I need some honest suggestions: prospective masters student in structural engineering

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hello all:</p>

<p>I previously posted a similar question several months ago concerning my chances of getting into graduate school in order to obtain a master of engineering in structural engineering. This time around I would like honest suggestions of graduate schools that could fit into my safety, match, and reach categories. I would highly prefer to go to graduate school on the east coast, but the west coast would be ok too. Since I will be applying to schools this coming Fall, any help on this will be very much appreciated.</p>

<p>Anyway, here is my background information. I know that I do not have the best gpa in the world, but hopefully my other credentials may help make up for that. All I want to do is get into a graduate school so that I can work towards a Master of Engineering in structural engineering. I plan to go into the industry following graduation, not into research.</p>

<p>Academics:
I am currently a senior at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology majoring in Civil Engineering.
G.P.A. = 3.00 flat
Major G.P.A. = around a 3.3</p>

<p>Relevant extracurricular activities:
Previously Treasurer, Currently Vice-President of ASCE Student Chapter</p>

<p>Work Experience:
1 summer internship with a small structural engineering firm
2 summer internship with the structural engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti</p>

<p>I have at least 3 excellent sources in mind for letters of recommendation</p>

<p>I am currently working on creating a strong SOP to be reviewed by my professors</p>

<p>I am set to take the GRE at the beginning of August, hence I do not have a score for that yet. But during practice tests I have been hitting in the 1260-1310 range (720M, 540V; 760M, 550V)</p>

<p>Again, If someone could list some possible schools, preferably on the East coast, that could be classified as my safeties, matches, and reaches, I would very much appreciate the help.</p>

<p>Regards,</p>

<p>smpaladin</p>

2

<p>An internship with Thornton Tomasetti is pretty impressive. Your GPA is a little lower than it could be... Typically a 3.5 is what you ought to shoot for. How is your 3.3 in-major put together? Were there lower grades in the lower-level courses, or have your grades steadily improved? If there's steady improvement, that's going to look pretty strong.</p>

<p>Try to ace the math portion of the GRE; it's not impossible to do. Work on accuracy, and triple-check your answers before giving your final answer. (It's good practice for structural design, at any rate!)</p>

<p>You can probably get into a couple/several of the top programs. I'd really recommend sitting down with a trusted professor and going over a list of places you're interested in. Not only will they probably know more people at more programs than any of us here will, but they'll also know the admissions track record of Rose-Hulman students with various programs.</p>