Follow these steps to become a CMU Qatar student
Academic Preparation
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Here are some general guidelines for how best to prepare for undergraduate admission at CMU-Q.
Courses you 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)
- Electives* (2-3 years)
*Note that coursework in programming is highly recommended for prospective Computer Science and Information Systems majors
Are you a student attending a British stream school?
- 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 the schools offers it.
- We recommend that applicants to Information Systems take AS ICT or Computer Science 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’s or O-Levels will not be considered for admission
Are you attending an Indian stream school?
- 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
How to prepare for mathematics
Because of the highly quantitative nature of Carnegie Mellon’s curriculum, 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
Academic Credit for AP, IB and A-Levels
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 Academic Affairs Office at Carnegie Mellon 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.
A full listing of transferrable credit for AP, IB and A-levels can be accessed here.
Workshops and events
For secondary school students who would like a glimpse into college life, CMU-Q holds workshops in all of the different program areas, as well as events that celebrate academic exploration and achievement.
Learn more