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College Preparation Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar — B.S. in Artificial Intelligence (BSAI)

Requirement Category	Specific Items (A Levels + India)	Deadlines/Notes	CMU‑Q BSAI specifics
Standardized Tests	SAT or ACT (optional at CMU‑Q)	Submit by the application deadline if you choose to report	Testing is optional; strong scores can support your file
	English proficiency (TOEFL iBT or IELTS) unless waived	Report official scores by the deadline	Required for most international applicants
	AP/IB exams (optional)	Strong scores can demonstrate readiness	Math and science strength is valued
Academic Requirements	Official high school transcript and A Level results or predicted grades	Upload predicted grades if finals pending	Strong A Level performance expected
	A Levels: Mathematics required; Further Mathematics highly recommended; Physics recommended; Computer Science helpful	Show calculus exposure where possible	Foundation in math, CS, statistics is key for BSAI
	GPA (if reported by your school) and Class Rank	Include on counselor/school report	Rigor of coursework is considered
Application Components	CMU‑Q online application + CMU‑Q writing prompts	Regular Decision due January 15 (typical)	Select B.S. in Artificial Intelligence as intended program
	Application fee	$75 USD (fee waivers may be available)	Pay in the CMU‑Q application portal
	Personal statement and short‑answer essays	Draft early and revise	Highlight AI interests, math depth, projects
	2–3 recommendations	Ask teachers early	At least one math or science teacher recommended
Extracurriculars	Leadership, community impact, competitions	Quality over quantity	AI/CS projects, research, Olympiads, hackathons
	Portfolio or GitHub (optional)	Link in application	Showcase coding, papers, demos
Financial Preparation	Financial documents for international students	Plan ahead for costs and proof of funding	Review CMU‑Q tuition and Qatar Foundation scholarship info
Visa / Residency	Qatar student residency process after admission	Start university paperwork promptly after admission	CMU‑Q guides students through the process
Interview	Not required; may be offered selectively	If offered, schedule promptly	Use it to discuss AI interests and fit
Programs Offered (Context)	CMU‑Q offers Artificial Intelligence, Biological Sciences, Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Systems	Apply directly to your intended program	Changing programs later can be competitive

What to do next

Build subject strength for BSAI
- A Levels: Mathematics A* target
- Further Mathematics A/A* target
- Physics A/A*
- Computer Science A if offered
Demonstrate AI readiness
- Self‑driven projects using Python, NumPy, PyTorch or TensorFlow
- Problem solving: USACO, Codeforces, or equivalents
- Math depth: calculus, linear algebra, probability
Academic records
- Request official transcripts and predicted grades
- Keep GPA visible on your counselor report if your school provides it
Testing plan
- Decide whether to submit SAT/ACT
- Take TOEFL iBT or IELTS if needed
Essays and recommendations
- Draft CMU‑Q responses focused on your AI journey and impact
- Ask STEM teachers early for detailed recommendations
Financial and visa planning
- Prepare bank statements and sponsor letters as required
- Review CMU‑Q tuition, scholarship pages, and residency steps post‑admission

Self-Note: Policies change. Always confirm testing policy, deadlines, tuition, and documentation on CMU‑Q’s official pages before submitting.