<p>Hi all, I've been lurking around cc for ages (actually many months) so I've finally decided to register. I'm currently a Comp Sci/Math double major in my 3rd year enrolled in a well-known CS undergrad department (and also graduating in the 3rd year). I plan on applying to some graduate programs in CS this fall but I'm not too sure as to which ones suit me the best. Over the years, I've found myself interested in a variety of areas that seem to overlap both MS and PHD types of studies. </p>
<p>Complexity and theory (PHD related)
Computer Vision (PHD related)
3D Engines and Graphics (MS related)
AI (in terms of theory and implementation MS/PHD related)</p>
<p>Another issue is that I'm lacking some of the essential upper level courses in CS due to having double majored (the number of upper level classes in both math and cs combined however make up for this somewhat?). Basically my questions are as follows:</p>
<p>*Is it best to apply to both MS/PHD programs, and if so to the same school?
*Should I take the GRECS subject test given that my upper level concentration of CS courses is a bit lacking? Will my math concentration help or detract from this?
*What schools in general should I consider to be safeties and others as reaches? (Yes i know grad admissions are hard to predict but I will inquire regardless ;) )</p>
<p>Some Basic/Random Stats
Research: 2 years and on-going, 1 1st author reputed conference paper, 1 3rd author journal conference, possibly one more publication (a paper nonetheless) before most of the December deadlines
Recs: 2 of them should be decent, hunting for a 3rd professor
GPA: 3.53 (wish it was higher but I enjoyed my challenging course load)
GRE: 790Q, 690V, awa awaiting</p>
<p>Your research is outstanding and will be a tremendous boon. And your stats are fine. It sounds like your recs are a little sketchy, but I would still say that you should be aiming high, and, with your research credentials, you should be aiming for the PhD if you want it (though you could always through in an MS application or two as safeties).</p>
<p>Your ideas of "MS-related" and "PhD-related" subfields are kind of bizarre. There is no such thing as an MS-specific or PhD-specific subfield. That includes theoretical vs. applied stuff - you can do research on applied stuff. The difference between MS and PhD is emphasis on coursework vs. emphasis on research, and every one of those fields that you mentioned are both common subjects of courses, and major research areas. Do not choose MS vs. PhD based on subfield...that is completely ridiculous.</p>
<p>If you have enough upper-level CS classes for a major, and you're in a well-known program, you don't need to take the CS GRE just to prove yourself (some schools may require applicants to take it, though). The top programs don't really care about the CS GRE unless they've never heard of your program or your program is very weak.</p>
<p>Your math concentration will help, especially if you go into a math-heavy subfield (complexity & theory is the obvious example, but not the only one). Specific classes can help - linear algebra, probability theory, and graph theory are useful for AI, and the first two can be very useful for computer vision as well. And linear algebra is pretty essential to graphics.</p>
<p>You wouldn't apply to MS and PhD programs at the same school, but some schools allow PhD applicants to specify whether they would like to be considered for MS admission if they are not admitted to the PhD program. Again, do not choose MS vs. PhD based on your subfield, that is utterly ridiculous! Choose based on whether you want the intensive research training.</p>
<p>The coursework v.s. research approach was originally my criteria for differentiating between a MS and PHD. However, I was trying to categorize my fields of interest into areas of marketability regarding industry vs academia. e.g. CS theory seems to be somewhat academia driven so pursing it would entail a PHD rather than MS. </p>
<p>Although I can't say for sure regarding the GRECS, I've heard that exceptional scores on it will raise my chances for fellowship/$$$ opportunities in certain departments. Of course, I'd rather spend my next 3 months writing strong SOPs rather than mad-cramming for more standardized testing but if the payoff is high enough, I may consider the ladder.</p>
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However, I was trying to categorize my fields of interest into areas of marketability regarding industry vs academia. e.g. CS theory seems to be somewhat academia driven so pursing it would entail a PHD rather than MS.
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<p>Oh, now I see what you mean. It's not quite that black and white, though. Crypto, for instance, is something that is done in industry, but for which theory would be useful. Some large companies (like IBM and Microsoft) have large basic research departments where the stuff that you are thinking of as academia-driven is pursued. And really, when you have an MS and are going for industry MS jobs, as long as you have the skills that that particular company wants, they don't care that you did your MS thesis in complexity theory or computational cog sci.</p>
<p>I'm not sure where you got the idea that computer vision is not done in industry, either. :)</p>
<p>In any case, I've decided to take my chances with the GRECS heh. If I score above the 80%tile, I'll submit. Also, I've compiled a list possible universities to apply to. I think I may need a few more safeties (2). Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Assuming I apply for PHDs across the board with the option of being considered for MS if I don't get in...</p>
<p>Reaches:
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Cornell University</p>
<p>High Moderates:
University of Washington
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of Texas Austin</p>
<p>Moderates:
University of Wisconsin Madison
University of Michigan Ann Arbor</p>
<p>Safeties:
University of Maryland College Park (my UG but not guaranteed even)</p>