<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I graduated from a top-10 undergrad school with a 3.285 in mechanical engineering (similar major gpa, plus a psych minor) last year ('09). Not knowing what I wanted to do with my life, I found a job in my field and have decided that I like academia a whole lot more. I'm also considering going into consulting or banking, but that's not what this post is about.</p>
<p>Problem is, I can think of one (maybe two) professors who I can get a stellar letter of recommendation from - I was immature in undergrad and didn't plan ahead well at all. Despite the fact that I've been miserable at my work, I've kept a airtight lid on it and can comfortably get a letter from a supervisor. I also did a grand total of zero research in undergrad. My grades were stellar when I started growing the hell up senior year and started focusing on my major, then went back to mediocre underloading second semester when I realized I was about to graduate and have a real job. </p>
<p>I took the GRE about a month ago, 790 q, 640 verbal, 4 on the writing part. If it's relevant, I am certain I can re-take it and nail the writing with more prep. If not, I don't think that 790 quantitative is going to hurt me.</p>
<p>I've been considering a few grad school options, and I'd appreciate input on how realistic I'm being. </p>
<p>1) Master's in Economics (with research and high GPA), some internship, moving on to phD in economics. My math grades were less than spectacular in undergrad (mainly B's) and I only recently took my first macroeconomics class online, but I've done a ton of reading about the subject and find it fascinating. </p>
<p>2) Master's in (x) engineering/science, some internship, moving on to phD in (x) engineering/science with focus on nanotech, biotech, etc.</p>
<p>I'm also operating under two assumptions:</p>
<p>1) I can get into a top-tier or almost-top-tier master's program and excel in it with my qualifications and
2) With a master's degree, a shock-and-awe GPA, and research experience I stand a WAY better chance of getting into a top phD program than I do now, and with a year of exposure to the field, I'll have a far better idea of what I want to get myself into. I'm willing to put in a year or two worth of time, money and effort if it means the difference between a decent, respected program and being on the cutting edge.
3) If after a master's program I decide I want nothing to do with my field, I can get hired into consulting, banking, etc. (backup plan)</p>
<p>Are my assumptions correct? Am I missing anything? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Sebastian</p>