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Carnegie Mellon Math Jam

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US IMO Deputy Team Leader and CMU faculty member Po-Shen Loh will join John Mackey (Associate Department Head of Mathematics) and Mor Harchol-Balter (Computer Science professor and co-founder of Western Pennsylvania ARML team), together with Assistant Director of Admission Mike Kozak, to discuss opportunities, academics, life, and admissions at CMU.

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Facilitator: Po-Shen Loh

DPatrick 2012-10-17 19:30:04
Hello and welcome to the Carnegie Mellon Math Jam!
DPatrick 2012-10-17 19:30:21
I'm Dave Patrick, and I work here at AoPS. I am particularly pleased to have our guests from Carnegie Mellon joining us tonight, as I am a proud member of the CMU Class of 1992 (B.S. in Math/Computer Science and M.S. in Math).
DPatrick 2012-10-17 19:30:33
Before I introduce our guests, let me quickly explain about this classroom. This room is moderated, which means that all your questions and comments come to the moderators. We may share your comments with the whole room if we so choose.
DPatrick 2012-10-17 19:30:45
For now, please hold your questions -- we'll let you know when you can start asking questions. Also, due to the number of people attending tonight, we may not be able to get to every question.
DPatrick 2012-10-17 19:30:55
Now let me introduce our guests for the evening. (Their usernames are in bold as I introduce them.)
DPatrick 2012-10-17 19:31:02
Po-Shen Loh (psloh) is on the math faculty at Carnegie Mellon, and specializes in Combinatorics, with particular interest in probabilistic arguments. He has been to six International Math Olympiads, once for a silver medal, once as a tour guide, and four times as the Deputy Leader of the USA team. He taught at the Math Olympiad Summer Program as far back as 2002, and most recently secured a National Science Foundation grant to bring research into the program. He went to Caltech as an undergraduate thanks to a merit-based scholarship, and completed a masters degree in mathematics at the University of Cambridge under the Churchill Scholarship. He then went to Princeton for his Ph.D., and joined Carnegie Mellon as an Assistant Professor immediately afterward.
DPatrick 2012-10-17 19:31:21
John Mackey (jmackey) is the Associate Department Head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences. John barely graduated from high school, and went to a state college that was required to take all Ohio graduates. He did extraordinarily well, but decided to go to the University of Hawaii to learn more about Polynesian and Asian culture, as well as to learn surfing and develop a deeper understanding of math. Although people said he would never get a job, he was able to secure a John Wesley Young instructorship at Dartmouth, where he taught for 4 years. He moved on to be a Preceptor of math at Harvard from 2000-2003. Needing bigger challenges and cheaper real estate, he moved to Pittsburgh, PA, to see how many John Nashes could be produced at CMU during his career.
DPatrick 2012-10-17 19:31:42
Prof. Mor Harchol-Balter (ProfHarcholBalter) is an Associate Professor in Computer Science. For four years, she served as the Head of the Ph.D. program in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon. She works in the area of analytical performance modeling of computer systems. She uses a lot of math (particularly probability, stochastic processes, and queueing theory) to come up with better designs for computer server farms that use less power and provide faster response. She did her PhD work at U.C. Berkeley, her Postdoctoral work at M.I.T., and has been a faculty member at Carnegie Mellon for the past 12 years.
DPatrick 2012-10-17 19:31:58
Mike Kozak (mwkozak) is an Assistant Director of Admission at Carnegie Mellon. He has spent the past five years working with the Office of Admission to bring some of the best and brightest students to Carnegie Mellon and Pittsburgh. He also serves as the Office of Admission's liaison to the Mellon College of Science, working closely with each of the individual departments in the college.
DPatrick 2012-10-17 19:32:13
Thanks very much to all our guests for spending part of their evening with us tonight!
DPatrick 2012-10-17 19:32:20
Now, I'll turn the floor over to Po-Shen.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:32:22
Hello everyone!
psloh 2012-10-17 19:32:27
Thanks for coming tonight to our Math Jam.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:32:37
We look forward to this event every year, because we love talking to sharp and motivated people.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:32:41
(That's why I chose to come to CMU as a professor a few years ago.)
psloh 2012-10-17 19:32:46
Some interesting things have happened here recently, and the environment here has exceeded my wildest expectations.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:32:52
Some of you might have noticed that Carnegie Mellon ranked #2 on last year's Putnam exam - the college equivalent of the Math Olympiad.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:32:57
But that's only the tip of the iceberg, and it's the natural consequence of having a top-notch group of professors who not only do great research, but also care a great deal about students.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:33:04
We're all in John Mackey's office right now, which is the epicenter of the undergraduate math program here at CMU. When he starts talking, you'll see why.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:33:08
(It's a pity that we don't have a video feed, or you'd see the 2-liter bottle of Diet Pepsi in his hand!)
psloh 2012-10-17 19:33:14
Instead of giving you a lot of standard details about CMU, we're going to turn the room over to questions right away.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:33:19
Last night, I noticed that there were tons of questions, so there is no time to waste!
psloh 2012-10-17 19:33:23
Let's go. Tell us what's on your minds!
AndyZ 2012-10-17 19:33:32
BLASTOFF!
engarde 2012-10-17 19:34:06
What's your acceptance rate?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:34:11
@engarde: 25% for math and 7% for CS
Diehard 2012-10-17 19:34:22
did we have a CMU mathjam previously this year?
sejalmidha 2012-10-17 19:34:49
does CMU have early entrance?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:34:51
@sejalmidha We do have early acceptance for students looking to skip their senior year at start at CMU a year early. You apply as a normal regular decision student would, just a year early.
williamliang451 2012-10-17 19:35:17
Does CMU have any math clubs that prepare students for competitions?
ark2010 2012-10-17 19:35:20
What does CMU look for in prospective undergraduates?
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:35:20
Hi William, we have an active math club that has undergraduate talks and we also go to the Pittsburgh Symphony regularly! Also, PS LOH does the Putnam Seminar every Fall and I have to say, he and the course are SPECTACULAR
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:35:25
@engarde: There are different acceptances for different "colleges" -- so yes, it depends on your major.
lightbulb01 2012-10-17 19:35:49
What is this "Math Jam"
psloh 2012-10-17 19:35:51
@lightbulb: This is your chance to Jam us with your questions about life and academics at Carnegie Mellon!
Diehard 2012-10-17 19:36:24
Does CMU have a good Chemical Engineering program?
PvtScholar 2012-10-17 19:36:24
What should i study to get into ib program?
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:36:26
From where I sit, CHEME is top 15
mistere 2012-10-17 19:36:28
Hi
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 19:36:37
psloh-not about college, but what book do you recommend for combinatorics?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:36:39
@forgood: If you're starting out, there's a great book by Lovasz, Pelikan, and Vesztergombi - and some of them were even very involved with Olympiads!
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:37:00
@ark2010 We look for well-rounded undergraduates who are very strong academically, very passionate about their chosen field of study, and have a number of extracurricular contributions to bring to campus.
