OMSCS-related question for non-cs, non-stem background candidate!
Interview Experience
Hi all, I 'm a prospective student for OMSCS! I have been snooping on admissions for people from non-CS backgrounds, but could not find a case similar to mine from that sub. My post was rejected in OM
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Hi all, I 'm a prospective student for OMSCS! I have been snooping on admissions for people from non-CS backgrounds, but could not find a case similar to mine from that sub. My post was rejected in OMSCS sub, so posting here. I was already rejected twice in a row from OMSCS with the below backgrounds. 1. Have a BA, good name uni, 3.6 GPA 2. Have a certificate of completion from a coding bootcamp \~6 years ago 3. 4\~5YOE, SWE2 title at work, backend role 4. Took some courses from Sophia Learning thinking of transferring them to WGU just in case: Python, Java, Databases, Web development, Calculus, and Networking. I'm at a crossroads where I am trying to make a firm decision and push through. 1. I can continue working on the WGU path. I can apply for OMSCS on my first term at WGU after taking discrete math and DSA. Pros: If I get rejected I can still continue to work on my BS. Likely will complete it. My work will also cover the cost for my BS. Cons: The only thing I don't like about this path is that at least for the Sophia courses that I took I already knew most of the material, so oftentimes felt like I'm wasting my time. I'm afraid it won't be too different at WGU. 2. I can try to take GT Edx courses - DSA and OOP probably, and try applying. Pros: I read people saying these MOOC courses are helpful for the actual OMSCS course. Cons: I am not sure if my Sophia Learning completion credentials would count for anything as the classes need to be from regionally accredited schools. Also, my work will not cover the cost for these courses as it is not part of their network. 3. I can take DSA and other courses from a CC. Pros: This seems to be the most recommended path for non-cs background folks. The cost will be covered by my work. Cons: I was finding that a lot of schools don't allow you to just take DSA directly as it you need to complete some prework like Intro to CS. Also, the courses would be semester/quarter based, so there is less flexibility. I would not be able to "excel" faster if I wanted to. 4. Finally, as I have heard from some of my other senior peers, don't do MS and focus that energy on other areas of development like leadership, practice with AI usage, or even consider an MBA. Thank you for reading through! I hope this post can be of service to people who are in a similar position.