<p>I'm only an incoming sophomore at a 60-70th ranked Mechanical engineering university. I didn't do too well my freshman year with only a 3.45 gpa. My goal is to have a 3.8 by the time I graduate. I didn't do any research my freshman year and only volunteered for habitat for humanity. I will start doing research this year and in the summer. Do prestigious engineering universities only except prestigious students for their summer research opportunities? The summer after my junior year I think I'll try to get an internship instead of research because I have to take some summer courses. Do internships hire full time/ part time? What's more beneficial on an application: research or internships? I'm confident with my quantitative gre score. I'll join a few clubs and continue to volunteer. By the time I graduate I think i'll have 3 years of research experience w/ 1 summer research experience and a summer internship. Are my chances good?</p>
<p>I have no idea what you’re asking.</p>
<p>Can I still get into a top 10 mechanical engineering grad school with those characteristics?
Are internships part time or full time?
Do prestigious universities only accept prestigious students for their summer research programs?</p>
<p>As of now, you have a 3.45 gpa at a 60-70th rank college.
Focus on research if you plan for grad school.</p>
<p>Your application for summer programs may include your gpa, LORs and essays.
Note their due dates, often in Dec/Jan/Feb.</p>
<p>Come back in a few years when you have accomplished all the things you propose and the experts here at CC will assess your chances.
Good luck.</p>
<p>thanks and the 3.45 was completely due to laziness. I got B’s in differential equations, a basic ME class, chemistry, and a composition class. All those I could’ve obtained A’s in if I worked, but I was so lazy transfering into a college environment. I proposed a 3.8 gpa, but I’d definitely try to get higher if I can, but some professors NEVER give A’s. Let’s say I would have obtained all those qualities, would you say my chances are good?</p>
<p>Do your best and try not to obsess about the future.</p>
<p>too late :(</p>