DiscipulusBonus 2012-10-17 19:37:03
Can you elaborate on the early entrance thing? How are the acceptance rates altered?
sejalmidha 2012-10-17 19:37:15
how much does cmu cost?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:37:35
Just under $60,000 a year for total cost of attendance.
Mewto55555 2012-10-17 19:37:54
How's the merit-aid at CMU?
williamliang451 2012-10-17 19:38:05
What math classes does CMU offer?
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:38:07
Hi William, we have tons of math classes, around 50 undergraduate and 10 graduate per semester. This Fall, we have a great course on elliptic curves, a seminar on fermat's last theorem and a host of honors classes, including matrix theory, multivariable calc, abstract algebra and analysis!
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:38:25
We do have some merit-based aid at CMU. My recommendation is that you do very well on math contests
gurev 2012-10-17 19:38:39
are there merit scholarships?
Diehard 2012-10-17 19:39:23
How does one get on the Putnam team at CMU?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:39:24
@Diehard: We have a huge Team of 100+ students who take the Putnam! Every person gets an individual rank and credential, so this is a popular activity to do. There is an official "team" which gives CMU a school rank, but that's decided close to the contest date.
mistere 2012-10-17 19:39:28
Is there a good physics department at CMU?
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:39:30
Hi Mistere, We have a very good Physics Department, which houses the McWilliams Center for Cosmology that is out of this world Also, the math and physics double major is very doable :)
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:39:37
@williamliang451 Our primary scholarship is the Carnegie Scholarship which went to 7% of our admitted students last year. It's based on merit as well as need. It targets students who fall into the category where the qualify for little to no need-based financial aid.
williamliang451 2012-10-17 19:39:44
how many scholarships do you offer?
Monkeymash 2012-10-17 19:39:50
Is $60,000 For graduate or undergraduate?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:39:53
@Monkeymash: The tuition for the PhD program is $0. In fact we pay you to do a PhD.
AIME15 2012-10-17 19:39:57
Hello Dr. Loh! How competitive is admission to the "ultra-honors program for extremely talented math graduates"? Are students applying under the Early Admission Plan eligible?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:39:59
@AIME15: The program tends to select students who get 16 on AIME...
mistere 2012-10-17 19:40:09
Can one double-major at CMU?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:40:10
@mistere Yes, you can!
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 19:40:34
I live in PA, do i get any preference?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:40:35
@forthegreater: No preference.
Suma30 2012-10-17 19:40:37
Does CMU care more about test scores or ECs?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:40:37
@AIME15: ... but in all seriousness, the program is self selecting! There are many great people here, and if you are up to it, you will be part of it!
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:40:48
@SumA30, Of course we care more about Elliptic Curves     Thanks Boris Bukh for proving that not all smart russian dudes are uber-serious :)
Monkeymash 2012-10-17 19:41:38
Is there a minimum age for the PhD program?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:41:41
@Monkeymash: Nope. We've had 18 year olds ...
Vexbrain 2012-10-17 19:41:56
Was Carnegie Mellon always called that? Or were there two different schools that merged?
hexadecimalabhu 2012-10-17 19:41:58
Hi all!
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:41:59
@Vexbrain Carnegie Mellon became Carnegie Mellon when the Carnegie Institute of Technology merged with the Mellon Institue in 1967.
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:42:00
Hi Hex
psloh 2012-10-17 19:42:01
@AIME15: You see, there was always a special track within the Math degree which gave high level classes to the top students here. We like to take care of very motivated students!
ajp2076 2012-10-17 19:42:21
what is the cmu? srry i wasn here...
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:42:24
@ajp2076: CMU = Carnegie Mellon University
Mewto55555 2012-10-17 19:42:48
How well is very well? IMO? MOP?
ajp2076 2012-10-17 19:42:48
Is NYU a good college?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:42:50
@ajp: No, it's a good university.
matholympiad25 2012-10-17 19:43:04
Why "Math"?
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:43:06
@MathO, Math, because it is an arena created by beautiful minds to explore the boundaries of thought
AndyZ 2012-10-17 19:43:21
In general, what other mathematics careers are possible to pursue after attaining a math degree?
williamliang451 2012-10-17 19:43:21
you can't get 16 on AIME.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:43:32
@williamliang: But have you tried? Just fill in EVERY SINGLE circle on the answer sheet.
ajp2076 2012-10-17 19:43:54
I heard Stanford is turning into a party university...
psloh 2012-10-17 19:43:55
@ajp: I can hear them from over here too.
engarde 2012-10-17 19:44:00
You automatically get a 16. I've tried.
Monkeymash 2012-10-17 19:44:09
How about 15? I will be finished with my undergraduate work by then.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:44:12
@Monkeymash: Sure, fill out the online application... I'm looking forward to seeing it.
matholympiad25 2012-10-17 19:44:38
scholarships?
Monkeymash 2012-10-17 19:44:38
ok, I will!
julia2001 2012-10-17 19:44:44
Is CMU a big school for math?
AplayerDanny 2012-10-17 19:44:44
Can one apply and get accepted to CS major in CMU even if I didn't take any courses relating to it?
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:44:46
@julia2001 - CMU is just the right size for math
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:44:47
@AplayerDanny: Yes, one doesn't have to have taken CS classes.
hobobob 2012-10-17 19:45:21
persuade me to go to CMU over MIT
psloh 2012-10-17 19:45:22
@hobobob: We would love to! Please come and visit, so that we can have a good chat!
engarde 2012-10-17 19:45:25
So, I've never really understood this. Do you need a masters in order to pursue a PhD?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:45:28
@engarde: No, you don't need an MS to pursue a PhD. You typically pick up an MS on the way.
julia2001 2012-10-17 19:45:49
does CMU have awesome math program or advance math?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:45:50
@julia: Awesome Math was not at CMU this summer, but Idea Math was!
AplayerDanny 2012-10-17 19:46:24
What does CMU CS school look at for acceptance? Does qualifying for AIME help acceptance rate?
sindennisz 2012-10-17 19:46:26
What other sciences are offered at CMU that are considered very popular?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:46:27
@AplayerDanny: Yes, it helps. But the acceptance rate is *really* low (7%), so you should do more than qualify.
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:46:28
@sindennisz, Physics, Chem, Bio and MATH and COMPUTER SCIENCE, but really, isn't it all just science?
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 19:46:29
@psloh - How did you prepare for IMO's
psloh 2012-10-17 19:46:30
@forgood: I just liked solving problems for fun. I went through lots of old problem books, trying them when I had nothing else to do.
ark2010 2012-10-17 19:46:59
How is the campus life at CMU?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:47:01
@ark2010 Our students are very active here outside the classroom. This year we have over 250 active student organizations on campus ranging everything from academic activities, music and arts, athletics, etc. Students also get to take advantage of the city of Pittsburgh with it's large student population (85,000 students between 10 colleges/universities).
hobobob 2012-10-17 19:47:44
does CMU legacy help
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:47:46
@hobobob Legacy is one factor of many that we'll consider in admission.
niraekjs 2012-10-17 19:48:09
are there languages to take
realmadrid08 2012-10-17 19:48:12
What makes Carnegie Mellon unique from other colleges like MIT?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:48:12
@niraekjs Yes, what languages are you interested in?
