how are my chances at top 10 engineering schools?

Graduate School
1

cumulative GPA: 3.4
GPA for last 60 hours: 3.85

GRE: Quant: 170/170 (98% percentile) Verbal: 167/170 (97% percentile)
Analytical writing: 4.0

Strong statement of purpose, Strong letter of recommendations.

The weakest part of my application is my cumulative GPA, due to 2 less than ideal semesters in my freshman year. I had documentation that it was due to a medical issue.

I also invented a simple medical device that won honorable mention in a national competition sponsored by the US Patent and Trademark Office, and almost got to the clinical trial stage. (had doctors interested in, but I didn’t have the funding)

I also did well in a tough undergraduate physics competition with participants from top schools (15th out of 75). Although it’s only 15 out of 75, the participants are very strong, including some former Olympiad caliber guys.

But many of the schools I want into (especially UIUC) say most successful applicants have 3.5+ GPA.

BTW, I’m only going for a MS (computer engineering) and I want to work in the industry.

2

BTW, I’ve already submitted my application, and am now in the waiting period. Just would like some third party opinions in the meantime, thanks

3

Chances for graduate school are worth the ink that they are printed on (oops, electrons). No one can say if you will be admitted although, I would say that you have a reasonable chance at a place like UIUC for an MS particularly if they expect you to self-fund the degree. Your GPA is on the edge but is better toward the end and remember that admission standards are relaxed a bit for MS compared to Ph.D.