<p>First off, my stats: I graduated with a BSME from CO School of Mines in 2006. My GPA was 3.52, Major GPA was 3.94, and I got all A's my last 72 credit hours. I had two summer internships at local, no-name companies, one semester of "research" experience, passed the FE exam, and have been working at a major hard drive manufacturer for the last two years. </p>
<p>I recently took the GRE and got a 800 quant, 720 verbal, 6.0 AW.</p>
<p>The reason I'm asking is because undergrad was not easy for me. Although school got easier for me as the years went on, I really had to work hard at it. Some of my classmates seemed to pick up on new concepts effortlessly, while I had to spend hours every night trying to teach myself so that I could keep up. And it's those types of students I imagine are the ones that deserve to go to graduate school. I didn't even go to a top school, so I'm sure the quality of students that make it to grad school is beyond what I've seen. </p>
<p>So I guess I'm wondering two things: Would admissions at a top school even consider me with my basically average stats? And based on what I've wrote above, do you think I have what it takes to be successful in graduate school?</p>
<p>If PhD, your real problem is lack of research experience. How do you know research is what you want to do for six years? Indentured servitude is not for everyone. You've thought about that already, of course, but rehearse your answer well because you have to convince the department that you'll stick it out. That's a tough sell in fields like engineering where you have little monetary incentive to pursue higher education: think about the independence and comforts that you'll sacrifice to go to grad school and how little your salary/job prospects will improve afterwards. If you had more research experience you could convince schools that you're making an informed career choice, but if you apply now, someone might think you plan to drop out after you've earned a Master's and that you just want the PhD stipend. Another problem will be finding professors to recommend you two years after graduation. I suggest doing a Master's program with thesis first if you plan on going for a PhD.</p>
<p>For MS (or MEng), you can probably get funded by your employer. In that case, it's definitely worth taking your chances because failure wouldn't cost you much. Remember that you just have to pass your classes at this level (unless you plan on going for a PhD later).</p>
<p>Two people I know here at Caltech within the Materials Science and Applied Physics departments went to the Colorado School of Mines for their undergrad, and they're doing perfectly fine here. A PhD isn't so much about how well you do in the classroom, it's more about your research abilities and solving problems nobody has solved before.</p>
<p>I'd be going for an MS. My employer does pay for graduate school, but I'd have to do it while working. Since there are no engineering graduate schools in my area, I'd have to do it over the internet... and that's not my style.</p>
<p>I do feel that my one semester of research is a weak point. I didn't even realize that undergrads did research until one of my professors asked me to do research for him my senior year. </p>
<p>I'm looking to go to graduate school because I'm not satisfied with the corporate environment. I don't feel like I'm living up to my full potential. Ultimately, I'd like to do research instead of one of the typical engineering positions. I wouldn't mind spinning off what I've researched into a business either.</p>
<p>Regarding recommendations from professors, I don't think I'd have a problem with that. My school was small enough that I was able to develop pretty good relationships with a few of the professors. I actually think I'd have a harder time getting good letters of recommendation from my current employer, if graduate schools care about that.</p>
<p>I Graduated from Mines in 2007, and I'm currently in a PhD program at Stanford. Given your GPA, GRE, and experience, and assuming you can obtain strong reference letters, I don't see why you wouldn't have a shot at a top program. Your stats are far from "basically average". </p>
<p>While I was visiting potential grad schools, I was a bit surprised to hear from Stanford and Caltech professors that they view Mines as a rigorous school. Sure, I know it has that reputation within Colorado, but it seems profs at top universities also have this view. That should bode well for you.</p>
<p>As for whether you have what it takes...you won't know until you give grad school a try. I had a different experience at Mines, so I can't really comment. MS programs tend to not have strict graduating requirements, so I wouldn't worry too much. Here at Stanford, you simply need a 2.75 GPA. In most courses, only the worst students in the class will get a B- or below.</p>
<p>Can anyone tell me what it's like going back to school after a couple years away? I'm afraid I won't be able to remember much of what I learned during undergrad.</p>
<p>Your academic stats are pretty impressive--especially the high Major GPA (which is a factor for admissions). Your lack of research won't really hurt you--just make sure you apply for an RAship if you want a PhD.</p>
<p>What kind of graduate degree are you seeking and what are your ultimate plans?</p>
<p>M.S/PhD and research or MEng and industry?</p>
<p>Finally, the MOST important question is what type of reseach are you interested in? Don't just look at rankings but instead look at the individual professor/department research areas and find one that matches yours.</p>
<p>Apply to whichever schools you wish. I had a 3.2 GPA from Michigan and got into multiple top ten aerospace engineering schools. Grad admissions are very hard to predict.</p>
<p>No, you don't <em>need</em> to contact any professors. It may help with funding, but I don't think it'd do much for admission since that's by committee.</p>
<p>If you have some sort of way that you'd be very interesting to a certain professor (perhaps worked for someone they're on good terms with, worked there over the summer, etc) it might be a good way to try and get that professor to put in a good word for you. Admissions are done by a committee, but individual faculty members can still say they want someone, so as long as you make the basic cutoff they should let you in.</p>
<p>Research assistantships can be pursued once you're admitted, but it can also be included in a financial aid package that comes along with admission. My senior year I had a seminar class where professors from across the country would come and talk about their research, which is where I met a professor which would ultimately be not just a school I got accepted into, but also got flown out to visit and am now an RA for him. At the very least, it'd give you a chance to hear from someone first hand in the department you want to be in.</p>