I’m queuing up my question now, but please answer when it is convenient. In browsing prior recordings about the bridge program, I have not been able to determine whether the program could be done via remote learning (even as the university is open). Is this available? Thank you.

Outside of Covid, most of our courses are not typically offered with remote options.

How much is the tuition for the bridge program?

If we start the bridge program in Fall ’21, rather than summer, does that impact the timing for folding into the regular MS program?

When is the application deadline for the Fall 21 bridge program?

Hi, I am an OPT student, how will this effect my visa status?

When will applications be reviewed and admission decisions be made? Will it only be after the priority deadline?

Is it possible to apply to two programs at Columbia at the same time? I am also interested in a program at Columbia GSAPP

Hey @Holly, we have been taking classes remotely since this summer. Remote vs. in-person depends on the course/professor. All the classes that I have taken so far since this summer are remote. :)

How does financial aid work? Are there scholarships available? New to this, so pardon if this question sounds weird.

Are there scholarships/grants for students from low income families?

@Lawrence. Thank you

Is there a preference between Professional/Academic LOR?

Can you study programs outside of cs?

I haven't been in school in a while and currently working full time. Can this program (bridge and masters) be done on part-time basis?

Must the bridge courses be completed before admission?

What is the maximum number of courses you can take per semester?

What abilities and experience are most valued in admission?

If the FAQ it says if students do not submit GRE scores this cycle they will not be penalized in the graduate admissions review process. If a GRE score is submitted, how heavily would the score be weighted as part of the graduate admissions review process?

@Sonam - it really depends on your workload and how much flexibility you have from your employer. I do have to say that the course work is pretty rigorous so plan accordingly ;). I decided to leave my job and go full time because I wanted to get the most out of the program as a full time student :)

Is there an average undergrad gpa that the program usually expects?

I noticed that there are other versions of the intro courses offered at Columbia (courses that are not taught in java or honors/advanced courses). Would these classes fulfill the bridge requirement?

@Lesly - Bridge courses must be completed before moving onto the MS program

Can you talk about the main difference between graduate and undergraduate CS coursework?

Can I just try 3 credits from the bridge program?

@Soofie we occasionally accept course substitutes but we wouldn't recommend you to take alternative courses without consulting us first.

@Nalin: MS coursework is naturally more rigorous and more specialized.

How many calculus classes must I take?

Calculus I II and III?

There's an honors course in data structures that looks good if you're feeling strong

Yes the honors data structures would be fine.

take

I’ve taken both an intro and data structures course at my undergraduate university, but due to some difference in material/language of instruction, I’m planning on retaking one or both of the classes. Is this something I should mention on my application. If so, where would be an appropriate place to mention this?

Thank you!

Does coursera count

If I take a online or do a project

If I do a project on my own does it count?

I’m curious about current student’s previous backgrounds

Have any of the current students have worked part time during the bridge program?

I work all day every day

Are Bridge students eligible to be teaching assistants, participate in research, or be resident advisors? Thanks again for taking these questions.

Also, about how many students are in the program in total?

This class has 20 students I think

You mentioned a threshold, is there a general class size that the admissions have in mind?

How common is it for students to have no background at all in computer science? Do those students tend to struggle a lot more?

there's 25 students for this cohort, with expectation of the same

I have a non-CS Bachelors and a non-CS MS, how much weight will be given to the BS vs. MS in the application process?

What where Michael’s careers

@Dana we will likely look at both, perhaps weighting more recent records a bit higher

Fixed Income trading and real estate development

Thanks!

I have to go bye

To Lawrence: Hi thanks for your time! I’m wondering whether you had any background in CS already (aside from your consulting career) and what you plan to study after the bridge program? I wonder if the track you choose is heavily math-based? Thank you.

I also have a background in accounting and finance

Any tips for these kinds of loan for us who don’t have experience with loans?

Thank you in advance.

Are class sizes integrated with undergraduate students or is there a specific cohort of classes for bridge/MS students only?

Are there any students in the bridge program who studied the Humanities in undergrad?

@Neel yes there are!

Can bridge applicants receive financial aid? Should I send my FAFSA to Columbia?

everything is integrated, there is no separate sections. we are all receiving the same education

@Matthew: Yes as in they are integrated with undergraduates?

the bridge program courses are, as for grad courses there are probably going to be some undergrads as well.

until you get to the really tail end of the program

Thank you!

For any students that want to respond: I find that studying for CS in groups is extremely helpful and was wondering if you’ve been able to interact with other students online despite not taking classes on campus.

What does the acceptance rate look like?

I came to the session late, so apologies if I missed this information, but is the bridge program essentially the equivalent of a sped-up undergrad degree in CS?

Can students from SPS take bridge programs as electives?

How would you be able to find work in a downturn economy?

Javascript is the main language

Right?

@Michael most of our students that have been looking for work have been able to find opportunities. CS talent is needed in every industry!

Web design is there too

?

as well as hopefully by the time you would be graduating then the economy will be on the up and up

Like web development?

@Nana et al. what are your career plans?

thank you, all!

I want to build advanced computers with new paradigms based on things that go beyond even quantum computing standards

lol

How competitive vs collaborative has the student environment been ?

I very unrealistic

I've found it to be a supportive envirnment

couldn’t agree more @michael

awesome, thank you!

lol

Im joking

During non covid times, is the MS component usually in person?

@Nalin, yes generally this is an in-person program

both the bridge and the MS

Thank you all so much!

Thank you!

Thanks everyone!!

Thank you for the informative session. Have a nice day! :)

Thank you

Thank you! Great information look forward to applying!

Thank you all for your time today!

Great job!!!!!

Good luck everyone! :D

Thank you!!!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thanks!

Thanks guys!

thank you for your time!

Thanks all for your time!