<p>Hello folks. I've joined the forum today itself. I was wondering if you could help me out in choosing a school for my masters. Here's a bit about me:</p>
<ol>
<li>International student (India)</li>
<li>Graduate in Electronics & Communication Engineering (74 %) - 2011 (No backlogs)</li>
<li>GRE: 314/340 TOEFL: 102</li>
<li>Really good at embedded systems.</li>
<li>Co founder of a startup, successfully completed Google Summer of Code 2011, IT consultant at Indian Institute Of Technology Delhi (it's very reputed)</li>
<li>Good at practical implementation in projects and good with hands down coding etc. </li>
<li>No research papers (but will most probably get at least one done this year).</li>
<li>Would love a scholarship but not a priority</li>
<li>Intended program of study: Electrical Engineering (emphasis on Embedded systems, controllers, processors etc.)</li>
</ol>
<p>My priority is to get into a good university but I can't really afford the private ones. I have heard some really good things about
1. Virginia Tech
2. University of Southern California
3. University of Wisconsin Madison
4. University of Mass (Amherst)
5. Texas A&M
6. University of Michigan Ann Arbor
7. University of Pennsylvania
8. Perdue University</p>
<p>Now, I know some are out of my scope considering my profile isn't strong enough, but I had to mention the aforementioned because I really want something along those lines. I intend to apply for Spring 2013 and have to start as soon as possible.</p>
<p>As far as recommendations go, I can get two recommendations from professors that I've worked with. They aren't from my college (but they belong to the IIT and as I mentioned it is probably the best in India).</p>
<p>I would really appreciate if anyone could recommend other universities or tell me if I have a shot at the one's I've mentioned. I thank you for your time (in advance).</p>