r/cmu

Got into MsAIM with a 25% merit scholarship and I’m genuinely excited — but also have some real questions before I commit.

My background: ~3.5 YOE in industry → pivoting to ML. AWS ML certified, 3 IEEE papers, GRE 325, 8.7 CGPA from an Indian T3 university.

Goal: MLE roles in the US, and seriously want to pursue a PhD in ML at some point.

A few things I can’t find clear answers to:

•	MsAIM is still a relatively young program — how is it being received by recruiters so far? Does the CMU name carry regardless?

•	It’s a management-leaning degree at Heinz. Does that realistically close doors to a PhD in ML, or can strong research work during the program offset that?

•	How strong is the bridge between Heinz and CMU’s engineering/ML faculty? Any real research opportunities there?

•	For people already in the program or alumni — how’s the ML coursework depth? Is it rigorous enough to compete with pure CS grads for MLE roles?

I know getting into CMU is rare and I don’t want to take that lightly. Just want to make sure I’m going in with clear eyes.

Anyone in the program or who’s been through it — would really appreciate honest takes.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Hi everyone, accepted ECE undergrad here. After being accepted, I saw that CMU dropped my cost of attendance to 43k. However, outside of a CSA that would lower my debt to 125k, my parent refused to help pay for college and/or cosign loans. I'm honestly worried that I may not even be able to take out enough loans without a cosigner and no credit history. I reached out to the Admissions office with an appeal that broke down my debt situation in detail and mentioned a full ride to a state school to try to get them to compete. They rejected it completely; not even sure they fully read it. I'm still going to try higher up the chain, but what is your advice as CMU students before I do so?

Has anyone before transferred from cmuq to cmu main campus?

yes i know Excel on mac is not good compared to windows and obviously looked down upon in the work force.

However, for finance at CMU, is a MacBook fine?? or should i get an ASUS, thinkpad, lenovo, etc

Lmk please the deals looking too good for Apple

Hi all.

What MacBook do you recommend for an upcoming CMU SCS freshman?

Would a MacBook Air (M2, 8GB, 256GB) be okay or I will need a better one. I know CMU SCS recommends a MacBook Pro but is that really necessary? Trying to save some money here.

Thanks.