Chances of getting into McGill for a masters/PhD in computer science

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I have two more semesters to graduate and I want to maximize my chances of getting into McGill for either a PhD or masters in computer science (I'll apply for a PhD, but if they accept me for a masters, I'll be more than happy to take it). Montreal is my dream city.</p>

<p>Here's a little about me:</p>

<pre><code>- Overall GPA: 3.571 / 4.0

  • Computer Science & Physics double major

  • Minor in French

  • 1.5 years internship at IBM T.J. Watson Research Center

  • 2 semesters of research with a physics professor (I will start this next semester)

  • I'm sure I can get as many as 5 great recommendation letters

  • Tutored programming (Python and Java) for 2 semesters (will start this next semester, not sure if it's worth it?)
    </code></pre>

<p>My GPA is not very good, I have a couple of B- in physics and one C in computer science. But other than that, I am one of the top students in my computer science department. I have a minor in French and speak it practically fluently, which hopefully might help me get into McGill. What do you think?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>I forgot to mention that I am also an elected member of Phi Beta Kappa. Fortunately they awarded me before my GPA slipped a little. :slight_smile: I was told that my double majors along with my minor in French made me a great candidate for PBK, so it’s not only based on GPA.</p>

<p>How worthy is it getting my GPA from 3.571 up to 3.61x? Because I can take some classes like music theory to improve it (I play guitar, so I’m not going too far out of my way) and an extra French class next semester…</p>

3

<p>Graduate chancing is murky at best… I would help you if I could but, unfortunately, I cannot.</p>

4

<p>Bump. Please give me an idea. :)</p>

5

<p>Okay. I guess no one can help. Some general questions, then:</p>

<p>Is it bad to take a year off before grad school to work (not research) ? I need money.</p>

<p>If I get accepted into a school for Fall 2015, can I start in Fall 2016?</p>

<p>If not, am I at least guaranteed to being accepted when I apply again for Fall 2016?</p>

<p>If I apply and don’t get accepted, will that ruin my chances of getting accepted the following year as well?</p>