Brandeis University MA in CS *freaking out* chances of getting in?

[smie0805]

Hi, I recently applied to Brandeis' Masters in Arts in Computer Science program.

It's a new program that switched over from the 3-semester post-bac program, and I'm freaking out a little because I just took my second GRE that turned out to be a disaster... and still reported it. This is the one program I am applying to and therefore dying to get in, and was wondering if any of you grad gurus can tell me my chances of getting in at all.

 

My first GRE was 161 V and 163 Q. Since this isn't too high of a score, I went for it again today... and tadaa, 158 verbal and 161 quant. I sent scores for both the tests. I graduated last spring (2014) from a top 20 undergrad in US, but with a degree in sociology (the program is intended for non-majors). My GPA's low at 3.094, which was why I needed a very good score for my GRE. I just don't know what happened.

 

I am confident I will get good recommendations from my  bosses and advisor who writes pretty nice recommendations, but I don't know what else I can do to at least maximize my chances... any help?

 

I've taken some programming classes and have submitted certificate of course completion in my portfolio. If there's anything you guys can add, please do so! or... and please be honest, if it seems pretty hopeless, tell me! :'(

[whosthat]

If you can convincingly demonstrate that you are an ace computer scientist, the GRE and GPA won't matter as much. However, I would think your statement of purpose would have to be very compelling for answering these points:

• Sociology to computer science is quite a jump, and the school will want to know that your motivation for this is appropriate. Is this switch because you have found your passion and talent in this new field, or merely for economic reasons (i.e. you want a degree in CS as a means to well-paying job)? 
• If you think that your GPA is low, what assurances does the admissions committee have that your academic performance will be better in masters courses? What was the reason it was low, and what has happened in your development to move past this problem?
• Are you technically proficient in computer science? Almost all of your peers have had 4+ years of rigorous education in CS or a related technical field. Can you demonstrate that your self-study has been comparable to this? Tell them about some of the computer science projects you've done and some of the technical challenges you've solved. They need to know that not only are you able to program (not a big deal) but that you fully understand CS concepts like polymorphism, concurrency, etc. (a very big deal).

Brandeis is ranked #82 in computer science grad school according to US News. So it is not super competitive. With that in mind, I think you stand a good chance of getting accepted if you play your cards right. I think you're overestimating the importance of GRE and GPA and underestimating the importance of writing a compelling statement of purpose in light of your drastic career change. 

[velua]

I don't think GRE is that important. You're going to have issues with very little CS background, sociology major, not much of a portfolio, few recommendations outside of academia. Is there a local university where you can take at least data structures and algorithms? After that, computer systems, automata theory, and operating systems would help a lot.

[nerney]

I was admitted with literally zero CS courses under my belt. Switching from Philosophy. I already have a masters in Phil from Brandeis. Now I'm back. I would love to see who else is gonna be there in the fall. Fall 2015