Low GPA, where to apply for MS in Electrical Engineering?

Graduate School
1

<p>I have a low gpa (2.85) from an extremely selective liberal arts school. My major is physics and I have a minor in mathematics. For the GRE, I got a 740 on Quantitative and a 580 on verbal. I have good research experience (including a summer at Yale) and excellent recommendations. I am also female, some people seem to think this will help me, but I'm not sure.
I know my chances are slim because of my GPA. But I really want to go to graduate school, whether or not it is a top-tiered university. Any suggestions as to where I should apply?</p>

2

<p>I'm pretty sure your gender will be a huge plus, and may even make that GPA nothing to worry about, especially since you are at a good school with a major in physics and a minor in math. Your GRE is borderline for the quant, but probably won't be a deal breaker. If you are only looking for an MS, I would suggest aiming at top tier programs. Your chances are very solid.</p>

3

<p>
[quote]
I am also female, some people seem to think this will help me, but I'm not sure.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>If you are still unsure, just let me point out that most of my upper level EE classes have had 2 girls or less. I also took one graduate level EE course, and while there were almost 30 students, there was literally only 1 girl.</p>

4

<p>Have you considered working for a while first?</p>

<p>I have a friend (from a top school) who was an EE with a low undergrad GPA, who worked at Intel for two years and then got into the MS program at Stanford. I have another EE friend who did something similar, also with a low undergrad GPA, but she worked for different companies and the program she got into was Columbia.</p>

<p>Unfortunately (and ironically), your research experience may help you less for MS admissions than it would for PhD admissions, because an MS is not a research degree. The recs will help you, though.</p>

<p>I'd say, reach as high as you want, and if you get rejected across the board, get a job and work for a couple of years and take a couple of classes as a non-degree student, then try again.</p>