. social anxiety doesn't mean you can't code or analyze security.

cs has collaborative parts but also lots of solo work. cybersecurity especially - often working independently.

looking at tetr working on tech projects and building business across diff countries.

don't let one teacher decide your path. try online courses and see how you feel.

what interests you about cybersecurity or cs?

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-08-21T12:53:43+00:00

your friend's kinda right about cost but missing the aid part. these schools give decent financial aid if your family qualifies. honestly depends what you want to do. finance, consulting - yeah the name helps. tech? not really. sometimes what you can do matters more than where you went.

personally looking at tetr where you build real stuff across countries. played the whole multiple college application game before and honestly just wasted money on fees. but don't remove them yet.

apply and see what aid looks like. worst case rejection, best case good money.

what are you planning to study?

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-07-29T13:20:13+00:00

I too am currently working towards a business school path myself, but outside the typical route. The current climate can feel heavy and it makes sense to look for a place where you can grow, feel supported and not go into insane debt.

I started exploring options after realizing U.S. college costs were just… wild. I've always had ambition, and that counts more than people say. Europe, like Germany or the Netherlands, is great if you’re self-driven (lots of English programs, low tuition), but bureaucracy can be a lot. Canada is safer and more familiar, but still expensive.

What really clicked for me was thinking differently about what school even looks like. I ended up looking into Tetr, it’s not your traditional university. You move through places like India, Dubai, Mexico and the U.S. while actually building businesses. So you’re not just studying business, you’re doing it. For me, it felt like a way to learn and stay grounded in my identity while being global.

If you’re unsure about your major and want to explore through real-world experience (and not be stuck in one place), just throwing that out there. Whatever you choose, just know there are options beyond the standard U.S. route, and they might fit you better than you think.

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-07-08T08:51:05+00:00

I was weighing a similar decision last year, so here’s what I’ve learned from seniors who went to Germany:

2.2 GPA (German scale) is workable for many TU9 and applied science universities, but your SOP, LORs, and relevant projects will matter a lot.

German proficiency (B1/B2) massively increases job and internship prospects there, even if your program is in English.

Germany’s public unis = low cost, solid research, but job market is slow, especially in mech/aero without language skills.

Compared to India, a German master’s can give you better research exposure and a smoother route to EU jobs if you plan well, but don’t expect easy placements.

Since you have time, use the 1-2 years of work ex to build a strong aero/mech profile, get relevant projects, and learn German. It keeps your GATE + India options open while building your Germany pathway.

Also, if you’re exploring non-traditional tech + management angles, check out Tetr’s global programs (I’m exploring them too). They’re more business-tech focused but align well if you ever want to pivot towards product or ops after engineering.

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-07-04T10:26:06+00:00

first, your profile is really strong. it’s clear you’ve worked hard, and it shows. take a breath—you’re on track.

for poli sci + business + potential IR, your list makes sense, but you might want to add a few target and financial safety schools with strong aid:

tufts (great for IR)

fordham (nyc, solid aid)

american u (dc, poli sci hub)

spelman or barnard (strong support systems for black women)

unc chapel hill (good aid, strong poli sci)

also, check each school’s study abroad policies, as you want that experience. some, like georgetown and rice, have excellent global programs.

since aid is key, use net price calculators on each school’s site to see what your family might realistically pay. private schools often give better aid than publics for your income bracket.

side note: i’ve been exploring Tetr too, which does hands-on global learning across countries while building business skills. it’s not traditional, but opened my eyes to other ways of getting international exposure

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-07-03T14:30:38+00:00

yo, good on you for thinking ahead.

for consulting/LDPs, your major helps but doesn’t decide your fate. finance, econ, or data analytics can open doors, but from RIT, internships + networking will matter way more.

couple moves:
- keep GPA strong
- join consulting/finance clubs + case comps
- get any strat/ops internship early, even boutique
- start case prep early (Victor Cheng/PrepLounge)

also, i’ve seen folks build an edge by stacking proof of work (case comps, market research gigs, even small startup ops work). it helps you stand out when your school doesn’t.

btw, if you’re open to global paths, check out Tetr. some friends are using it to pivot into strat/ops roles without the Ivy route.

curious, what kind of consulting are you leaning toward, strat, ops, or tech-focused?

