<p>I got accepted to Columbia's masters program in mechanical engineering. I initially applied for the M.S/PH.D but was rejected. I was wondering after a year studying there and I reapply how hard/easy will it be to get into the PH.D program? Assuming I get good grades, are spots limited? Columbia's ME program is pretty small. Will they ask for recommendation letters, GREs, college grades all over again? Do I have to ingratiate myself into a professor's lab? I read graduate school grades aren't going to be looked upon to highly since they are usually inflated. Advice? Thanks.</p>
<p>You're probably better off talking with someone at Columbia.</p>