How I got into University of Pennsylvania’s online Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT) degree program

The email that changed my life since

Earlier this year, I joined the online Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT) by the University of Pennsylvania. I was intrigued by this program when I first came across it because it opens up a door for people without computer science background like myself. My background is in Psychology. I started my career in HR and I’m currently working as a program manager in a technology company. (LinkedIn profile) As you can imagine, it was a dream-come-true moment for me!

In this article, I’ll talk about how I approach my application in hope that it will help you prepare for your application.

1. Allocate sufficient time

Make sure that you have ample time (at least a month) allocated to prepare for your application. As you can see below, there are many things that you need to submit and each one of them takes time to prepare. Item with lower number are things that you should start first. Definitely work on them in parallel (work on your resume and personal statement while waiting for your reference letters and transcripts)

2. Provide draft recommendation letters and ask ahead of time

Provide around 3–4 weeks for your references to prepare and supply the recommendation letters.

In your request emails,

a. tell them briefly why are you applying to this program

b. explicitly ask them to highlight past projects/attributes that will strengthen your candidacy

Things I asked my reference to highlight

c. provide a sample or draft recommendation letter to help them in writing

3. Tests and transcripts

If you don’t already have your TOEFL score (if not waived) and academic transcripts ready, ask early.

4. Highlight your tech-related experiences in your resume

To demonstrate your interest in computer science and technology, highlight your tech-related work experiences such as a project that you led or participated in. If you don’t have a work-related project, you can also list your tech-related passion projects or volunteering experiences.

Here are some of the things that I highlighted in my resume:

a. My role as the analytics subject matter expert when I was in the Human Resources Learning and Development team.

b. My automation project where I used AppScript to automate some of my team’s processes when I was in the Recruitment Operations team.

c. My data visualisation dashboard that I created to help my teammates get insights and generate reports.

There are more about writing an effective resume which I won’t talk about here. Here are some YouTube videos on how to write an effective resume by one of my favourite YouTubers: https://www.youtube.com/c/JamieLimYinYin/search?query=resume

5. Personal statement

Now, the most important part of your application — your personal statement. Bottom line: answer all the questions asked.

Questions asked by the school to be answered in your personal statement

I started answering these questions in point form. I reordered these points later on and string them together to have a better flow.

Be sure to:

a. Tell them why you are interested in computer science/technology by showing them examples of your work/passion projects & experiences

b. Share your career aspiration and how this program will bridge that gap. Comment specifically on the courses and professors that interests you and how they will help you in your growth.

c. Look at the school/professors’ research to have a flavour of what the program will entail. Don’t provide a contrast between this and another program, but be clear about why do you like/prefer this program and how this MCIT program specifically is suitable/will benefit you.

d. Talk about how you can give back to the student community! Check out the MCIT Online Student Association here. There are also many other ways to give back here!

e. Illustrate how capable you are in handling independent online learning and also the workload. Here is where I showed them online certificates that I have completed (R programming, Math for ML) to prove that I have the discipline and grit to handle independent online learning.

f. Lastly, be yourself! It’s a personal statement after all. This is the chance to show them who you are, beyond things that have already been covered by your resume, transcripts and reference letters.