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:48:14
@realmadrid, We are such a tight family, I'm here with my colleagues whom I ADORE, and we are an amazing team. I've never been such a part of a cohesive unit at an academic institution. We think innovatively, and take RISKS. This makes things exciting and I feel empowered to do GREAT THINGS!
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:48:16
@realmadrid08: Mackey is right. You would be amazed how easy it is to find faculty in their offices. We all do research with undergrads as well. I am currently working with 3 undergrads (as well as 7 PhD students).
DiscipulusBonus 2012-10-17 19:48:21
How does Carnegie Mellon compare to more elite universities such as Columbia (My top choice right now...)?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:48:30
@Bonus: This really depends on the person! If you are really motivated about math and science, and want to work really hard (but have fun doing so), then the tech schools might be a good fit for you. The only way to really tell is to visit campuses in person though, which is why we encourage everyone to do so before settling on a place. I ended up changing my mind many many times when deciding where to go for undergrad and Ph.D. In both cases, I changed my mind.
hobobob 2012-10-17 19:49:22
do you have BS+MS (combined) programs in CS/EE or both?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:49:24
@hobobob: I know that I had a Putnam student do that in EE.
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 19:49:38
How are you typing so fast?!!
psloh 2012-10-17 19:49:39
@good: We have mad skills.
stevenydc 2012-10-17 19:49:45
does CMU offer interviews?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:49:48
@stevenydc Yes. We offer them on campus through Nov and with alumni through Feb 1.
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:50:11
@sindennisz, It was just featured in the fisk guide and is one of the top in the world. Importantly, there are interdisciplinary programs that link music/art/drama with sciences like math and cs and other fields. Truly progressive and exciting
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 19:50:14
What are the other factors besides legacy?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:50:16
@forthegreatergood Too many to list here.
sindennisz 2012-10-17 19:50:20
How is the music program at CMU?
AplayerDanny 2012-10-17 19:50:24
How is the dorm for incoming freshmen. Is it possible to get a single room?
niraekjs 2012-10-17 19:50:26
well some exotic languages like japanese and german and mandarin.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:50:27
@AplayerDanny: Only under special circumstances can you get a single room. But after freshman year, you can live off campus, and the housing around campus is beautiful and inexpensive.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:50:34
@niraekjs: You can also take SML.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:50:55
@hobobob: SML is a TLA.
hobobob 2012-10-17 19:50:56
what is SML??
stevenydc 2012-10-17 19:50:59
is an interview required?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:51:01
@stevenydc No, but highly recommended.
mistere 2012-10-17 19:51:10
Is it possible to triple-major?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:51:12
@mistere: Yes
AplayerDanny 2012-10-17 19:51:22
Does CMU give full scholarship to students living in a low income family?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:51:25
@AplayerDanny Not in all cases, though it is possible.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:51:26
@hobobob: SML is a programming language: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_ML
AplayerDanny 2012-10-17 19:51:36
When one transfers from one school to another in CMU, does he automatically get accepted? OR does his application get mixed up with incoming freshmen?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:51:48
@hobobob: and TLA is "three letter acronym".
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:51:50
Hi GoodGuy, we take transfer from CC's, as there are some really good instructors at various CC's around the country. That said, we have specially designed multivariable calc classes that we'd like you to take
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:51:51
@AplayerDanny: No, it's not automatic. It will depend on your grades.
theGoodGuy 2012-10-17 19:51:52
are math classes taken at a community college (calculus C/D) transferable credits? Do they count as AP classes?
Diehard 2012-10-17 19:52:07
Does CMU have a good Athletic program?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:52:08
@Diehard: Yes. Our Putnam team was ranked #2.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:52:26
@AplayerDanny Transfer applicants are also reviewed separately from first year applicants.
williamliang451 2012-10-17 19:53:06
what do you look for when deciding who to accept and who to reject for math?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:53:07
@william: We are looking for you to apply.
julia2001 2012-10-17 19:53:09
does CMU require strong english, because I have been here for 2 year, so my reading and writting are not good as native speaker,but I love math and science ?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:53:12
@Diehar: Yes, we're #1 in Robotic Soccer!
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:53:14
@julia2001 We do require the TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers.
firelight 2012-10-17 19:53:21
hi
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:53:23
Hi Firelight, Welcome
stevenydc 2012-10-17 19:53:54
does CMU not have a medical school?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:53:56
@stevenydc We don't have one, but we work very closely with the one right down the street at the University of Pittsburgh.
theGoodGuy 2012-10-17 19:54:14
for admissions, do higher level math classes not offered at the high school but taken at a community college count as AP classes?
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:54:15
goodguy, it depends on the class, what have you taken?
Monkeymash 2012-10-17 19:54:24
Do you offer on campus housing for minors in the PhD program?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:54:28
@Monkeymash: What is a minor in the PhD program. There's no such thing.
hobobob 2012-10-17 19:54:37
does CMU recruit USAMO winners?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:54:38
@hobobob: USAMO winners tend to be pretty successful at many places, but there are other ways to excel too! We like people who genuinely love working hard.
engarde 2012-10-17 19:54:52
Can you pay insane amounts to get a single room freshman year?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:54:54
@engarde Rooms are assigned based on the date of your enrollment deposit. Singles are limited in the first year and usually reserved for students who need them for special reasons.
DiscipulusBonus 2012-10-17 19:55:45
This question showed up before but was not answered...can you tell me more about early admission?
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 19:55:52
What is your opinion on foreign languages at school? I hate taking spanish, and am only doing it to impress universities.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:56:04
@Discipulus Are you asking about skipping your senior year and starting college a year early?
stevenydc 2012-10-17 19:56:12
wait, if i have stayed in the US for 4 years ,and attended US highschool do I still need to take TOEFL?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:56:17
@stevenydc Yes.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:56:18
@forthegreatergood: Foreign languages are not the most important factor in admissions. Spend your time on other things, in my opinion ... math, science, CS
mistere 2012-10-17 19:56:24
What research is currently being conducted at CMU?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:56:26
@mistere: CMU is a broad technical university, and lots of research is being conducted here in many scientific areas. I'm in Math, and I study combinatorial structures, but that's just one data point. If you join us, you can help us conduct research too!
hobobob 2012-10-17 19:56:40
what is the PhD stipend
joss12 2012-10-17 19:56:47
when is the deadline for applications?
niraekjs 2012-10-17 19:56:50
what does SML stand for.
psloh 2012-10-17 19:56:51
@niraekjs: SML stands for "Standard ML".
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:56:58
January 1 for regular decision
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:57:03
@hobobob: Tuition is free, and you are paid about $25K per year (in CS). I think math is similar.
Hislop 2012-10-17 19:57:09
How do the instructors type so fast?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:57:10
@Hislop: CMU people tend to be pretty good at doing things with computers.
sindennisz 2012-10-17 19:57:17
Why did you choose to come to work, do research, learn, etc. at CMU as opposed to other colleges?
