Academic Preparation

At Carnegie Mellon, we are interested in seeing that you’ve challenged yourself in secondary school, and your academic performance will be the main factor in our admission decision. We have outlined our recommendations for courses that will best prepare you for studying at CMU-Q.

Courses All Applicants Should Take

We expect you to complete the following coursework to be considered for admission.

English (3-4 years)
Mathematics (3-4 years)
Laboratory science (3-4 years)
Native or foreign language (2-3 years)
Social sciences such as history, government, or economics (2-3 years)

Course Requirements and Recommendations for Each Major

For each major at CMU-Q, we have high school course requirements for admission, and course recommendations so you will start with the knowledge, skills, and tools that you need.

Artificial Intelligence

Calculus and Physics are required for admission
We strongly recommend coursework in Programming or Computer Science

Computer Science

Calculus and Physics are required for admission
We strongly recommend coursework in Programming or Computer Science

Biological Sciences

Chemistry, Biology, and Calculus are required for admission
Physics is recommended
We also recommend AP-level course in maths and sciences

Business Administration

Pre-Calculus Math is required for admission
Calculus is preferred
We recommend courses in Lab Science and Business

Information Systems

Pre-Calculus Math is required for admission
We recommend courses in Lab Science and Programming, preferably Python

Mathematics Preparation

All five programs at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar are quantitative programs, and a strong foundation in mathematics is essential. Your four years of secondary school mathematics should include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions.

You should be able to demonstrate these skills without a calculator:

Graph quadratic functions, ellipses, circles, and hyperbolas.
Manipulate algebraic expressions, including using rules of exponents.
Complete the square of a quadratic expression and recognize when completion of the square is appropriate.
Determine the domain of a function.
Understand the function concept, including the composition of functions, and recognize the functions from which a given function is composed.
Determine the intersection of two lines or a line and a quadratic function.
Determine the equation of a line and understand when lines are parallel or perpendicular in terms of their slopes.
Solve linear inequalities and quadratic equations including equations that arise in novel circumstances.
Use properties of logarithmic functions to simplify expressions and solve equations.
Be familiar with the graphs of logarithmic and exponential functions.
Know the definitions of the trigonometric functions, be familiar with their graphs and periodicity, be able to evaluate trigonometric functions using standard triangles, and know basic trigonometric identities including the Law of Cosines.
Know and apply the Pythagorean Theorem.
Recognize and use proportional relationships, including those derived from similar triangles.
Use knowledge of basic plane and solid geometric figures to express relationships among them, e.g. when one is inscribed in another.

British Stream Schools

A minimum of four AS subjects or 3 A-Levels are required. Mathematics is a requirement for all of our programs.
In addition to math, applicants to Biological Sciences must also take AS Biology and AS Chemistry. We recommend physics as a fourth subject.
In addition to math, applicants to Computer Science must also take AS Physics or AS Computer Science. We strongly suggest taking computer science if possible.
We recommend that applicants to Information Systems take AS ICT and at least one additional science (AS Math is required).
We recommend that applicants to Business Administration take AS Business and at least one additional science (AS Math is required).
Students who choose sciences for the remaining AS subjects are considered stronger applicants for all programs.
Students who go beyond the minimum will be given priority, meaning that those who continue with A-Levels will be considered stronger applicants and are more likely to be offered admission.
Grades should generally be A’s and B’s in order to be competitive.
Students with only IGCSE or O-Levels will not be considered for admission.

Indian Stream Schools

Students should be enrolled in the science track.
Students in the commerce track should only apply if their coursework has included pure mathematics through pre-calculus (trigonometry and analytic geometry).
The selection committee evaluates both your Standard X and Standard XII (if available) board exam results AND your in-school performance; admission decisions are not based on test results alone.

Standardized Testing

In addition to your academic coursework, CMU-Q requires standardized test scores as part of your application. Learn more about what’s required and how to prepare.

SAT or ACT Testing

English Language Proficiency

Academic Credit

Students engaged in front of the whiteboard.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Carnegie Mellon may grant advanced placement and credit for scores of four and five on exams taken in the CEEB Advanced Placement program. When you take the tests, be sure to request the results to be sent to the Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Admission Office. We’ll receive your scores in early summer. Once you are admitted, we will evaluate your scores and let you know if AP credit has been awarded.

The AP code for Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar is 4246.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Carnegie Mellon recognizes the quality of the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

We may grant advanced standing and/or credit in various fields for scores of six and seven on higher-level examinations. Send the results of IB exams to the Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Admission Office, and we will evaluate your scores and notify you if credit has been awarded.

British Advanced Level (A-Level) Examinations

Carnegie Mellon Qatar may award university course credit for grades of A or B received in A-Level exam results. An original copy of your A-Level results must be provided to the Education Office at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar in order for credit to be awarded.

Placement or Credit for College-Level Work

Carnegie Mellon may grant placement or credit for college work you’ve completed while in secondary school. Have your college transcript sent to the Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Admission Office for transfer credit evaluation. Please send the descriptions of your college courses as well.

Please see the Carnegie Mellon Division of Enrollment Services for a full listing of transferrable credit for AP, IB and A-levels.

Questions about Admission?

Admission Support