MCIT Online First Semester Impressions

[@jinyeongpark2215]

You are my favorite TA in my program. I always enjoy your recitation time! :-) Thank you Cedric!

[@cedricvicera]

Thanks! That’s good to hear. I wish I could do more recitations.

[@tianaboutros1071]

Hi Cedric! I just watched all of your MCIT related videos. As a potential applicant, your insights were super helpful! I connected you on LinkedIn and will be reaching out with questions throughout the process. Thank you!

[@cedricvicera]

Awesome! Look forward to it.

[@carlosotero7683]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience so far, Cedric! It certainly encouraged me to apply for the fall term of 2021! :)

[@cedricvicera]

Nice. Good luck!

[@carlosotero7683]

@@cedricvicera Thanks!

[@chasingquality5425]

Thank you for this, Cedric. I plan to apply soon, and I have had trouble finding good information about actual student experience in class.

[@cedricvicera]

Thanks! I’m glad this was helpful

[@JoseReyes-sd7pr]

Hey Cedric! Thanks for the awesome video!

[@cedricvicera]

You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Angelo_Birgit]

Cedric! I got into MCIT :)

[@cedricvicera]

Congratulations! Hope I was able to help!

[@Angelo_Birgit]

@@cedricvicera hell yeah! See you in class ;)

[@vincentchen1714]

Appreciate your videos, keep them coming! I'm starting 591 and 592 this Spring

[@cedricvicera]

Thanks! Nice, I’ll be TAing for 591 so maybe I’ll see you. Good luck with your studies!

[@tainguyen3159]

Thank you for your video, Cedric. I was wondering if you have any thoughts on doing the MCIT program (offline) vs. the Master's in CS program from Columbia. I can't decide which school to choose but I am looking for a quality education and good access to professors. Even though they are largely career-oriented, I want to be able to do research and have the option of pursuing a PhD.

[@cedricvicera]

I'm not familiar with Columbia's program but I would say both programs are course-based. However, that shouldn't limit you from taking on a research position. I recommend reaching out to Professors or seek a research role outside the University. Several students from MCIT (both offline + online) have pursued a PhD afterwards. I would go for MCIT if you don't have a strong CS background.

[@replose1997]

I have a choice between MSAI at ut austin and MSE-AI at upenn, which would you go for.

[@dipsy241]

Could you tell the fees for the program?

[@WeworkingFan]

Hi! Thank you for the video. I am a potential applicant with a question: do you think taking two courses per semester while having a full time job is too much?

[@cedricvicera]

I’ve seen many people do it but they’re quite disciplined. I recommend taking just 1 for the first semester, especially if you’re new to programming. Afterwards, you can always add more.

[@Stef_42]

Hi Cedric! What is your background? I have a BS in Environmental Science so I am afraid that because I don't have an engineering degree they won't consider me. Thanks!

[@yassirabou]

What is the estimate tuition fee for the entire program?

[@msh104utube]

How many students in each incoming class? When you are a TA, do you get a discount on your tuition (like Stanford does)? Thanks! Great vids, keep it up!

[@cedricvicera]

About 250-350. You can read more here (“About the Program”): onlinelearning.seas.upenn.edu/mcit/ No discount. But you are paid: onlinelearning.seas.upenn.edu/teaching-assistants/

[@msh104utube]

@@cedricvicera Thanks, I believe I read that a while ago. One last question, if you don't mind: can one take classes as they see fit, as long as the pre-reqs are fulfilled? For example, if I wanted to focus on getting my algorithms and data structures classes done first, can I focus on taking those first in Fall and Winter, and leave the coding for the later semesters (i.e. Spring and Summer)? Does anyone do this, or do they just follow a designated track that interchanges the courses together.

[@cedricvicera]

@@msh104utube typically you follow courses in order and you have to take at least four core courses before any electives. That said you can waive up to 2 courses. Some people take courses out of order and do Data structures before computer systems etc.

[@msh104utube]

@@cedricvicera Appreciate the info!

[@michellen.4037]

Hi Cedric, I'm planning to apply but stuck on whether I should apply for on campus or online MCIT program. I do work full-time but only plan to take 1 class to start with. Do you have any thoughts on whether one experience is better than the other? I know you can only speak from your own experience which is the online program, but curious on the advantages (if any) from being on campus than online (or vice versa)..based on what you heard from friends or colleagues who did in person MCIT? Also I read part-time on campus is still possible since classes can run as late as 4:30PM, but does that limit class options with the timing? The FAQs also noted students are unable to switch from online to campus, do you know if that's set in stone or can be exceptions based?

[@cedricvicera]

IMHO, I believe that MCIT Online is more advantageous than the on-campus program. I'll be making a full review video once I finish. But in short, MCIT Online has more flexibility, staff support, etc. that really makes it stand out and it's what students really need as they transition into tech. Currently, there is no switching (and it will stay that way) since the two programs really are completely different in my perspective.

[@michellen.4037]

@@cedricvicera Thank you for replying and providing your thoughts. Given I'll be working full time, I'll definitely need the flexibility of the program which is making me lean more towards applying for the online program now that you mention it. I know it's competitive but will still try and shoot my shot with Penn :) Will check out your new video once you finish the program too. Thanks again!

[@FR030523]

If you read some textbooks through these programs, could you share them?

[@seajaladhikari9358]

I recent got enrollees for the fall cohert MCIT Online, do you think I can switch to MCIT in person?

[@sukhamritsingh3420]

Dude I got an ad on ur video 😲 with u having 192 subs only

[@KhoaTran-ds9gr]

Hello there. I really want to apply for the MCIT program to be a part of the Upenn Community; however, the program does not offer night time for grad students like other schools. Do you work full-time and study part-time at Upenn? Do you think there are any chances for a 9-5 employee to study MCIT part-time? Thank you for your time.

[@cedricvicera]

For the MCIT Online program you can study either part-time or full time. You can even take a full-time course schedule even if you’re working full time. I’ve taken both full-time and part-time semesters. I know plenty of full time workers who study part-time so I definitely think it’s possible.

[@KhoaTran-ds9gr]

@@cedricvicera That's great. Because when I researched the program, in the FAQ section Upenn said "We do not currently offer evening courses, but some courses are taught as late as 4:30pm-6pm.", I am confused if the program requires students to attend on time for day-time classes. Correct me if I misunderstand please.

[@cedricvicera]

@@KhoaTran-ds9gr sound like you were looking the MCIT program which is on-campus. The MCIT Online program is online and flexible for full-time workers.

[@KhoaTran-ds9gr]

@@cedricvicera Thank you so much for your time and help. Hope that I can make it.

[@mudit7808]

Hi! I really enjoy your videos, they're quite informative! I'm thinking about applying to this program. Tho I wanted to know 2 things: 1. After completing the MCIT program can we be transferred to the MSE program( originally meant for grads with cse degrees) 2. Is there any considerable difference in the job placements b/w the online and the offline, on-campus MCIT program (asking because I'm wondering whether moving there would be of any help, or to go for the more flexible online program)

[@cedricvicera]

1. At this time I don't believe there's a transfer to MSE from MCIT Online 2. I've seen equal opportunities from both offline + online. I recommend pursuing which format would best suit your needs.