<p>I'm currently a rising freshman at NC State University in the department of Engineering. I know its REALLY early to be thinking about grad school, but at this point I'm just looking for advice and insight. While there is plenty of time between now and 2015, I want to learn as much as I can about graduate admissions now so I don't make the same mistakes I did going into undergrad.</p>
<p>I'm undecided on exactly what type of engineering I want to do, but something along the lines of electrical eng, computer eng, computer science. </p>
<p>(Hold all answers to HYPSM+Cal Tech+Berkeley standards)</p>
<p>Undergraduate Research
What is the value of undergraduate research in graduate school applications? What sort of research opportunities should I keep an eye out for?</p>
<p>Majors/Minors
I have a significant amount of AP credit, enough to easily work my way to a double major or at least a few minors. What do graduate admissions look for/frown upon regarding multiple majors/minors? E.g. similar (Electrical Eng + Comp Eng) or different (Electrical Eng + History Education). Should minors support your majors or demonstrate your diversity?</p>
<p>Summer Courses
Do graduate schools care if you take summer classes? Especially if you are doing double major +minors?</p>
<p>Internships/Co-ops
What are the benefits of each in terms of graduate admissions? Is one valued over the other? </p>
<p>GPA/GRE scores
When should I start studying/taking the GRE? What range of scores should I be looking for?</p>
<p>Extracurriculars
Clubs? Volunteering? Jobs? What value do they have on graduate applications?</p>
<p>Please feel free to include your personal experiences or any advice you have for me. I know that I am very smart and I have the test scores and a stack of teacher recommendations to show for it. The only reason I didn't get into a better university is because I slacked of junior year and my GPA took a nosedive. My wake up call was when I started getting rejection letters from schools I thought I was a shoo-in for. I promised myself I wouldn't let that happen again. </p>
<p>Thanks for any and all responses. <3</p>