<p>Hi all. I applied to a number of universities for MS/PhD in CS/ECE. So far I've only gotten admission to M.Eng. at Cornell for ECE. My goal is a PhD but my undergrad GPA isn't particularly strong (around 3.3) and is probably the weakest part of my application. I know M.Eng. isn't research-based at all, but I'm wondering if it's worth going into just to boost my GPA on my application in the future? </p>
<p>The problem is that I currently have a cozy job and going into an M.Eng. would mean a substantial net loss in terms of finances. If I don't go into the M.Eng. program I'd probably write the CS GRE and work on some independent projects, and try again for next year. Is the potential GPA boost worth the time and money? Or are there better ways to spend the time and money to improve my application?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Any thoughts? Please advise :(</p>
<p>A few thoughts:</p>
<p>What schools do you have in mind for your eventual Ph.D.? Ask them/check their websites and find out how they treat the M.Eng. - most will use it to augment or replace your undergrad gpa, but a few will want to disallow you. This is no good if it does not take you toward your intended schools.</p>
<p>Will your employer subsidize you? Many employers will pay for some or all part-time job-related education. I got my M.S. (coursework only) part-time while my employer picked up the tab. You may want to pursue a new job (admittedly bad timing) to find a place with good reimbursement.</p>
<p>I got my coursework-only M.S. (in ECE) while employed and have been tentatively been accepted at one of my top-choice Ph.D. programs, so it can be done. However, I would not leave work for a non-research masters - not worth the money. If all else fails, see if you can just get a few extra courses here and there, and try to get involved with any research your company does.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply; I’ve decided to stick with my job and try again next year.</p>