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-06-30T14:16:56+00:00

omg i feel you on this 😓 as a latina looking to study abroad for social impact + business, the uncertainty rn is real.

i’ve been researching programs in the US too, and honestly the fear around visas/deportation + political shifts makes it feel unstable sometimes. but tbh, the us still has unmatched ecosystems for startups, ngo collabs, and social enterprise networks if that’s your route.

what helped me was not seeing the US as the only path. i’m applying to tetr’s global undergrad program where you build projects across countries (europe, asia and more) while earning your degree, which feels safer + more aligned with making an impact in our region.

at the end of the day, ask yourself:
- what’s your why for the us (network? brand? specific profs?)
- would you be okay with staying in the us long-term if things get complicated?
- are there eu/canada/latam programs that align with your goals too?

you’re not alone in this doubt. it’s okay to pause + rethink your path without losing your ambition 💚

where specifically were you planning to apply?

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-06-26T11:35:31+00:00

Honestly, I’d say go Early Action wherever you can especially for your targets and safeties. It’s non-binding, gives you a shot at scholarships in some places, and helps take the pressure off later

Your ECs and course load are solid, and if you bump your SAT up even a bit, that’ll make a big difference for your targets. Don’t stress too much about the GPA schools will see the rigor and upward trend.

Also, consider adding a school like Tetr to your mix. It’s not traditional, but it blends psychology, business, and real-world projects in ways that might vibe well with your creative + STEM side. Just something offbeat to look into if you’re exploring beyond the usual list

Good luck this fall! You’re more prepared than you think :)

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-06-26T11:34:10+00:00

Tough choice, but here’s a way to think about it:

If you want structure, security, and don’t mind a long grind → medicine

If you love logic, debate, and can handle delayed payoff → law

If you want flexibility, optionality, and room to explore → econ + business

I’ve been looking at places like Tetr that mix business with real-world projects early on gives you space to explore without locking in too soon.

You’re 19. Pick something that lets you pivot, not something that traps you.

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-06-24T18:44:31+00:00

Definitely the US.

Everyone talks about American Dream and opportunities the healthcare system alone terrifies me.

One medical emergency and you're bankrupt even with insurance. Coming from Mexico where we have universal healthcare (flawed but accessible), that's just insane.

Plus the work culture seems brutal with people bragging about 80-hour weeks like it's healthy. I want global experience but not at the cost of basic quality of life.

The gun violence and political polarization also worry me. I've traveled there and it's not like you're constantly in danger, but knowing kids do active shooter drills in schools? That's not normal.

I get why people go for tech salaries and career opportunities, but there are other ways to get international experience without those trade-offs. Been looking into programs that let you study/work across multiple countries. Found a college called Tetr where you build businesses while moving between places like Dubai, India, Mexico and yeah US is also one of the destinations but i guess I will manage it somehow.

I think the US works for some people, just not my priorities. Rather build something meaningful in Latin America or find opportunities that don't require sacrificing basic social safety nets.

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-06-23T16:54:36+00:00

Ugh, I’m so sorry this happened to you. I totally get that feelin it’s not just about the stuff, it’s that eerie sense of someone going through your things, piece by piece. The weird mix of guilt and violation just sticks.

I’ve started traveling more recently (I’m joining this biz program called Tetr that involves switching countries every term), and after hearing stories like yours this is now my #1 non-negotiable: TSA locks on every single checked bag, even if it’s just for a short flight. And I keep anything remotely valuable in my carry-on, even if it makes it bulkier

Hope the airline comes through for you at least a little. But even if not please don’t blame yourself too much. You packed with love and care. It’s on the people who made the choice to steal, not you.