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:57:19
@sindennisz, I came to CMU because they empowered me to do things with the undergraduate program in mathematics that I just don't think are possible elsewhere in the country. They gave me a chance to implement bold visions and stood behind my plans. I love this place and work very hard for its success
nessrox26 2012-10-17 19:57:26
What is the best degree to pursue at CMU, in your opinion?
573863 2012-10-17 19:57:43
Hi
573863 2012-10-17 19:57:43
what does ML stand for...
julia2001 2012-10-17 19:57:44
but toefl is more difficult than the SAT, I try to get 90, but I only get around 80. Can other factor help me ,like get 800 on math SAT ,join robotics club and learn advance math in AoPS?
psloh 2012-10-17 19:57:44
@573: "Metalanguage"
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:57:45
@nessrox26: My recommendation is a dual-major in CS and Math.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:57:45
@julia2001 We do require the test, and require that students score a 102 or higher. We will still review your application without that score, but it will be harder to gain admission.
theGoodGuy 2012-10-17 19:58:31
i will take calculus C and calculus D at De Anza College
Diehard 2012-10-17 19:58:31
Are there any courses in Game Theory or related areas?
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:58:33
After you get A's in these classes, we will follow up with other courses
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:58:39
@Diehard: Yes, tons in the CS program. There are a lot of faculty who work on game theory, pricing, machine learning theory and stuff like that full time.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:58:59
@Discipulus To apply for early admission you have to apply under the same process as a normal first year applicant. The only extra requirement is that you do an admission interview, which for other applicants is not required.
Monkeymash 2012-10-17 19:59:04
I mean age-wise. Can I live on campus in a dorm if I am 14-15 years old in the PhD program?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 19:59:09
@Monkeymash: I'm sure we can arrange for that.
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 19:59:28
About my foreign language question: do you suggest taking a few years of one language? I'm a freshmen, and don't really want to take it so i can take other courses
mwkozak 2012-10-17 19:59:31
@forthegreatergood We require two years of foreign language minimum.
573863 2012-10-17 19:59:49
What sis the recommended SAT score?
niraekjs 2012-10-17 19:59:58
Do you teach group theory?
jmackey 2012-10-17 19:59:59
@nira, Of course, groups are all over the place in mathematics. You could say that they are ubiquitous
Mikazoid 2012-10-17 20:00:00
Do you think that a senior that just learned about the AMC/AIME/USAMO/IMO could work hard for a year and be able to do well on the Putnam in a year if I went to CMU
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:00:00
@573863 See our stats here: http://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/undergraduate-admission-statistics
psloh 2012-10-17 20:00:01
@Mika: I have 2 sections of my Putnam seminar just for people like you! I believe that problem solving is an essential skill, and our department has allowed me to build a "problem-solving track" which develops this skill. I have lots of people who come in with less experience, but catch the bug after a few years. I find those students to be the most rewarding to teach.
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:00:13
Does middle school foreign language classes count as a year of a foreign language?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:00:22
No, we want to see two in high school.
nessrox26 2012-10-17 20:00:23
What does CS stand for?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:00:27
@nessrox26: CS = Computer Science
AndyZ 2012-10-17 20:00:45
How many words per second do you type?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:00:47
@AndyZ: How long are the words?
stevenydc 2012-10-17 20:00:56
I was actually shocked that i had to take TOEFL, if i get ..say over 650 on SATreading, is toefl still required?
carberry 2012-10-17 20:01:02
What courses should one take to pursue a career in computer or non-computer game design?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:01:03
@carberry, we have a whole school (entertainment technology) for that!
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:01:33
@stevenydc It's still required.
Vexbrain 2012-10-17 20:01:46
what is TOEFL?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:02:04
TOEFL = Test Of English as a Foreign Language
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:02:10
I'm taking Number theory and combinatorics at lehigh university. how do i put this on my application?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:02:10
@573863: There are lots of ranks, but the ranking that you might care about is how much you earn when you get out. Take a look at this web site: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennagoudreau/2012/10/15/the-10-best-colleges-for-your-bank-account/
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:02:12
@forthegreatergood, you should talk about it in your personal statement. BTW, are you doing lehigh valley arml?
573863 2012-10-17 20:02:32
In general, what rank is this college?
realmadrid08 2012-10-17 20:02:48
how is the food?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:02:50
@realmadrid08 The food is pretty good. Lots of variety. 33 separate locations on campus. Half operated by local restaurants.
niraekjs 2012-10-17 20:02:53
don't more than half the people who take putnam get 0.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:02:54
@niraekjs: Yes, but I feel that with some practice on generic problem solving, a motivated person can score well above zero. I hope you will join the the nonzero group.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:03:11
@573863: There are lots of ranks, but the ranking that you might care about is how much you earn when you get out. Take a look at this web site: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennagoudreau/2012/10/15/the-10-best-colleges-for-your-bank-account/ You will note that CMU grads make way more than those at any other school (almost 80K to start on average).
theGoodGuy 2012-10-17 20:04:10
For all you people who think they type superhumanly fast, I hate to reveal it to you but it only seems like that because they delay the questions enough so that they already have an answer waiting
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:04:10
@jmackey yes i am. we were close this year!
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:04:11
we are watching you! and we like you
joss12 2012-10-17 20:04:22
@psloh: is the Putnam seminar already a class subject?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:04:23
@joss12: Yes! It's what I teach in Fall.
Vexbrain 2012-10-17 20:04:54
Is there a single thing that CMU would be known for the most?
rollingrock123 2012-10-17 20:04:54
In undergraduate admissions, would Calculus C (taken at a community college) count as an AP class?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:04:57
@rollingrock123 We'd look at it as a rigorous course, but not necessarily as an AP. You could still get credit though.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:05:08
@Vexbrain: Go to www.cmu.edu/brag/ and you'll see the highlights.
Diehard 2012-10-17 20:05:24
How is attending the study camps in the Science Olympiads generally regarded? Would it make one an extremely promising applicant?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:05:25
@diehard, that is generally looked on quite favorably. Showing initiative and getting out for some math during the Summer is great
stevenydc 2012-10-17 20:05:37
what is this putnam that people are talking about?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:05:38
@steven: It's a math contest for college students, which gives us the excuse to offer problem solving courses. More seriously, it's the college equivalent of the Math Olympiad, and every university submits a team for the competition.
nessrox26 2012-10-17 20:05:51
My preference is biomedical engineering. Do you think CMU is right for me?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:05:53
@nessrox26 Biomedical engineering is very strong here at CMU. The big difference in our program though is that we have students pair it with a more traditional engineering discipline.
niraekjs 2012-10-17 20:06:02
How big is the campus about?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:06:18
@Vexbrain: From your perspective, the reason that you want to go to CMU is that you're at a top school (#1 in CS), but you still get tons of individual attention from faculty.
MCL 2012-10-17 20:06:34
How much credit is given to students who take the Putnam seminar?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:06:34
@niraekjs ~150 acres. About a 10-15 minute walk from one side to the other at the furthest points.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:06:35
@MCL: Putnam seminar students get 3 credits, which is 1/3 of a course. But many of them aren't doing it for the credit. I even have some not-for-credit meetings for the really enthusiastic students, and those are always well attended!
