mpdata

You've probably already submitted some applications but good luck! Seems like you've got an impressive profile. I'm a current student at Harvard's MS in Data Science Program and I'm happy to answer any questions you have about it

Hi! First of all I want to say that in my opinion I think you have a pretty solid chance of success, perhaps depending on the program you are applying to. I'm a current student at the Harvard Masters in Data Science program and in undergrad I studied neuroscience with a minor in computer science. I had a fairly strong background in computer science when I applied (fundamentals + a few advanced courses), though my math experience was just barely meeting the requirements (my calculus experience was solely from taking AB and BC in high school). This is all to say that I understand coming at this from a non-traditional background – a lot of people in these programs did CS/Math/Engineering in undergrad. That said, I know many programs, in particular Harvard's, really understand and value the interdisciplinary nature of data science, so coming from a business/finance background is not necessarily a disadvantage. In terms of your stats, I think you're pretty good! Your GRE scores are well within range for top programs and your GPA is good, lower than I think the average is for Harvard but I don't know about other schools. I think your solid LORs will be very helpful and your work experience sounds stellar, I would definitely prioritize it in your personal statement. Let me know if you have any questions about anything I said. And best of luck! I'm pretty confident you'll be successful. (also I have to note that Harvard isn't on your list of schools... just saying)

I interviewed at the end of February

Update: I just received an email notifying me I am on the waitlist for columbia

Adding onto the posts re: columbia, I emailed them a week ago and they said they are still in the middle of the review process and can't guarantee a response before the 15th. Columbia's the only place I might consider over my current top choice but the possibility of columbia is definitely not worth giving up my spot. I interviewed at the end of February btw.

@Em31415 I emailed the admissions office and they got back to me a few days ago saying that they had released their initial decisions a couple weeks ago and would send out the rest of their decisions in the next “couple weeks.” Most schools need a response by april 15th but ok take your sweet time columbia. ? Don’t want to make a decision without knowing all my options but at this point I may just let go of that and commit.

@az765 Congrats on all your great options! I haven't committed yet, but I am excited about Harvard's program and am strongly leaning towards committing. It seems like Harvard's core courses provide a strong foundation of applicable knowledge and skills, but they also dedicate half of the curriculum to electives which allows a good amount of personalization in terms of academic focus. The coursework is primarily project-/application-based, which really appeals to me, and it also seems like they understand and celebrate the interdisciplinary nature of data science. I have more reasons that I'm excited about Harvard, but also don't know a ton about the NYU/MIT programs or your situation so certainly take my perspective with a grain of salt. I would also recommend looking at the information Harvard sent the admitted students if you haven't already. Good luck and maybe I'll see you next year!

Just got an offer of admission for Duke MIDS! I emailed a few days ago and they said they would start sending interview invites soon, but seems they are also accepting without interviews.

Anyone here apply to or (more importantly) hear anything from Duke MIDS, Brown MSDS, or U of Rochester MSDS?

Update for those waiting to hear from NYU: like @mobytheggongnyang I also got an email letting me know I was on the waitlist. Have a feeling this means they have already sent out all the acceptances, but who knows!

@Rtg8055 yeah it was 5 questions and for each you’ll hear the question read and have like 10 seconds to think about your answer and then it records. you get a second attempt which I was def thankful for lol. hope that helps!

Yeah the email said, “Please note that decisions are expected to go out starting the middle of March.”

Hi everyone! Just jumping in here with my results so far. Accepted Harvard MSDS University of Virginia MSDS Interviewed Columbia MSDS (Just got the offer for the interview with Columbia today. After I finished they emailed saying they would start releasing decisions mid-March.) Pending University of Rochester MSDS NYU MSDS Brown MSDS Duke MIDS Rejected University of Washington MSDS Harvard's program is super new so I would love to know what people have heard/think of it.