Hello, I am interested in applying for UC Davis’s Electrical and Computer Engineering graduate program.
Ask:
I have some provided some info on my academic and professional background, goals, and tentative plans. Please look through them and let me know if my plan to increase my chances of acceptance into the ECE program is reasonable!
Thanks in advance for your insight!
Goal:
I would like to apply in the next 1–2 years and am currently figuring out a path to increase my competitiveness.
Academic Background:
I majored in a non-ECE engineering program (energy systems engineering… basically petroleum engineering + renewable energy engineering) at a prestigious US university and graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.175.
I have yet to take the GRE or the Engineer-In-Training exam
I have some research experience (primarily in energy policy and markets and energy efficiency) but no published engineering papers
My current job is interesting… it’s in the field of energy efficiency evaluation and the skillset I mostly use is a mixture of data science, research, and consulting.
Why I Want to Apply to the Program:
After college, I was uncertain of whether or not I wanted to go into a consulting or engineering focused role. I ultimately chose consulting (or maybe it’s better to say it chose me), but after some time in the actual workforce, I realized that I enjoy being in the electric power industry (the topic of electric grid modernization is fascinating!). One could argue that my degree is already applicable to the power industry, but my interest has drifted from power generation to the electric grid itself.
UC Davis is nearby my residence, so I have more access to visit graduate advisors as well as do a part-time degree, while working.
UC Davis ECE is a great program, with a substantial amount of flexibility! My interest is learning more in the field, rather than research. UC Davis offers a remedial program for ECE accepted graduate students from non-ECE backgrounds as well as a exam/ project based track.
Tentative Plan to Increase My Chances:
I am well aware that my current profile is simply not up to the standard of the ideal graduate applicant. That said, I am willing to put in the time and effort to increase my chances.
GPA: I am looking into taking ECE courses as a non-degree seeking student in order to prove I can do the work as well as make up for my lackluster undergrad GPA. (I live close to UCD so hopefully I can take my classes there and connect with ECE professors).
Research: My current firm does research into energy management (again, primarily energy efficiency). I am currently on a team doing data science analysis on a rising method to increase energy efficiency along T&D lines. We’re looking into drafting a research paper for next year. Are there others ways to get ECE research experience out of school?
Recommendation Letters: I can get some from my past major advisor, mentors, and supervisors.
Exams: Not sure if passing the FE Electrical and Computer exam is notable, given its reputation… but it can’t hurt, right? I will try to score as high on the GRE as possible, of course.