You will be required to take an on-line Math Placement test.  The test was developed by faculty in our Mathematics Department and will accurately assess your math abilities as those apply to our courses.  This score, along with any AP, IB, Cambridge A-level, or college math taken will also be taken into consideration. It is suggested that you take this test seriously and try your best.  You must take the entire test in one sitting and will not be permitted to re-take.  There is no studying necessary, it is to assess you current math knowledge.

What is the proper calculus course sequence?

The appropriate calculus sequence is as follows:

• 21-120: Differential and Integral Calculus 
• 21-122: Integration, Differential Equations & Approximation

- OR -

• 21-121:  Integration and Differential
• 21-123:  Calculus for Approximation (mini course)

After the appropriate above sequence is finished you may opt to enroll in 21-259 (Calculus in Three Dimensions), 21-260 (Differential Equations) or ECE majors 21-127 (Concepts of Math).

Can I petition for placement into a higher math course?

If you wish to petition the math department for a higher course, you will be able to in August, during orientation.  Please bring any relevant information (AP, IB, A-levels scores or college credit, plus any relevant syllabi or course descriptions). You can meet and talk with math faculty and explain why you think you should be in a higher math course. If it is deemed that you should be in a higher course, we will update your AP record, which will enable you to register for the higher math course.

Where can I find the list of offered courses?

You can locate information regarding courses offered by viewing the Schedule of Classes available on the HUB.

There are two unofficial sites that students find helpful in visually plotting out their schedules. 

• The Pulse Scheduler (managed by The Pulse) 

• ScheduleMan (managed by The Tartan)

In order to officially register for courses, however, you will need have your hold removed from your account in August and access your OLR (On-Line Registration) account on the HUB site.

What is a "mini" course?

Some courses (like C@CM AND 21-123) are mini courses, which only span half of the semester. You can tell when a mini course is offered by the number associated with the section letter. The number corresponds to the "quarter" in which the course is offered as such:

1= Fall first quarter (A1)
2= Fall second quarter (A2)
3= Spring third quarter (A3)
4= Spring fourth quarter (A4)

For example, 99-102 B2 is offered in the 2nd quarter of the first semester, whereas 99-101 D3 is offered in the 1st quarter of the second semester.

What is a recitation?

A recitation is required by some courses and offers students the opportunity to ask questions and seek assistance regarding topics taught.  This allotted time may also act a review of previously taught materials.  This is a good reference to make use of:

Lecture: Designated by number (1) and are typically 50 minutes
Recitation:  Designated by letter (A) and are usually 50 minutes
Lab:  Designated by letter (A) and are typically 2-3 hours

When do I register for classes?

Upon submitted and approved proposed schedule, CIT first-year students will register on-line for Fall courses in August.  Spring registration occurs in the middle of November.

What if I get put on a waitlist for a course?

Sometimes when you try to register for a course, you may get waitlisted.  Don't worry, because class enrollments shift frequently even into the first and second week of class, and space may become available. Be patient but be realistic.  For example, if you are 23rd on a waitlist of a class that holds 14, you should consider backup alternatives. It is never okay for your entire schedule of courses to be waitlisted; the limit should be no more than two courses.

Why do I get waitlisted when there seems to be space in the course?

Some courses have space reservation specifications (e.g. space reserved for CIT, HSS, or SCS freshmen in 76-101, 85-100, 99-101 etc.). Even though the course isn’t completely full, you may not be able to get in. You may try contacting the department of the course in question to check on future availability.

What are the maximum units I can enroll to take during my first-year?

During the fall semester, a first-year student can take a maximum of 47 factorable units and in the spring you are allotted 49 units.  If you would like to take an overload it will be granted during the spring semester only if you have earned a fall GPA of 3.0 or higher.  Note: courses such as physical education and ROTC are not considered factorable.

What restricted technical elective course is the co-requisite for each Introduction to Engineering course?

BME =          Modern Biology (03-121)
ChemE =      Modern Chemistry (09-105)
CEE =          Physics For Engineers (33-106)
ECE =          Computer Programming (15-100 or 15-111)
EPP =          Physics For Engineers (33-106)
MSE =         Physics For Engineers (33-106)
MechE =      Physics For Engineers (33-106)

When will I declare my CIT major?

You will have the opportunity to explore all the majors offered through CIT through the required First-Year Seminar and two Introduction to Engineering courses.  During the second semester of your first-year, in April, you will be asked to declare your primary major. 

When can I declare a minor?

You will be able to declare a minor after declaring your primary CIT major in April.  In the meantime, you are encouraged to explore all the minors available within the university.

I want to be in Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) but my admissions letter says I am restricted?

If you are a restricted student, you are not initially eligible to join ECE. However, space invariably becomes available allowing restricted students the chance to apply to ECE.

In early spring (around March) of your first year, we will ask those restricted students if they would like to be considered for entrance into the ECE department. This is the first step in the process, and is intended only to identify interested students. Once we have determined what space we have available, we will evaluate the academic records of interested students.