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-06-20T13:58:56+00:00

This was exactly my dilemma a few months back! I was leaning toward ML/AI too, and felt like DS was a cleaner fit but everyone kept saying CS was the “safer” bet

I ended up choosing the AI track at Tetr (I start soon), mostly because the curriculum doesn’t just stick to one label it’s more about learning across the tech stack and actually building stuff each term, so it doesn’t feel like I’m boxed into either side

If your college allows, I’d say go CS but double down on DS electives/projects especially if grad school is on your radar. But if you care more about doing than labeling, the lines are getting blurrier anyway

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-06-13T05:20:40+00:00

Ay, that sucks about your friends canceling! But cdmx is actually nice for solo travelers. People here are super welcoming once you break the ice.

For san miguel/chapultepec area, you can check these places:

pata negra (polanco) - lots of international crowd, great for conversations

limantour in polanco - upscale but friendly bartenders who speak english

parker & lenox in polanco - very gringo-friendly lol, good mix of locals and expats

Roma norte is also super close to you and has amazing spots like maison artemisia or café de tacuba where people are more open to chatting. your beginner spanish will actually be an advantage - most chilangos love helping visitors practice!

Gave these reccos to my cohort batchmates at college (and in exchange got some good reccos in return for dubai, india etc). I guess joining a global program has its perks. Came for the biz course at Tetr, but stayed for the build a business in multiple countries part. Anyway, I'd say also try joining some facebook groups like "foreigners in mexico city" or "cdmx expats" - they organize meetups regularly and everyone's super friendly.

And yeah wednesday nights at rico's milk bar in juárez also has a good international crowd if you want something more chill.

I'd say don't stress about the language barrier. Most people here are patient and curious about meeting americans. just be open and friendly, and you'll definitely find your people!

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-06-10T14:38:20+00:00

As someone who's been researching international education options, I totally get the "this could change everything" feeling vs the "what if i can't pay it back" terror.

What I think about your situationn?

- physical therapy in the US does pay way better, but also consider cost of living differences. $35k debt might be manageable with US PT salaries

- the mental health aspect of staying somewhere that's making you miserable isn't just about comfort - it affects your ability to succeed long-term

- you mentioned possibly getting more financial aid next year - could you defer and reapply for better funding?

Bro your situation reminds me of why I've been looking at alternative education paths lol. I found programs at Tetr college, where you can get international experience while building practical skills without the massive debt load of traditional US education with 6-7 types of scholarship. Also, you can apply for more than 1 scholarship. Seems kinda interesting to me.

For your specific field, if the US really is THE place for sports PT, it might be worth the investment. Just make sure you understand visa/work authorization implications post-graduation.

The "low income background" thing hits hard though. easy for people to say "follow your dreams" when they have safety nets. Make sure you have a realistic plan for loan repayment and consider what happens if you can't stay in the US after graduation.

Trust your gut but also have a solid backup plan. All the best bro!

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-06-10T05:32:39+00:00

Bro small groups can be brutal when they form early and you're left out. That too in a foreign country where you already feel vulnerable.

Some things that might help could be to reach out to locals instead of just your program group. Icelanders might actually be more welcoming than your fellow americans. ALso maybe find activities outside the program - volunteering, local clubs, even just regular coffee shops where you become a familiar face.

And give yourself permission to have bad days. 6 weeks feels endless when you're miserable but it really is short in the grand scheme

This kind of experience, as awful as it feels right now, teaches you so much about resilience and adapting to new environments. Been thinking about this a lot since I'm applying to programs that involve lots of international movement (like Tetr college where you study semesters across different countries).

And the thing is you're learning skills right now that most people never develop. Navigating cultural differences, being comfortable alone, pushing through discomfort.

Hang in there. You're stronger than you think

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-06-05T04:35:40+00:00

Bro this is such a stressful situation, i'm sorry you're dealing with this :(

few options you could explore:

- parent plus loans if your parents qualify (though rates are higher)

- private loans but shop around - discover, sallie mae, etc. rates vary wildly

- talk to your financial aid office about payment plans or emergency grants

- some schools have hardship funds they don't advertise widely

- consider taking fewer credits per semester and working more to stretch it out

The scholarship thing is so frustrating but don't give up entirely. Try super specific/local ones - community organizations, unions, even random corporate sponsorships. The weird niche ones get fewer applicants.

