<p>I am going to be a senior next year and I'm currently studying Electrical Engineering. My overall GPA is 3.02 and I think my core GPA is probably slightly higher...but not much different.
I want to apply for a master's program in Bio-medical Engineering and I'm studying for my GRE right now for which I am taking the Kaplan course to make sure I get a high score. I am also doing a research internship with a Bio-Med Engr group and I will be publishing a paper before the end of this year under the guidance of a biomed professor.</p>
<p>Question:</p>
<p>Now, I know that I have a low GPA but I'm hoping that my GRE score will be good and I would have published paper before I apply for the grad program. I am really passionate about wanting to study further in this field, how tough will it be for me to get accepted at good colleges like University of Florida or Penn State?</p>
<p>I don't know exactly for biomedical, but in general it has to be high if you want to get into a top program. How high depends on your undergrad school's reputation and difficulty. Admissions people know which places are harder then others.</p>
<p>I want to apply to University of Florida's BME program. It seems that my publication is supposed to be published possibly with IEEE. I am not sure how difficult publications are in my field since I'm relatively new to this and it's my first publication. My GRE scores look to be in 690-730 right now but I'm trying to increase that as well.</p>
<p>Generally speaking a 3.5+ is needed to be competitive at top schools, although this may be a little low.</p>
<p>I can't imagine GREs holding that much weight since they test you on math you probably learned in middle school, and vocab that you really never will need to know.</p>
<p>A lot of it comes down to flat on intelligence, which is primarily displayed through research and GPA, and how well you fit into a certain program. Recommendations play a key role in this.</p>
<p>The average for engineers who take the GRE is about 720. Keep in mind that is only the average. The number of people with a certain score increases as the score goes up (i.e. more people get a 800 than a 780). When you register for the test, they will send you a CD with practice tests and score reports by concentration. This may help you see exactly where you stand.</p>
<p>A 3.0 is a "minimum" at many good and not so good graduate engineering programs. You better impressed the heck out of them with your GRE scores and research.</p>
<p>You said you want to go to a Master's Program. Because of this I think you have a fairly good chance of getting in. Although your math GRE score should be slightly higher. 720 should be minimum. You also have research experience and that has led to a published paper. So I think you're in good shape for UOF and Penn State. </p>
<p>I know a few people that have gotten into Master programs with the same stats as you. GL</p>
<p>High GRE scores will not make up for a bad GPA, but absolutely stunning letters of recommendation and publication in prominent research journals may.</p>
<p>I just went through the whole grad school app stuff and it was a real ... bear. I was going for PhD in EE having a BSEE, so I don't know about bio-med; however, they are both in engineering. </p>
<p>For masters most schools don't give you money (TA ships, RA ships, ect.) so it is a bit easier to get in. So I don't think the lower GPA is as much of a problem. </p>
<p>For PhD. it will kill you. It varies from school to school but GPA can account for as much a 80% of the decision to admit or not. The letters of rec. are also super important (don't put them off). I got into UMich (and rejected from the other top schools I applied to) with a 3.87 and really good letters (low - average GRE math 630), I was told by a faculty member (at UMich Ann Arbor) that great GRE's in no way make up for a poor GPA. There needs to be an explanation. The published paper will help a lot though.</p>
<p>With a 3.5 from UCLA EE, you'd probably have a shot at top 10-25 programs. Top 5 is possible if you have exceptional recommendations and/or research experience.</p>
<p>Hi, I was wondering what sort of a graduate school I should consider with a 3.0 in ChemE from Berkeley? My dream school is MIT, but that is just a "dream" for me. Any response will be appreciated. thx in advance.</p>
<p>Here is a rule of thumb when it comes to engineering grad school admissions....</p>
<p>The more years of work experience you have, the less your GPA has to be.</p>
<p>Also, don't be afraid to go the non-degree/graduate certificate route. If you ace the first 9-12 credits of a master's program (in non-degree status), most schools will admit you...even if undergrad GPA was 3.0.</p>
<p>Work experience might help for MS admissions, but it's useless for PhD programs.</p>
<p>The non-degree route is an excellent idea. If your undergrad GPA is less than stellar, you can always prove your worth by taking and acing graduate courses at a reputable institution.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say work experience is totally useless. My stats:
GPA 3.6
720 Math
550 verbal
2 years relevant work experience</p>
<p>I was rather casual about applying to Grad school and was rejected by UW, Ucolo, UofM but accepted by ASU - not the best for ChemE PhD, but what do I care - it's all the same once you're out in the workforce. I'm no Einstein. You do have a better chance getting into a PhD program than a MS program because schools like the commitment aspect of PhD.
So, you should apply to engineering schools that are a little lower down the scale. GRE definetly helps. But if you communicate with some of the proffs currently teaching or get a recommend from an alumnus, your chances are better.
Also if you don't get in, Non degree as stated above is the way to go. Even part time status while working will get you in once you establish you're a competant student.
Good Luck</p>