Thoms1324 2012-10-17 20:06:57
Hi
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:06:58
@Thoms1324, Hi and welcome
julia2001 2012-10-17 20:07:10
what is Punam math contest? where can you take it?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:07:11
@julia: You take the Putnam at your undergraduate university. Whether or not you decide to join us here at CMU, I strongly encourage you to enter it.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:07:51
@hobobob: We've got a lot of hackers in CS, but we've also got a lot of great mathematicians in CS. We also have a very social environment, with great working spaces (lots of on-campus cafes, and tons of lounge areas in the buildings).
joss12 2012-10-17 20:07:54
do you take account tha Amc and AIME scores if we mention them?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:07:56
@joss12, Yes, Admissions is on the lookout for these scores and we like them a lot!
niraekjs 2012-10-17 20:08:45
just curious; how many nobel prize winners have attended carnegie melon?
pr0likethis 2012-10-17 20:08:57
Jmackey, how about USAMO scores?
JohnPeanuts 2012-10-17 20:08:58
Did any of you participate in math research as an undergrad and how was it (significance, mentorship)?
DiscipulusBonus 2012-10-17 20:08:58
What STANDS OUT to you on applications?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:08:58
@prolikethis, we salivate over USAMO Scores as if they were a five star dinner!
psloh 2012-10-17 20:09:00
@Disc: ALL CAPS tend to stand out. But I assume you wanted to stand out in a different way... My colleague in admissions will give you an answer too.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:09:00
@niraekjs 18 total faculty and alumni included.
DPatrick 2012-10-17 20:09:14
@JohnPeanuts: I did math research when I was a CMU undergrad, and I even got a paper published out of it!
Thoms1324 2012-10-17 20:09:31
What math levels do you do?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:09:33
@Thoms1324, we only do the top level
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:09:39
@Discipulus We look for strong students who want to be here at CMU and can express their reasons for that in their application essays.
hobobob 2012-10-17 20:09:52
does cmu have a culture, like MIT has a "hacker" culture?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:09:56
#PutnamCalculus: There are quite a few questions which have that Analysis flavor, and involve integrals and convergence. It makes it more fun than the Math Olympiad.
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:09:57
Where can i find your email addresses? if i have later questions
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:09:59
jmackey@andrew.cmu.edu
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:09:59
mkozak@cmu.edu
psloh 2012-10-17 20:10:02
@forgood: ploh@cmu.edu
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:10:08
@forthegreatergood: harchol@cs.cmu.edu
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:10:11
Is putnam calculus based? or is it only algebra
julia2001 2012-10-17 20:10:11
DOes Putnam have a lot of calculus?
niraekjs 2012-10-17 20:10:32
What types of geometry do you teach.
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:10:33
@nira, differential
carberry 2012-10-17 20:10:49
How much do SAT and ACT scores matter when considering someone for admission?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:10:54
@carberry Standardized tests count for about 1/3 of the review.
Trevor 2012-10-17 20:10:58
what is this?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:11:00
@trevor, a question mark.
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:11:01
Is there any archive with tons and tons of practice problems for competitions?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:11:02
@forgood: I like the archive on AoPS. There is also an archive of Putnam problems hosted on the American Mathematics Competitions website. These days, I think there are more problems than there is time to do them!
Thoms1324 2012-10-17 20:11:12
How do you get into CMU?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:11:13
@Thoms1324 You apply.
julia2001 2012-10-17 20:11:29
does CMU like to see the report of AoPS on my application
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:11:32
@julia2001: Your scores on AMC, AIME, USAMO will do.
hobobob 2012-10-17 20:11:40
how rigorous are the grad reqs, loose like Brown or hard and fast like Brown?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:11:41
@hobobob, YES!
Shark77 2012-10-17 20:11:59
What do you have to do to get in to MIT?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:12:00
@Shark: Not get into CMU.
sindennisz 2012-10-17 20:12:11
I heard that CMU admits CS majors separately. How is the admission process/criteria different?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:12:14
@sindennisz We admit to individual programs across the university. CS is the most competitive academic program with an 8% acceptance rate.
hobobob 2012-10-17 20:12:31
i mean UChicago?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:12:32
@hobobob, The answer to that is also YES!
MCL 2012-10-17 20:12:39
Does CMU offer special scholarships to undergrads who are able to write publishable papers?
pr0likethis 2012-10-17 20:12:39
Is there a place to put AMC/AIME/USAMO scores on the application?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:12:43
@sindennisz Our stats broken down by college are here: http://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/undergraduate-admission-statistics
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:12:46
@pr0likethis: Not yet, but you can disclose this to us on your resume, and we will definitely take it into account. Next year it will be on the application.
joss12 2012-10-17 20:12:52
@psloh: i have read some of you handout about probabilistic method, but i think some of the porblems i cant solve, which book do you reccomed?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:12:53
@joss: There's a great book by Alon and Spencer. That's where I learned the subject. It's a really nice book. I'm glad that you found the handouts on my website helpful!
leinad47x 2012-10-17 20:13:53
what do the admission officers like on the applications?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:13:55
@leinad47x We like to see well-rounded students with strong academics and well-thought out essays that tell us why you're looking at CMU.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:13:59
@MCL: This is handled on a case-by-case basis. Definitely include your paper your application.
sindennisz 2012-10-17 20:14:03
@mwkozak So all individual programs have the same requirements, it's just that they vary in competitiveness?
hobobob 2012-10-17 20:14:27
what is the youngest UG u ever had
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:14:28
@sindennisz That's right.
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:14:28
11
hobobob 2012-10-17 20:14:39
cmu culture??, mit has hacker culture, what do you guys have?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:14:40
@hobobob: CMU culture is vertically collaborative, which I think is special. In this, I mean that people work together across faculty-student lines. The culture is to work hard and play hard, but in an environment supported by faculty as well. The key word is faculty.
sinhaarunabh 2012-10-17 20:15:00
How about MATHCOUNTS? I haven't heard much conversation about that.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:15:32
@sinhaa: That's not as relevant. We want to see high school contests, not middle school.
vincenthuang75025 2012-10-17 20:15:33
What math books you recommend for 12 years old to study for solving AIME level problems?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:15:38
@vincent: The books by Art of Problem Solving are pretty good! After that, you should solve lots of problems. You learn a lot by doing.
rollingrock123 2012-10-17 20:16:07
Should I list mathcounts on my application if I got top 30 in California?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:16:10
@rollingrock123: You can list it, but high school contests are way more relevant.
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:16:12
psloh- what are your website handouts?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:16:13
@good: If you search for my name on Google, you'll find my website, with a link to the Olympiad handouts. They are free for all!
sookim312 2012-10-17 20:16:28
i applied to harvard stanford and clemson
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:16:29
@sookim312, Perhaps if you visit us, we could be included in this list
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:16:37
is putnam calc based?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:16:38
@good: Putnam involves calculus, yes, but there are also questions that don't use calculus.
