<p>Hello everyone, I am new to this site and this is my first question here, so I apologize if a similar question has already been resolved.</p>
<p>So I have completed my Master of Science degree in Computer Engineering from NCSU and am currently working as a Research Assistant with a professor there. I am very interested in pursuing a PhD in Computer Architecture. Now, the problem with my application is my GPA in my Master's program. It is quite low (3.1); I had a few adjustment issues to a new country in my first semester here along with health problems and surgery which caused my GPA to plummet to below 2.5. I somehow managed to drag it to 3.1 by the time I graduated. I also do not have any industrial experience or internships. I was wondering what tier of schools shall I target for my PhD application. Here are all my stats:</p>
<p>Undergraduate GPA: 3.67
Graduate GPA: 3.1
GRE score: 710V/790Q 4.0A
Research Experience: 6 months working as a Research Assistant in my desired field(Computer Architecture).</p>
<p>I know its pointless to apply to tier 1 universities but I also don't want to apply to just a mediocre university with a bad program just for the sake of getting a degree. I'm also finding it difficult to narrow down upon mid-level and safe universities for me. Right now I have the following universities on my list:</p>
<p>NCSU
University of Southern California
University of Arizona
University of Florida</p>
<p>All of these seem to be ambitious universities considering my profile and could you guys please suggest universities in which I have a better chance of getting into? I am very worried about my PhD. :( </p>