Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Admission

Eligibility & Documents Required for Admission

Note: The eligibility conditions differ by department, therefore check the department's website for particular information.
The documents needed for admission differ by department, however here are a few common ones:

• Application for Graduate Students
• Application fees
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo 
• Even if no degree was awarded, a PDF of your most current transcript from each institution and/or university you attended.
• Resume in PDF format.
• Your Statement of Purpose – a one- or two-page essay outlining your principal research interests, associated experiences, and motivation for obtaining a masters degree in computer science.
• At least two of the letters of recommendation must be from faculty or recent employers.
• Additional Information (If applicable).

Admission Dates & Process

Students can choose between Early Decision 1 or Early Decision 2. Early Decision 1 is for individuals who apply by November 1, whereas Early Decision 2 is for those who may decide after November 1 that Carnegie Mellon is their top option. 

Early Decision 1

• The deadline is November 1st.
• By the 15th of December, you will have been notified.
• Enrollment deadline is February 1st.
• Acting, directing, dramaturgy, music theatre, and the School of Music do not provide Early Decision 1.

Deadline for Early Decision 2 is January 3rd.

• By no later than February 1st, you will be notified.
• Enrollment deadline is February 15th.
• The Schools of Drama, Music, Design, and Art do not provide Early Decision 2.

The most common plan for students applying to Carnegie Mellon is Regular Decision. Students frequently apply Regular Decision to a number of colleges and then compare financial aid packages.

• Regular Decision
• The deadline is January 3rd.
• By April 1st, you must have been notified.
• Enrollment deadline is May 2nd.

Students can apply for admission using Carnegie Mellon University's online portal. They should have all of the necessary documentation on hand to avoid any problems when filling out the forms.

Frequently Asked Questions