Hislop 2012-10-17 20:17:02
whats your name (psloh)
psloh 2012-10-17 20:17:03
@Hislop: I'm Po-Shen Loh.
julia2001 2012-10-17 20:17:25
where is the location of CMU
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:17:34
@julia2001: It's in Pittsburgh, the #1 most liveable city. You will love it here!
DiscipulusBonus 2012-10-17 20:17:52
Where/when/how can high school students conduct serious research?
niraekjs 2012-10-17 20:17:52
nice name
pr0likethis 2012-10-17 20:18:16
Are you allowed to double-major in CS and Math? I know they are in different colleges, which sometimes means it is not an option. But i'd love to pursue both of my interests....
pr0likethis 2012-10-17 20:18:23
Specifically for you guys, but i guess in general as well if you know: What do you guys view on someone who doesn't take math Senior year? I took geometry at high school in 8th grade, which put me in CalcIII/Linalg junior year. Senior year (this year), i tried to take an independent study but my HS wasn't supportive. I could have taken AP Stats, but I would rather self-study concepts. To r
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:18:25
@pro, We are really sad when that happens, but we have some awesome courses for the first semester to get you back in the swing of things, like Concepts of Math and Matrix Theory
psloh 2012-10-17 20:18:33
@Bonus: I do honestly think that it would be beneficial to move to research when you are ready. However, it might be good to develop your foundation first. I fear that many people rush to research because of the glory of certain competitions.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:18:42
@pr0like: Yes, you can double-major. We encourage it! Our best students double-major in math and CS.
junnymoony12 2012-10-17 20:19:39
what's CMU?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:19:40
@junnymoony12 Carnegie Mellon University
MCL 2012-10-17 20:19:47
Approximately how many math majoring undergrads have qualified for the AIME at least once during their high school?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:19:49
@MCL, IDK, but when PS-LOH gets his hands on their brains, they become magical gods and godesses of mathematical glory
pr0likethis 2012-10-17 20:20:51
wait @Jmackey, when you say you are sad, are you sad that I am not able to take math or that I am not taking AP Stats, a class which is basically regarded at my HS as an english class
niraekjs 2012-10-17 20:20:52
What research is CMU the best at.
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:20:53
@pro, I'm personally not a big fan of AP Stats, so just doing some reading and working on sites like AOPS is a winning proposition!
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:21:24
@niraekj: Computer Science is ranked #1, Drama is also #1, Robotics is #1, ... hard to say what is best.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:21:37
@niraekj: None of our departments are ranked #0, I think.
rollingrock123 2012-10-17 20:21:44
Have you heard about the Fall Startup Event math competition?
stevenydc 2012-10-17 20:21:52
about how many CMU students go to medical school each year? average MCAT score?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:21:53
@stevenydc Not sure of the number. But we have an 85% acceptance rate to med school. You can find out some more about our Health Professions Program here: http://www.cmu.edu/hpp/resources/statistics/index.html
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:21:54
@rolling: Tell us about it!
Hislop 2012-10-17 20:22:09
technically, #0 would mean better than your own ranking.
rollingrock123 2012-10-17 20:22:26
Should I list AMC8 on the application? Or is it not worth mentioning...
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:22:37
@rolling: Sure, you can mention it.
pr0likethis 2012-10-17 20:22:50
Thanks @Jmackey
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:22:51
you're welcome pro, you can also email me anytime with these questions!
Hislop 2012-10-17 20:23:21
I want to pursue gastroenterology. Is CMU right for me?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:23:22
@Hislop: Are you sure you have the stomach for it?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:23:23
@Hislop You'll get a great preparation to get you off to med school and into that field here.
niraekjs 2012-10-17 20:23:36
Whats the youngest attendee you have ever accommodated?
Hislop 2012-10-17 20:23:44
Thanks!
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:23:53
@niraekj: I believe 11 was the youngest undergrad.
julia2001 2012-10-17 20:23:58
is it in newyork
Thoms1324 2012-10-17 20:23:58
thanks@jmackey
rollingrock123 2012-10-17 20:23:58
I was just wondering how popular the fall startup event math competition is...wondering whether it is worth listing on application if I scored top 15 nationally
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:23:59
You're welcome Thoms, anytime!
AndyZ 2012-10-17 20:24:03
psloh is so punny
stevenydc 2012-10-17 20:24:13
is a mid 80s on amc 12 not helpful at all?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:24:32
@steven: Yeah, not so great.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:24:36
@rock: Please mention it! Anything like this is nice.
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:24:44
@julia2001, It's in Pennsylvania, you should come visit us!
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:25:02
Does CMU care about athletics?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:25:04
@DaChickenInc If you're into athletics we have some strong Division III programs here.
julia2001 2012-10-17 20:25:28
If I don't take geometry and algebra in school, but I took the test ,get 100 and pass, and I take AP calculus BC in senior, so can that be a good factor for my application
DiscipulusBonus 2012-10-17 20:25:32
@psloh: So, once I know the material well enough, any suggestions? As a homeschool student, finding a partner for something like the Siemens competition can be a struggle.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:25:33
@Bonus: The most important part is to find a research mentor. I think that has more impact than your choice of partner. Your best bet would be to start at your local university.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:25:41
@julia2001 We are only looking to see that you take 4 years of math.
leinad47x 2012-10-17 20:25:51
how do you apply for the early admission? The one where you apply a year early?
pr0likethis 2012-10-17 20:25:52
Obviously the computer science program is amazingly strong, but any comments on the area of Artificial Intelligence? Right now that is the field i have found the most interesting in reading articles about it.
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:25:55
CMU is good at Combinatorics, right?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:26:18
@DaChicken, We are *really* strong in Combinatorics, which nicely compliments the CS.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:26:21
@Chicken: Yes, which is why I came here. Combinatorics is closely related to Computer Science, which is extremely strong here. Actually, there are 3 Combinatorialists in this room as I am typing now.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:26:38
@leinad47x You have to apply under the same process as a traditional first-year applicant. You are required to do an admission interview though.
rollingrock123 2012-10-17 20:26:50
4 years of math includes math taken at a community college right? Because otherwise, I run out of math courses
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:26:57
@rollingrock123 That's just fine.
Hislop 2012-10-17 20:26:58
How's the food?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:26:59
@HISLOP, It is amazing! Mor and I are battling for a chicken wing even as I type :0
Thoms1324 2012-10-17 20:27:03
@psloh: Who is the youngest person in CMU?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:27:04
@1324: Our top-10 ranked Psychology department has an experimental school for 4 year olds.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:27:10
@pr0like: AI is specifically ranked #1. Not only do we have AI with the CS department, but we also have an entire Machine Learning Department and a separate Robotics Institute.
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:27:13
Isn't the best program Divison I?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:27:29
@DaChicken Division is based on size not strength.
humzaiqbal 2012-10-17 20:27:32
Does CMU let people test out of courses?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:27:33
@humzaiqbal, Of course, as soon as the test is over.
Thoms1324 2012-10-17 20:28:05
What math classes do you do?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:28:07
@1324: We cover all the way from engineering calculus to graduate math courses. John Mackey works full time to ensure that you have great courses.
niraekjs 2012-10-17 20:28:32
hows the food
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:28:33
@nira, It's still good, even after the chicken is gone, MOR and I are arm-wrestling over the desserts!
