<p>I declined a job offer to apply for a masters in computer science.</p>
<p>What professors told me was a safety school (Purdue) and a match school (Maryland) have rejected me. I have yet to hear back from a few other schools.</p>
<p>I'm starting to panic. What should I do!?!?!</p>
<p>Be patient and wait to hear from the other schools. Maybe apply for some jobs in case too!</p>
<p>The problem is that I had a job offer and I had it converted to an internship, because I wanted to apply to grad schools and the company didn’t want to wait until April for me to commit. Do I continue on as planned … and if I don’t get into grad school, should I apply for jobs then? </p>
<p>This situation is very awkward and uncomfortable to say the least. I am probably applying for one more school by the end of today.</p>
<p>Many large firms usually have on-site distance education programs for pursuing masters level in engineering & CS. Your placement center may be able to help you apply for jobs at these firms. It can be hectic managing work & part time studies. If you are single it can be done. Main advantage is that you gain practical experience + getting paid while getting your MS. </p>
<p>In the meantime, apply to other schools loated where you may want to work after getting your masters degree. How about pursuing MS at your current school?</p>
<p>I do not want to pursue my MS while holding a full-time job. The firm is also not supportive of this… From my internship experience, I do not feel that I would be successful holding a full-time position there while pursuing MS studies. </p>
<p>I have applied to the MS program at my school; however, professors have told me that I’m not a shoe-in for MS admissions at my school because my academic profile is quite borderline. From what I’ve heard on GradCafe, grad (MS) admissions will be competitive at the Top 20 schools in CS this year.</p>
<p>That’s why everyone says there’s no such thing as a “safety” school in graduate admissions. It’s just too variable and the class sizes are too small to ever make those kinds of assumptions. I’d sit tight until you hear back from all your schools, and if it’s a no-go, I’d chat with your supervisor about the possibility of them taking you on full time. It’s awkward, but if you’re an unpaid intern right now, there’s nothing to lose. If they have a negative response or try to short-change you in salary/benefits, start applying elsewhere.</p>