<p>Hello!</p>
<p>Quick spiel: Non-tech (sort of) major, average (low) GPA, never thought I'd go grad, etc. </p>
<p>Question: Should I even bother? :/</p>
<p>Interests: Machine Learning, Pattern Recognition, Linguistic Computation, Algorithm Optimization</p>
<p>Stats:
UVa, BA Cognitive Science, 3.3, just graduated this yr.
(Cog Sci = Cog Psyc, Comp Sci, Neuroscience, Linguistics, Philosophy)
Pathetic GPA Excuses: Work, Campus Involvement, Grad School was never in the picture.
EX: ESL Program Director, Took two languages at once for three years which just ruined my life (gpa), worked part time roughly 20 hours (at one point I had to have 3 jobs, sadly).</p>
<p>I haven't taken my GRE, going to in Oct. Late, but I decided grad school just recently. Applying again in one year is an option, if I don't get into any this year.
Prac tests put me roughly 158vr (570?), 155qr (710?).<br>
Estimating a pull up to low 160s for vr, 160 for qr after studying. Luck can put me over 160 for qr .. :)</p>
<p>Experience Backing my Interests:
Data analysis internships (summer): operations/logistic company and a GIS company
Research experience: one semester in UX, one semester in auditory laboratory (specifically for pattern recognition in Matlab), one semester in brand research
1-2 year programming courses, mobile app dev, web dev</p>
<p>Aced my neural network, data mining, and software dev courses in my final year if that counts for anything... haha. Studied abroad for a semester so my aced courses then don't transfer into my GPA :P </p>
<p>Too Hopeful(?): (Master Programs)
Harvard CSE - Computational Science & Engineering:
1 yr, top choice, new program. Pretty much the only program I've seen directed at specifically what I'm looking for, without being embed into a computer science grad.
Carnegie Mellon CS - Computer Science: Hoping to specialize in machine learning
UPenn MCIT - Computer & Info Tech: They say MSE is for people with engineering undergrads :(
UC San Diego CS: Would like to be involved in CoSMaL computational stats and learning lab
UMichigan CS
UWashington CS</p>
<p>I'm looking for a program that is geared towards machine learning, with roughly half&half algorithm/dev. Currently working as a research engineer (3months only) dealing with computational linguistics, and I really want to supplement my work with better training in algorithm optimization. Development skills are something I feel like I can work on outside of school - since I'm not going for software engineer career. So the CSE at Harvard is the best fit for my situation, unfortunately, I'm not sure if I have the grades to match it. (I'm also hoping to get funding for my comp, HQ in MA, so location wise most practical)</p>
<p>If I do spectacular at GREs, will that overcome my GPA, and give me a shot at the Harvard program?<br>
Even the rest of the programs, since they are Computer Science, I feel like I may be disadvantaged with my BA..</p>
<p>Any opinions, really appreciated. (Or reccs on programs I missed?!)
Thanks all, and good luck to those applying as well.</p>