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:28:39
Is it possible you're going to become D1 sometime?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:28:41
@DaChicken No. But, our DIII programs are some of the most competitive in the country. Our students typically have the ability to play at Division I schools but choose CMU for the academics.
Hislop 2012-10-17 20:28:56
There was a person who went fro 6th grade to college at CMU?
Thoms1324 2012-10-17 20:29:08
@psloh: How's the recreation?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:29:08
@Hislop: Actually, he was homeschooled.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:29:13
@Thoms: Typing to you at 8:30pm is what we do for fun. I think that students here are happy, and find a good balance between academics and recreation. They are usually smiling.
vincenthuang75025 2012-10-17 20:29:22
what is diii?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:29:30
Division 3 sports.
julia2001 2012-10-17 20:29:45
I only came to USA 2 year ago, so if I finish my junior, I only take 3 class of math, and my school does not have anything more than calculus BC, so I can not have 4 math year
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:29:47
@julia2001, Just do well in the math courses that you can get and we can take it from there once people enter CMU. Also, perhaps you could take our Concepts of Math course during Summer II?
rollingrock123 2012-10-17 20:30:14
For admissions, would you prefer a student who is completely a CS guy and programmer since he was born, vs someone who has only just recently exploring CS in high school along with other fields, but has lots of awards/achievements in a lot of areas?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:30:17
@rollingrock123: Both are good!
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:30:17
@nira, delicious.
niraekjs 2012-10-17 20:30:23
hows the desserts.
bancasterdr 2012-10-17 20:30:31
Dose girl have any advantage for admission if she passes AIME since not many high school girls are interested and good at math.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:30:33
@bancasterdr We do look for strong female students in the technical fields.
Monkeymash 2012-10-17 20:30:52
Can you do graduate work in both the Robotics program and the CNBC program?
Thoms1324 2012-10-17 20:31:01
@psloh: What are your emails, for future reference?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:31:05
@Monkeymash: Yes. Dave Touretsky works in both.
julia2001 2012-10-17 20:31:09
so if I take the math course in some college close to my school, that still count ?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:31:11
@julia, you could email me a course description to be sure, but we are very reasonable about transfer credit
psloh 2012-10-17 20:31:18
@1324: They are higher up in the conversation, but don't worry - they'll be in the chat transcript. Email is pretty good, but in person is the real thing. Do consider coming to pay us a visit sometime.
rollingrock123 2012-10-17 20:31:44
Are there undergrad admits who have had very limited CS exposure prior to college?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:31:48
@rollingrock About 1/3 of the CS class come in with very little experience or none at all. We're looking for problem solvers more than anything else.
pr0likethis 2012-10-17 20:31:59
This was probably asked earlier but I unfortunately joined late: I've heard good things from people about how inclusive the Putnam team is at CMU. However, it's easy to let people take the test and not really feel like part of the team. Does each person who wants to receive personal assistance when they want?
Thoms1324 2012-10-17 20:31:59
@psloh: OK! Bye!
DiscipulusBonus 2012-10-17 20:32:18
How do you feel about homeschool students? What are the acceptance rates?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:32:23
@DiscipulusBonus: We love them.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:32:38
@DiscipulusBonus We treat homeschool students exactly the same in the admission process as non-homeschooled students.
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:32:57
So you discriminate against genders in the application process (bancasterdr's post)? Does it mean males are less likely to get accepted?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:33:13
@DaChickenInc We don't discriminate at all.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:33:41
@pr0likethis: This afternoon, from 4:30 to 5:30, I worked with 15 students who just wanted to practice hard math problems. None of them are on the official team, but that doesn't matter. It would be no fun if I only had 3 students! I am very excited that I get to work with 100+ students each week to develop this skill. I consider the whole group to be The Team, and we have lots of individual discussions outside of class. If this is something you find exciting, I do hope you will join our Team!
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:34:01
You said you look for strong female students in the technical fields.
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:34:05
@psloh how can i contact you for questions about the IMO?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:34:06
@good: The best is to talk in person. Will you come to Idea Math next year?
AndyZ 2012-10-17 20:34:17
For someone new to CS, what's a good way to get started?
AndyZ 2012-10-17 20:34:17
By new, I mean unexposed
AbsoluteFriend 2012-10-17 20:34:17
Why do you love homeschooled students?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:34:34
@good: I sometimes visit Canada/USA MathCamp as well. In general, it would be helpful to attend math programs, and then maybe we will bump into each other!
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:34:43
@DaChicken We do because there are typically few of them in comparison to male applicants and students in those fields. In the end though, we're already looking for the best and the brightest.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:34:58
*always not already
sinhaarunabh 2012-10-17 20:35:02
Is CMU a private school?
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:35:06
What is Idea math?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:35:06
Yes.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:35:08
@good: Idea Math is a summer math program run by the head coach of the United States IMO team. It was at Carnegie Mellon last summer.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:35:32
@AndyZ: CS includes both programming and also a lot of mathematics. Is there a college near you where you can take some classes? The online Euler problems are a great way to test out your programming skills (once you get some).
vincenthuang75025 2012-10-17 20:35:41
team for what?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:35:42
@vincent: I was referring to our CMU Putnam team, which is one of our highest ranked sports teams.
MCL 2012-10-17 20:35:52
In my situation, I will be taking all of pure undergrad math till Algebraic Topology before the end of high school. Is it possible for me to be considered a grad student by the university but at the same time still be able to complete the non math courses for my undergrad?
AbsoluteFriend 2012-10-17 20:35:52
Is your math department big and popular, or is it more small/personalized?
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:35:53
YES!
vincenthuang75025 2012-10-17 20:35:58
have you been to IMO?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:35:59
@vincent: Yes, I was a tour guide at the IMO 2001.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:36:34
@vincent: I also went in 1999, 2004, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
vincenthuang75025 2012-10-17 20:36:42
oh
carberry 2012-10-17 20:36:44
What do you like to see on a transcript for a student who is interested in game design?
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:36:45
Whoa. That's awesome.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:36:46
@carberry We want to see a strong curriculum featuring math and science. Tough courses and good grades above all.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:37:05
@Absolutefriend: Homeschooled students are often extremely bright kids who didn't take well to being bored at school. They love CMU because of the constant challenges, together with lots of personal attention.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:37:36
@good: There's no qualifying score. It's completely self-selected. If you're the sort of person who loves math so much that you want to work on hard problems without really getting much "official" university credit, then you have passed the hurdle. Then we work together to help you score higher!
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:37:38
@psloh how do you get in? is there a qualifying score?
sindennisz 2012-10-17 20:37:49
If an applicant plays instrument(s), would you like a recording to be submitted with the application?
Hislop 2012-10-17 20:38:07
Whats IMO?
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:38:09
As a freshmen I am taking Ap calculus bc. I'm testing out of multivariable calculus. What should I take sophomore year for math? I eventually want to get a PH.D
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:38:09
@sindennisz Best just to tell us that you play the instrument, for how long, and with what groups.
