Matrix21

I'm still waiting for Columbia's decision and there aren't really many updates on TheGradCafe. Have any of you received your decisions yet?

EDIT: Removed because of identifying information

Hello everyone, I am reapplying to a top 30 program where i failed out because I didn't meet the core courses GPA requirement, I was given probation numerous times and then asked to retake a core class and get a B+ or higher; I fell a few points short on the final and ended with a B so I was removed from the program. This was in May 2017, I applied again for Fall 2018 but was rejected, I'm currently doing my application for Spring 2019 semester. Also applying to it's sister school that will allow me to transfer my credits (18-21 credits). What's the best way to tackle the Statement of Purpose essay? There's also another optional essay to explain why I'm now a better candidate than my previous application. I have been working at a startup as a contract developer for 6 months, now moving to a full time role at a big government organization as a software engineer. I also have a 6 month internship on my resume, a 1 month fellowship, a few projects (some ongoing). My GPA was 2.86, undergrad was 3.2 and major GPA was around 3.35, GRE is 156/158/4.0. I have recommendations from a professor at this school, a professor from my fellowship and a manager from the internship. What do you think my chances would be? I think it hinges on my essays but I'm struggling on how to exactly word my improvement and not seem desperate as well. Hope some of you can help me out

Try to score well on the quantitative section of the GRE, like 164+ and verbal only needs to be around 156-160. You should also get 1-2 more letters of recommendation. With those stats, you have a chance at the top 10 programs like Berkely and Carnegie Mellon but it's more realistic to look for top 20-30 schools. I would recommend applying to UCLA, NYU Courant, Columbia, and USC. These are great schools just below that super elite top 5 and I wouldn't be surprised if you got accepte to at least 2 of them. Also make sure to have a great statement of purpose essay, that means a lot to your application.

USC responded and indicated they also can't give any aid. I think I might just stick with NYU.

I'm not going to ask NYU until I know if I really want to go to USC. I'm still going back and forth now, I asked USC for some aid and I'm waiting to hear back from them.

I've recently been accepted into my #1 choice in USC though it did take a while to receive the notification. I've also accepted an offer from NYU Courant on April 14th. What issues would I face if I want to go to USC instead? Also, how do the two programs compare? I am getting no aid in each with USC coming out to around $50K a year and NYU at around $35K since I can just live at home. What do you guys think I should do?

Just heard from Columbia, it was a reject

I still haven't heard from NYU Poly, Columbia and USC. I emailed USC and they told me that my application is still under review. I would contact them if I were you, especially Dartmouth since you were interviewed.

Since it's already April 1st, I have been getting a little stressed out that I still haven't received decisions from USC, Columbia and NYU Poly. Syracuse and UChicago sent me decisions pretty quickly, as did NYU Courant. I only have until April 15th to accept NYU's offer, have any of you contacted USC, Columbia and NYU Poly about your application?

I'm still waiting on Columbia, USC and NYU-Poly, taking forever to hear back. Just heard from NYU last week and Syracuse today. I also wanted to email them for an update on my application but I decided not to.

Yea, I'm completing my Bachelor's in CS right now.

My professor recently told me that Chicago's program is very research and theory oriented. Knowing that now helps me deal with their rejection better as I am looking to enter the industry upon graduation.

I'm probably going to have the same question, I have been accepted into the NYU Courant program but haven't heard back from Poly yet.

Lol cool. I don't know which school would be favored in other states but NYU Poly does have the prestigious NYU in its name so that helps it stand with Chicago. Chicago does have some good startups and tech companies but so does NYC. In fact, New York has an area in Manhattan called Silicon Alley with many startups. I was also really disappointed when I was declined by Chicago as I really wanted to intern at NetherRealm Studios lol.