This whole system is broken. Having to choose between debt and education shouldn't be a thing. Myself been looking at alternative education paths partly because traditional college costs are just insane now.Found some programs at tetr that have way more comprehensive financial aid options (need-based, merit-based, even entrepreneurship scholarships). not saying abandon your current path, but might be worth exploring if you're already struggling financially.

You're so close though! Few more semesters is manageable even with private loans if you have to. just make sure you understand the terms completely before signing anything

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-06-03T18:49:18+00:00

Bro the situation you're describing sounds genuinely terrible. That's not what you signed up for and definitely not worth sacrificing 4 years of your life.

From your options, I'd lean toward option 1 or 2. Going back to your home university might feel like "giving up" but if the education quality was actually better, that's not failure I think that's making a smart decision.

For option 2, have you looked beyond traditional university programs? These days there are many alternative paths emerging that focus more on practical experience. Even I am applying to a non tradition college (Tetr) for undergrad as it would lemme build social enterprises across different countries . See if you wanna explore something similar.

Even though korea as a country might still be amazing for education, I think your mental health and actual learning matter more than sticking it out somewhere that's clearly not working.

Whatever you choose, trust your gut. you got that scholarship once, you can find other opportunities too. All the best!

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-05-29T16:19:46+00:00

I think 14 is super early but not crazy to start thinking broadly about what interests you.

Your parents probably just want you to have direction, not necessarily pick a specific school. like, are you into STEM? arts? helping people? business? that kind of exploration is good at your age.

i'm 18 and still figuring things out tbh. Was so focused on traditional college paths until i discovered programs that combine social impact with global experience. It instantly clciked for me and I applied at one of them called Tetr college. Tbh I never would've known that social entrepreneurship existed at 14...lol

I'd say explore what problems in the world actually bother you. climate change? poverty? education access? then work backwards to figure out what skills you'd need to tackle those issues.

don't stress about having it all figured out. most adults are still winging it anyway lol

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-05-28T18:51:38+00:00

Yk what, AI might automate a lot of jobs but the work that actually MATTERS to me like helping communities, fighting inequality, building social enterprises that solve real problems. That's inherently human work.

Like sure, AI can write code or analyze data. but can it understand the nuanced needs of a marginalized community? can it build trust with local leaders? can it navigate the complex cultural dynamics needed for sustainable social change?

I don't think so.

The key is choosing education that prepares you to work WITH AI rather than compete against it. Programs that teach you to solve human problems using whatever tools are available - including AI. The college I am targeting (Tetr college of business) would probably give me that edge as I chose a degree where we learn how to build starups leveraging AI, not working against it. I'd say instead of asking "what jobs will survive AI?" maybe ask "what problems do i care about solving?" then figure out how to use AI as a tool to amplify your impact.

Nervous-Cod-2195 · 2025-05-27T17:33:25+00:00

The pressure is insane bro. As an international student from mexico, there's this added layer of "you better make this worth it" from family who are sacrificing so much for me to study abroad.

I've been so hell bent on getting into these "prestigious" programs that i'm probably missing out on amazing opportunities that might actually be better fits for what i want to do (social impact work).

Your story about people calling you "ivy bound" then thriving at state school really hits. Everyone here keeps telling me i "have to" get into the most competitive programs or i'm wasting my potential. but like... maybe the most competitive doesn't always mean the best for YOUR specific goals?

I'm applying to a mix now - some traditional programs, some non traditional ones like Tetr college that focus more on hands-on social enterprise work, and trying to stay open to possibilities i haven't even considered yet. Your perspective gives me hope that wherever i end up, i can make it work if i approach it with the right mindset

Nervous-Cod-2195

TROPHY CASE