I have discovered that I enjoy computer science immensely and I would like to pursue a masters degree in computer Science.
My undergrad was Neuroscience (biology) with a minor in Bioinformatics. I have a 3.2 gpa, and an 77 percentile GRE, which I understand is not amazing but ok. But, I've gotten all A's in any computer science class I have taken, (data structures, algorithms etc.)
I would like to get into the best possible program, for example MIT, I understand this may be unrealistic with my grades and would like to ask what are my options and what should I do to get ready?
Ideas:
- Retake the GRE get better score
- Take a Comp Science GRE subject test
- get real life experience
- put code online, open source
- Get work experience
- Screw the masters get a job
I'd love to hear what you think is the best choice for setting up a successful career in computer science. Thanks!
Answer
Many schools will require you to take remediation courses if they do not feel you meet the course requirements for the graduate program. They will be fairly upfront about what they think you would need, but it will mean taking more Bachelors level classes at cost before being accepted to the program.
In general I would show any additional work you have done to improve your programming skills, including code you have written.
A lot of qualified people do not apply to top schools (I.E. MIT) because they do not believe they would get in. But I would not recommend focusing on any one school and instead find a few programs you like and apply to all of them.
Some schools will allow you to take classes as a non-degree seeking student, which would provide both a way to prove yourself and also gauge the program and its suitability to you. I would check with the program to see how many credits they accept through this method though.
As an aside, I am in the same boat. I majored in Mathematics with a minor in Physics but have been working as a programmer for the last three years. I am now looking into online masters programs in Computer Engineering or Computer Science.
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