a little worried

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi, </p>

<p>So Im new to this site but based on what ive seen here Im a little worried that I am aiming to high. I want to get my PhD in aerospace engineering. I am majoring in mechanical engineering at a small private, but fairly well known school. </p>

<p>My major GPA is 3.68</p>

<p>Research/Experience
-Member of aerospace club-we have designed and are building our own r/c airplane
-have also done an independent study for the aerospace club
-REU last summer at a top 20 university
-internship at NASA this summer
-will be doing another independent study next year</p>

<p>Not going to have any publications </p>

<p>Expecting 2 excellent LORS (one from my advisor at NASA) and probably a 3rd decent letter</p>

<p>Havent taken GRE</p>

<p>Part of why I am concerned is because last semester my major GPA went down from 3.74. Not a huge drop I guess, but it is my major GPA and it was my junior year. Is that going to hurt bad?</p>

<p>Do I look like I have a shot at some top 10 universities. Some of my top choices are U.Illinois, Cornell, G-Tech, Princeton, Purdue, Michigan, Maryland, MIT.</p>

<p>I am also applying to schools that are not in the top 10 and Im pretty sure I have a great chance at the school I did the REU at, but I am just wondering if I should look at some other schools as well.</p>

2

<p>When will you take your GREs? Will you apply to the above mentioned colleges this fall? Research, research, research. Good Luck.</p>

3

<p>I will be taking the GRE either at the end of the summer or early fall. </p>

<p>Yes Im applying this fall.</p>

4

<p>^^ I agree. Research experience is important. Certainly more important than the GPA difference you describe. Just do well on the GRE, and you’ll get into a good school.</p>