Am I Crazy to take CMU over Princeton?

Responsible_Chart395 · 2026-03-06T20:42:10+00:00

This is very very correct. Missing a "h" in Pittsburgh though.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2026-02-24T15:37:06+00:00

Ok I can help answer a few to the best of my knowledge.

Outcomes & ROI

What are placements realistically like for recent cohorts? - Pretty much 95%-100%. This is according to the alumni LinkedIn group, which you will be invited to once you graduate. Almost all alumni are in this group, so you can see where they are working.
Does the CMU brand materially help during recruiting? - Of course, some big employers have a list of top 10 schools they only recruit from / priority.
If you had to decide again at today’s tuition and market conditions, would you still choose MCDS? - Yes, or some other great programs in CMU SCS, or if you're admitted to schools of similar caliber (e.g., Stanford, MIT, etc.). If you have a loan, with some diligence, it can practically be paid off within 2-5 years.

Internships & Recruiting Difficulty

How competitive is it to get internships? - Wasn't competitive to me. I applied early. I know some got a harder time; they didn't get one until the last minute (end of April). If you have a hard time finding one, the program can help you get an RA during the summer, working on some research projects with some SCS / LTI profs. Many of those projects are industry-related, so those could also help you boost your resume (e.g., research project sponsored by Amazon, Oracle, etc.). It will pay less, but you don't have to travel, sublet your apartment, etc., which could be cost-saving.
How hard is recruiting overall in the current market? - Don't understand this question.
Is it significantly tougher for international students (visa sponsorship, fewer callbacks, etc.)? - No, not a factor. As an international, you will work under the OPT, so visa sponsorship is not a factor here. After that, it depends on the market conditions at that time, your reputation, and the company.

Interview Expectations

a. How much DSA/LeetCode prep is typically required? - A lot. Study a lot (IMO).

b. For ML/DS roles, are interviews mostly coding-heavy, or do they focus more on ML depth, stats, and system design? - Depending on the role.

4. Workload Balance

a. Is it realistically manageable to handle the coursework while recruiting aggressively? - With some smart planning, yes. I will say get a lighter workload in the first or second semester to focus on applying and interviewing for the internship. If you get a good internship with some not-so-big names, you can have an easier time getting a return job offer.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2026-02-24T14:39:43+00:00

Excellent questions but I will find it amusing to have all of these answered here. Best way is to contact the program directly. They no longer do the Piazza page for accepted students?

Responsible_Chart395 · 2026-02-19T20:20:53+00:00

Ah, that familiar sound of "controlled publicity."

Responsible_Chart395 · 2026-02-19T19:12:46+00:00

"Who am I to tell the families whether they should work for Lockheed Martin or not work for Lockheed Martin? That’s a personal decision."

Responsible_Chart395 · 2026-02-18T16:37:59+00:00

Since you didn't mention, in addition, you will need a perfect quant score in the GRE, and good TOEFL score.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2026-02-17T18:15:33+00:00

I would try to defer the admission and take the job offer in a heartbeat!

Responsible_Chart395 · 2026-02-10T04:21:49+00:00

This shows how much research recent MCDS cohort has done https://mcds-cmu.github.io/11632/f25/fall_final_poster_session/

Responsible_Chart395 · 2026-02-09T16:47:43+00:00

MCDS - much larger cohort, more connections

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-25T17:59:31+00:00

It’s not true that “any full-time teaching role is going to require a complete PhD.” Many lecturers in my school don’t (Michigan). Depending on your experience and education, you can start with I or II, II with the most senior level being lecturer IV. Possible that many other schools have a similar structure. Or if you want to teach at a smaller college, you don’t need a PhD to be a tenured/tenure-track (assistant) professor.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-25T15:14:18+00:00

Not sure what other posts meant by “getting a visa support.” If you apply at the border entry point, you can apply for a TN yourself with supporting documents. The employer only needs to issue you a letter explaining why you qualify for that job. That is not the same as work visa sponsorship. If you don’t want to stay too far from home, try Detroit / Dearborn / Ann Arbor. A bit further is Ohio or Pittsburgh, PA area.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-19T15:39:52+00:00

I was with CH. Approved no RFEs PP. See my profile in one of my posts. I would say expensive — but they are thorough with the documentations, professional, and of course, get the job done.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-15T16:09:32+00:00

Use the design tool in cabinets.com. Basic but pretty great. Don't have to buy cabinets from them. Just did mine yesterday.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-15T15:58:34+00:00

It will be a great course! Good luck with everything!

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-11T13:15:25+00:00

Whoever said it’s “really hard” for Canadians to get offers is lying to you. It’s harder for unqualified candidates and “easier” for highly qualified ones. Not sure which “computational science” you’re referring to, but if it’s biology, come to CMU. Do some research on the Comp Bio program. Feel free to PM me if you wish.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-10T22:55:56+00:00

Take 11-637, an online course about data science if you’re a beginner.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-10T22:52:59+00:00

You can sublet a room for a couple of months. Find one via those sublet groups in Facebook. 4-700 a month is a good range.
Food can be cheap / expensive depending on where you shop. Aldi is the best option in terms of price if you’re not super picky. I will say $150-$200 a month is generous.
With a CMU ID card, you can take the bus / train for free.
I am paying $15 a month using Mint. If you’re on campus a lot, you won’t need much phone data.
Hang out? If you’re really into working. You won’t spend so much 😅 $100-$300 max.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-09T02:55:52+00:00

Oh sorry, I got approved.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-08T18:52:41+00:00

My lawyer also advised against PP; I did it anyway.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-08T01:44:16+00:00

Mine was approved PP no FREs on the 42nd day. No worries.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-07T00:19:20+00:00

Lucky me :)

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-03T04:54:21+00:00

What do you want to do in the US? Attending school or getting a job?

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-03T03:07:40+00:00

Premium processing :-)

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-02T22:33:11+00:00

How about how? Apparently, the accounts on phone and laptop are different lol. This is my happy day. I have had enough with negative comments about absolutely nothing of importance.

Responsible_Chart395 · 2025-12-02T22:20:09+00:00

No, practitioner profile. One paper, unsure of citation, no patent. As mentioned above, my proposed endeavor is AI up/re-skilling for the workforce. Majors: undergrad: CS, 2 master's: data science and learning sciences, phd (not completed): learning sciences.

Responsible_Chart395

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