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:38:11
@forthe greatergood, You need a good linear algebra class, actually BEFORE the multivariable calc which should make use of it! Remember, the derviative IS a MATRIX!
nidhi01 2012-10-17 20:38:14
what is the acceptance rate
pr0likethis 2012-10-17 20:38:26
@PSLoh that sounds awesome and my kind of fun. From 5:30 to 6 today I worked with a friend on Putnam A3 1985. Looks like we have something in common. Anyway, I am visiting CMU in a few weeks (sorry forgot the exact weekend) for the Sleeping Bag Weekend. Is there any way I can meet with you, even if just for a little bit to say hello? I would love to meet you
psloh 2012-10-17 20:38:28
@PRO: Please do!!! We just had another top math student visit for Sleeping Bag Weekend on Sun/Mon. Please let me know when you are coming, and we will arrange to meet.
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:39:08
Idea Math sounds awesome. I just looked it up and I love problem solving although I'm terrible at it.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:39:09
@Inc: Awesome Math is also awesome. Nobody starts out knowing how to problem-solve. It's a learned skill.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:39:18
@nidhi01 About 20% overall.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:39:19
@sinhaarunabh: In CS, we got around 4500 applications, accepted 300, and had 130 matriculate.
sinhaarunabh 2012-10-17 20:39:23
Approximately, how many students do you accept in a year?
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:39:25
Where was the IMO 2001 at? I forgot.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:39:26
@Inc: IMO 2001 was in Washington DC, which is why I was a tour guide.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:39:37
Just under 6000 applications were accepted.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:39:45
@Hislop: IMO is a TLA.
sinhaarunabh 2012-10-17 20:39:51
What does matriculate mean?
vincenthuang75025 2012-10-17 20:40:00
international math olympuad
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:40:08
Enroll and start their freshman year at CMU.
genesis2 2012-10-17 20:40:11
How many people are on your waiting lists when applying?
matholympiad25 2012-10-17 20:40:13
carberry 2012-10-17 20:40:13
What are your dorms like, and is it relatively easy for students to prepare their own meals if they so choose?
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:40:13
Why should we remember something? You said we should "Remember, the deriviative IS a MATRIX!" and I don't even know what that means.
niraekjs 2012-10-17 20:40:14
TLA is three letter acronym for any1 who is confused.
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:40:14
Hi DaChicken, You should remember the fact, so that when people try to tell you otherwise, you do not mistakenly believe them.
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:40:18
Oh.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:40:39
@genesis It varies from year to year. Typically our waiting list is large compared to other universities like CMU.
rollingrock123 2012-10-17 20:40:58
Does going to a very competitive high school help with admissions?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:41:08
@rollingrock It is one factor that we consider.
forthegreatergood 2012-10-17 20:41:21
jmackey my school offers calculus bc then multivariable calculus. there's no linear algebra course offered. What should I do?
niraekjs 2012-10-17 20:41:23
how hard was the IMO
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:41:23
email me at jmackey@andrew.cmu.edu, forthegreatergood, and I'll try to help.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:41:24
@niraekjs: IMO, the IMO was pretty hard this year.
toph1711 2012-10-17 20:42:29
do you think it will get harder?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:42:30
@toph: I don't think the IMO will get harder. It varies every year, and I think that last year was unusual.
sinhaarunabh 2012-10-17 20:42:31
If you have past family that went to CMU, do you have any sort of advantage or something?
julia2001 2012-10-17 20:42:32
Beside AMC,AMIE,USAMO, what about HMMT, does CMU like it on my application?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:42:34
@sinhaarunabh It's something we take into consideration in the admission process, but it won't automatically get you in.
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:42:44
@julia2000: Sure, HMMT is great too!
yaliangt 2012-10-17 20:43:06
How would attending the AP/EA program during the summer help your admission chances?
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:43:07
@yaliangt It will give us proof that you can handle academic life at CMU.
MCL 2012-10-17 20:43:12
Is CMU limited in admitting students who have graduated from elite private schools such as Exeter?
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:43:16
@MCL: Obviously not.
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:43:25
Are they going to put David Hilbert type problems on the IMO? Do people host the IMO just so that students from around the world can help solve problems adults can't solve?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:43:26
@Inc: I don't think so. Those harder research problems are what you help us solve after you join us as a student.
suparnoghoshal100 2012-10-17 20:43:28
how to apply to cmu
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:43:29
@suparnoghosal100 See www.cmu.edu/admission
AndyZ 2012-10-17 20:43:48
when is this over?
carberry 2012-10-17 20:43:51
What does CMU offer in terms of creative writing?
psloh 2012-10-17 20:44:03
@AndyZ: It is over in negative 13 minutes.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:44:17
@AndyZ: but we'll answer the last few questions in the queue first.
mwkozak 2012-10-17 20:44:20
@carberry One of the oldest undergrad programs in the country. And out students get to the complete focus of award winning poets and authors.
niraekjs 2012-10-17 20:44:22
-14 u mean
agrayan12 2012-10-17 20:44:56
Do you have a lot of students from Asia and other countries outside the US
jmackey 2012-10-17 20:44:58
@agrayan, YES!!! We are extremely diverse and I personally feel enriched by the multitude of cultures
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:45:02
negative fifteen minutes and five seconds
psloh 2012-10-17 20:45:08
I guess we'll wrap for for tonight.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:45:15
I hope you had as much fun as we did.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:45:23
Thank you for joining us tonight!
AndyZ 2012-10-17 20:45:32
carberry 2012-10-17 20:45:33
Thank you!
toph1711 2012-10-17 20:45:33
I had a lot of fun
DPatrick 2012-10-17 20:45:37
Thanks again to all our guests for spending time with us tonight to tell us all about Carnegie Mellon.
psloh 2012-10-17 20:45:39
We'll see you again next year I hope, either here on AoPS, or here in John Mackey's office!
ProfHarcholBalter 2012-10-17 20:45:40
Thank you
yaliangt 2012-10-17 20:45:41
thank you for taking the time to answer our questions!
pr0likethis 2012-10-17 20:45:44
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!
sindennisz 2012-10-17 20:45:44
Thank you for hosting this math jam. I learned a lot about CMU!
sinhaarunabh 2012-10-17 20:45:44
thanks!!!
psloh 2012-10-17 20:45:44
Have a great night.
Monkeymash 2012-10-17 20:45:46
Goodbye!
xantho 2012-10-17 20:45:49
ROFl
Monkeymash 2012-10-17 20:45:52
Thank you!!!
DPatrick 2012-10-17 20:45:53
If you joined us late (or even if you didn't), a complete transcript of the discussion will be available shortly on our Math Jam Transcripts page at: http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/School/mathjams.php?past=1
AplayerDanny 2012-10-17 20:45:54
thx
MCL 2012-10-17 20:45:58
Goodbye have fun Y'all.
DaChickenInc 2012-10-17 20:46:01
toph1711 2012-10-17 20:46:04
Thank you
DPatrick 2012-10-17 20:46:04
You can also read the transcripts of our recent MIT and Stanford Math Jams on that page, and next week on October 23 we'll be having another Math Jam with Duke University.

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