Criteria
Here are the criteria we use to determine eligibility:

• first semester final grades (double weighted) and
• second semester mid-term grades (single-weighted).

We do not know how much space we will have available until all "unrestricted" students have chosen their major. Furthermore, we cannot say what the "cut-off" grade point average will be, as it differs every year, depending on available space and performance of students.

Once the information is tallied, we will notify you as to whether or not you are invited to choose ECE as a major. In the meantime, you will be asked to pick an alternate CIT major.

Are all the 76-101, Interpretation and Argument sections the same?

It does appear that way, but the truth is that each section covers a different theme.  Each semester the course topics are changed. A list can be accessed by visiting the English Department's web site. (Click on First-Year English Program.)

I'm not fluent in English. Should I take 76-101?

ALL CIT students must complete the Writing Expression requirement in their first year.  Most will take 76-101. But students not proficient in English should take the writing placement exam to determine whether they should take 76-101: Interpretation and Argument or 76-100: Introduction to Reading and Writing. 

What are the minimum units necessary to maintain full-time status?

In order to maintain full-time status, you must be enrolled in 36 factorable units at any given time throughout any semester.  Anything lower then 36 units places you into part-time status.

Where can I see my AP credit?

Go to your SIO (Student Information On-line) on the HUB's web site.

Click on the "Grades" button. Then click the drop-box to right of the words "Would you like grades for a different semester?" and select "AP." Click "Submit."

Here you will see any transfer credit from AP, IB, Cambridge A-level or college credit. If you determine something is missing, then e-mail the CIT Dean's Office.

Where should I send my AP, IB, or A-level scores, along with any college transcripts?

Those should be sent directly to:

Carnegie Mellon University
CIT Dean's Office
Atten: Kourtney Kissel/CIT 2011
5000 Forbes Avenue
110 Scaife Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- OR-
Fax: 412-268-6421

- OR -
Scan as an attachment to cit1styr@cit.cmu.edu

Can I take a course overload?

First-year students take a normal course load in their first semester, to ensure that they can handle the rigors of CIT coursework and the adjustment of college life.  After you complete the fall semester and you earn a factorable GPA of at least a 3.0., you will automatically have your spring semester maximum units increased to 61 a few days later. Grades will be entered near the end of December or the beginning of January. If you qualify, you can add overload courses yourself using OLR.

Where can I find the academic calendar?

The academic calendar will highlight important academic deadlines, breaks, and vacations.  It can be found on the Enrollment Services (HUB) web site.

When can I do research?

Students can opt to do research, starting their second semester of their first year. Most start in the sophomore or junior year. Research is not required, but can be a rewarding experience. Many students decide to focus on research later in their academic career, when they have more practical coursework knowledge, allowing you to secure research projects that provide in-depth experience in a subject of interest. Typically, students find research by going to department faculty web pages and reviewing their research, then contacting the professor in question. 

Are there any computer requirements for CIT?

For CIT, there are no guidelines or requirements, as CIT students are not required to have computers. All our labs are outfitted and updated regularly with what students need for engineering coursework.

Nevertheless, many students have computers for tasks such as checking email and word processing. Most engineers have PCs rather than Macs, although Macs abound nonetheless. Students also take advantage of our wireless campus and purchase a laptop.  This gives you the option to surf the web, check email, or print to networked printers from virtually anywhere on campus and the surrounding area.

See this link for general information from the Computing Services Department.

What calculator is required for my calculus courses at Carnegie Mellon?

The math department generally doesn’t allow and/or use calculators in calculus courses, but it would be helpful to have a TI 89 or TI 92 for reference or homework.

When should I buy my text books?

It is best to buy your books after you arrive on campus and have attended the first class, to ensure that you do not wish to drop it.  It is also best to wait to determine what text book(s) are required for the course, what books are optional, and what editions are being used.  Most of your professors will provide you with a course syllabus, which will tell you exactly what text book is being used. 

I am an international student. Who should I contact?

The Office of International Education (OIE) advises international students and scholars regarding personal, immigration/visa, academic, social, and acculturation issues.

Telephone:  1+ 412-268-5231
E-mail international students:  oie@andrew.cmu.edu
E-mail exchange students:  goabroad@andrew.cmu.edu

Who should I contact if I have questions about housing?

All questions regarding housing, such as room information & roommate assignments should be directed to:

Housing Services: http://www.housing.cmu.edu/
412-268-2139
E-mail:  plaid@andrew.cmu.edu

Who do I contact for questions about tuition, billing, or financial aid?

All questions regarding billing for tuition, room and board, fees and payment information, financial aid, student loans, and scholarships should be directed to: 

Enrollment Services (HUB):  www.cmu.edu/hub/
412-268-8186
E-mail:  thehub@andrew.cmu.edu

How do I get proof of enrollment to stay on my parent's insurance or submit for a scholarship?

Student enrollment verification is available on the Enrollment Services (HUB) web site.