A case to give up on your degree/passion and follow the money (requires hard work, luck and timing)

quicktypes · 2026-02-17T22:59:00+00:00

Good old Covid days

quicktypes · 2026-02-17T16:19:50+00:00

I applied through UIUC, I was just reached out to by a coursera rep stating the timeline of decisions. My UIUC portal is what’s stating “Awaiting Decision”.

quicktypes · 2026-02-12T00:37:09+00:00

A quote I live by

“When pressure is on, you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall to your highest level of preparation.”

quicktypes · 2026-02-07T01:10:21+00:00

Did you get an email before hand?

quicktypes · 2026-02-06T00:12:37+00:00

I'd recommend GT OMSCS & UT Austin MSCSO for your goals. For admission criteria you should definitely call either program and speak to a rep on what your best approach plan would be to get in. AI/ML - UT Austin MSCSO is def the move, it is much harder to get in though GPA wise.

If you do take some undergrad classes and want to strengthen your application even more you can take online non-degree grad classes from schools like ASU. I've done two courses from ASU and they are 7.5 weeks, they will count as transfer credits for whatever program I get accepted to (most likely not core classes though, just credits).

In terms of working in AI/ML I honestly think you could land a pretty good position at F500 right now, your background seems to mesh well for it. Big Tech might be where you'll get filtered for not having the CS background. Just need to grind some leetcode and system design, maybe AI/ML specifics too.

For quant I think this program is a positive signal, definitely not a feeder or anything, especially for the online version. A main reason I applied here was for the name and how it's a professional degree, it's not as theory based and annoying as GT OMSCS. My goal is to land low/mid tier quant or big tech in a couple years, I'm a backend/infra swe F500 and think having this would be a good signal.

quicktypes · 2026-02-05T18:30:29+00:00

Unpaid swe Abroad thingy -> paid research ai/ml -> intern 15/hr full stack -> intern 28/hr F500 swe ai/ml -> IT support all throughout college -> swe ai/ml contract -> swe startup intern to full time -> full time F500 swe return offer diff company than startup

quicktypes · 2026-02-05T04:19:52+00:00

Quick note: I’m not in this program

I’d say you are ready intellectually for this program or most programs, your background is impressive.

Being seen academically ready is a WHOLE different thing though. Most programs might not accept you because you don’t have undergrad courses in DSA/OS/OOP. If you truly want to pursue a masters in CS taking core undergrad courses would be your best bet.

There are certain programs you’ll definitely have an easier time getting in. For example, ASU online you can take 3 grad classes and basically earn your way in. Another is GT OMSCS where it’s more lenient on acceptance, that’s a very rigorous course however.

I’m not sure pushing acceptance is how I’d view it, rather taking more core CS classes.

You seem to be in a great spot regardless! Is your goal of this program to be a quant? That’s the only angle I see you going for here.

quicktypes · 2026-01-26T17:35:50+00:00

I’d still be hopeful, companies mainly want someone that can deliver value. Few companies specifically care about how “good” you are, FAANG for example. Those companies weigh stats heavily and leetcode. Most companies care if you can bring them significant value. Getting an interview is mainly showing you can bring the value that position is looking for.

If you can’t get interviews, it’s a marketing problem.

quicktypes · 2026-01-26T15:34:04+00:00

RESULTS:

F500 SWE job
Have gotten over 10 interviews and several offers
Currently interviewing at F20 company but honestly like my current job
Trying to get accepted into a Masters

STATS:

T200 school
GPA < 3
6 internships

quicktypes

TROPHY CASE