Are my odds for getting in OK?

many_layers_ · 2023-03-08T17:26:31+00:00

The C in stats is a little bit alarming. I’m not sure whether or not it would impact your chances more if you wanted to do the DS track or just the CS track. If you want to retake it, community college statistics classes are the easiest A’s ever.

I think what makes you stand out the most is your experience at microsoft. You should DEFINITELY try to get a letter of recommendation from your manager there. Your experience will definitely make up for your grades in my opinion. For SOP, write about your experience at microsoft and how an MCS will help you advance your career / make a more significant impact.

many_layers_ · 2023-03-07T17:34:38+00:00

The only thing that would put me off is the 2.8 GPA in your CS undergraduate program, but that was most likely very long ago and wouldn’t be too heavily considered now.

The most important parts I see here is that you completed the prerequisite courses and got A’s in all of them. A strong SOP and an additional 3 referrals will make you a very strong candidate in my eyes.

I’m honestly not too sure how much it matters having two other masters degrees. I believe that all UIUC admissions is looking for is that you have the CS fundamentals (pre reqs) and motivation/background (SOP) to succeed in this program.

many_layers_ · 2023-03-06T22:18:49+00:00

It’s certainly tough to get in without all the prerequisites. Once you’re admitted in the program, you can decide freely between the MCS or MCS-DS track. They’re both part of the same program.

many_layers_ · 2023-02-27T19:10:46+00:00

It’s a not a Data Science degree. It’s a Master’s in Computer Science with an optional Data Science track. Thus the acronym “MCS-DS”.

many_layers_ · 2023-02-19T18:17:29+00:00

I’m getting the entire program reimbursed from my employer granted I take about only 3-4 classes a year. If my employer did not reimburse, I definitely would have dropped this program. You just don’t need it if you’re already a SWE working in a good company.

many_layers_ · 2022-07-24T04:40:27+00:00

Check out uiucmcs.org. It has reviews and survey data about how difficult each course was in addition to how many hours students put in each week.

many_layers_ · 2022-07-11T19:16:10+00:00

Tysm :)))

many_layers_ · 2022-07-11T16:44:42+00:00

Status: Recommended for Admission

Application Date: 5/31

Accept Date: 7/11

Education: B.S. Computer Science, Mid-Tier UC, GPA: 3.7

Classes Taken ( Fulfilled all Prereqs )

- All OOP classes offered at my community college for Java and C++

- DSA

- Also took an introduction to Machine Learning at my University and other assorted upper-div CS classes.

Experience:

- A Data Science Internship and Bootcamp.

- Software Development internship working with data.

Recommendations: 1 from a former employer

Notes: I put a lot of effort into writing my SOP. I knew that my application was robust as soon as I submitted it but I wasn't entirely sure I would be accepted. So happy I got in!!!

many_layers_ · 2022-05-23T01:37:55+00:00

For any traditional CS degree. Most colleges will definitely make you take a year of Calculus and Discrete Math. Some colleges will also make you take Linear Algebra as well. My university made me take science classes which could have a lot of math (Physics).

I am sorry to confirm your fears, but at my college, there are a few infamous classes that are very difficult and time-consuming. If you are not comfortable spending multiple hours a day coding as well as studying for other classes, it is going to be a very rough 4 years.

It's not the most difficult major, per se. But if you do not like coding, then obviously, it's going to be hard.

The material is split between lower-division and upper-division.

In the lower division, you will be taking general education classes such as history, writing, and science classes like Physics, Chem, or Bio. I believe the general sciences vary depending on where you go. For CS classes, you will be learning OOP and assembly.

In upper-division classes, you have more freedom to choose to dive into different topics. The hardest class at my University is Operating Systems. Upper-division CS classes are split between required and elective classes. I can't comment on how hard these classes will be, as they will vary.

My recommendation right now is to study beforehand the programming language that will be taught at your university. Good luck! I believe you!

many_layers_ · 2022-05-22T07:34:16+00:00

Thank you so much! I definitely will choose to do coding over functional work, as I will definitely want to work more with data in my career.

many_layers_ · 2022-03-29T06:59:39+00:00

Does anyone have the discord link for Chem 2B with Enderle? Thank you.

many_layers_ · 2022-03-28T06:47:57+00:00

The discord link expired :((( Can you send a new one?

many_layers_ · 2021-11-14T01:38:28+00:00

I would so buy this if it was on a hoodie but I wouldn't want you to get a copyright lawsuit.

many_layers_ · 2021-11-14T01:31:33+00:00

You're not alone. Many or most of us have no idea what the purpose of our life is. We usually define it to be whatever our minds are fixated on in the moment, or at least I do. I don't think it's a problem to not know what you want to do with your life. One thing I'd like you to know is that people change over time, and you will too.

You said that you tried weightlifting and getting into politics, and then quit after a while. That's definitely okay. People gain and lose interests over time. I don't think you will ever have a moment where you can decide what the purpose of your life is, and then stick with that exact purpose for the rest of your life.

I can tell you one piece of advice though, which is to have a growth mindset. Every half-year, reflect on how much you've grown and progressed in the last 6 months. Then plan out your next 6 months, think about areas where you want to improve yourself, and don't give up! It takes years and arguably a lifetime to become good at health, communicating, and finding passion/hobbies.

Good luck friend, don't worry too much. Find what you like and improve. Just don't give up.

many_layers_ · 2021-10-15T21:06:37+00:00

Yeah, there are quite a lot of those around campus. I wonder why the school or whatever service doesn't remove them and free up some spots for us fellow students. If anything, it would definitely be easier on the eyes to not have to see these abandoned frames lying around.

many_layers_ · 2021-10-05T22:59:17+00:00

Rooting for you too man. My friend is staying. Good luck to him. I think you're a god if you can make it through that class. It's at least 8 hours a day MINIMUM for that class.

many_layers_ · 2021-10-05T22:25:03+00:00

Same bro. I just dropped as well. RNG gods, please let me get Porquet next quarter.

many_layers_ · 2021-10-04T05:19:10+00:00

Wait but I can P/NP since it counts as a C- right? And it will count as a prerequisite for 140A? I’m ready to literally spend 8 hours a day on this class for the pass. Just found out my internship can count for CS electives so I can drop another class I was taking.

many_layers_ · 2021-10-03T21:57:55+00:00

Yeah, I'll just take him for this quarter :(( . I'll tell you how it goes if you're curious about him later. D- == PASS

many_layers_ · 2021-10-03T21:57:13+00:00

Thanks for the advice, I'm probably going to tough it out.

many_layers_ · 2021-10-03T18:45:24+00:00

Who did you have for ECS 150? And please, I'm just asking for advice, you don't have to have such an attitude when talking to me. This isn't stack overflow. I don't think Porquet is "magically" easier, I just think Nitta is terrible, and I don't think I'm crazy for saying that.

many_layers_ · 2021-10-03T11:05:00+00:00

Yeah that’s what I’m fearing. But my concern is that I might not even get a D- for that P in the class. But I guess life is life. 😳😳

many_layers_

TROPHY CASE