Competitiveness of Engineering Grad Schools

Graduate School
1

<p>I'm starting to look into the possibility of graduate schools after undergrad.</p>

<p>Right now I'm going into my junior year, civil engineering, with a 3.1 GPA at a top 50 private university (engineering at my school is very difficult and the engineering GPA tends to be on the lower end, the campus average overall is about a 3.2-3.3). </p>

<p>I have internship experience this summer and look to continue that next summer as well. I also have held respectable leadership positions in my fraternity.</p>

<p>I haven't taken a GRE but if high school standardized tests and class performance is an indicator, I'll probably score very high on the math section, and do at least average on the other sections.</p>

<p>I can probably get good recs from professors and employers. I also write well, which is a plus for admissions essays (if that still applies to grad school admissions).</p>

<p>I'm a NY resident.</p>

<p>I was considering looking into schools like Rutgers, Columbia, SUNY Buffalo, etc. (essentially NY, NJ, CT, PA). I favor a school like Rutgers because of it's locality [NYC area], strength of the program, and inexpensive tuition (I really don't want to apply for astronomically high loans anymore).</p>

<p>If you have advice on what I should focus on or comments, please respond.</p>

<p>Thanks :)</p>

2

<p>Yo, dude. I'm going into my junior year as well. Since, I haven't gone through the process, I can't give you personal advice, but just some things that I've heard.</p>

<p>*Engineering is always on the low end of the GPA spectrum. That's how is should and always will be. </p>

<p>*You have to to well on the Quantitative section of the GRE. The 90% percentile is like a 780 or 760 and the percentile drops quickly. Most decent engineering graduate programs have rough 760-780 average for admitted students. </p>

<p>*Masters degree applicants tend to have a 3.2-3.5 average (roughly top 50% of class) and Ph.D. applicants need at least a 3.5 (roughly top 25%).</p>

<p>*The Verbal section doesn't matter as much, but average is around 480, which is alright for some schools, but shoot for 550+. I hear the verbal section is a beast compared to the SAT Verbal.</p>

<p>*Recommendations and research are highly important and could make the difference at most schools. Students without research experience are in the hole from the start. </p>

<p>*I don't think extra-currics like frat activity really matter, so I would bank on that at all. Though it is good that you are involved.</p>

<p>*Though a 3.1 is alright, it might put you in a rough position for Columbia, but you should be fine for Rutgers. However money may be an issue because Master's students typically have a harder time getting funding versus Ph.D. students, and a 3.1 won't put you within range for many fellowships or scholarships. </p>

<p>I've been looking into GREs and grad schools recently too. It sucks starting this whole process over again; it's like the end of high school. But study up to boost your GRE and get some research experience. It is important to have internships and such, but most applicants do, so research would likely set you apart more than work experience. Good luck and really focus on you GPA for junior and senior year (most schools focus on that rather that first two years, so that's good for you).</p>

3

<p>Researching in my opinion is the best way to open up doors for grad schools. First, you'll get close with your professors; therefore, get good get rec letters. But more importantly, you'll have research experience on your field of interest. Once you do this, you might find some advanced courses that can complement your research. All of these experiences will impress top grad schools becasue you'll have:</p>

<ol>
<li>Detailed + personal essay</li>
<li>Good recommendation letters</li>
<li>Research experience</li>
<li>Good grades on advanced courses</li>
</ol>

<p>During your spare time, you can catch up on the GREs. As long as you don't absolutely bomb it, it won't defeat the establishments you made with your research experiences.</p>

4

<p>If you're aiming for an MS, don't worry about research, unless perhaps you're looking at a school with a thesis requirement. Also, if you're aiming for an MS, don't expect to receive any funding at all.</p>

<p>There is something like an admissions essay; it's the personal statement. All of the schools will essentially ask you the same thing. You have to demonstrate your interest in your field of choice, what makes you qualified, your research topic of interest (if applicable), etc. I used the same essay for 5 of the schools I applied to. I had to modify my personal statement slightly for my 6th school. </p>

<p>If you're looking at schools in the NYC area, also consider Polytechnic and Stevens.</p>

5

<p>ken285, are there any internationals in the program you're in? Other than funds from their family, do you know how do you fund their Masters? Is it possible for them to get loans?</p>

6

<p>There are definitely loans available. Some people get their tuition paid my family, employer, or they fund themselves. I would estimate 1/2 of the students in my program were international.</p>

7

<p>I think it's hard to get loans as an international..</p>