Carnegie Mellon University

Pixel Journal: How is OHS evaluated in the admissions process? Is there any bias against an online education in your university’s admissions process? What are your biggest concerns?

Carnegie Mellon University We received applications from more than 70 different countries with varied high school systems so those nuances are never things that would disadvantage students. We are also quite familiar with OHS.

PJ: Do admissions officers take into account the rigor of our classes relative to those of other schools?

CMU: No. We are concerned with your course rigor relative to the classes you have access to at your own high school.

PJ: What are the research opportunities that are available to undergrads at your school?

CMU: Too many to list! Students routinely start their own research as early as sophomore year and typically get started by having a conversation with a professor or their advisor.

PJ: What is one thing that every undergrad at your college needs to know about?

CMU: Be open minded and ready to explore TONS of new opportunities and try new things.

 PJ: What’s one piece of advice on the admissions process at your university for prospective students?

CMU: Be confident in your unique high school experience and show us who you ACTUALLY are so we get a sense of the real you.

PJ: Which aspects of a prospective student's application does CMU prioritize the most?  

CMU: We use a holistic review and everything in the context of a student’s high school experience is important to us but we definitely want to see that you realistically challenge yourself in the disciplines that you enjoy and that you manage to do well.

PJ: Can you tell us a little about what makes CMU unique?

CMU: Definitely the fact that we have such innovative and unique programs spanning so many different fields from technical programs to the fine arts, cutting edge liberal arts and science to business. Plus the fact that students come to campus knowing and ready to tackle their main focus from day one.

PJ: How much are senior year classes and grades a part of the admissions process?

CMU: We definitely want to see that you are continuing to challenge yourself and doing well. Typically, this means we will see, at least, first quarter grades. As a note, we are only concerned with grades from 10th through 12th.

PJ: What program is your school most proud of?

CMU: There are far too many to pick just one! I suggest you reach out to a program you’re interested in and see the pride our faculty and students have for all of our programs.

PJ: What resources are available to your students on campus?

CMU: We definitely pride ourselves on having a supportive community to match the rigor we offer our students. This includes everything from counseling and health services to academic and career advisors, to your House Fellows who are staff members that live in your first year resident hall and serve to ensure that that first year experience lays the groundwork for success.