<p>Hey there,</p>
<p>I recently came across this website and found it to be quite useful. After a whole lot of reading here and everywhere, I decided to express my sorrow about stuff that keep my mind unnecessarily busy. :) </p>
<p>So let me give the facts. I am going to graduate -hopefully- in December from Georgia Tech in ISyE (Industrial and Systems Engineering) with a GPA of 3.71 . My track was Operations Research/Statistics. I decided that I want to go to grad school in Fall 2010; MS looks like a given, but I cannot decide if I should pursue a PhD. I like learning/exploring/researching and teaching as well, but I am not sure if I am fit for a specific(and maybe limiting) academic environment especially when it's 6 years or so. I like learning for the sake of learning and I have a broad range of interests (from sociology to engineering). I may even apply to a specific program at Johns Hopkins which offers a joint program (phd in sociology and master's in applied math) </p>
<p>Things I know:</p>
<p>-It's easier to get into ms programs, but it's much harder to get funding compared to phd
-a terminal ms may or may not work towards phd in terms of having the already taken classes counted
-phd is research oriented
-phd can limit your job opportunities in the industry due to specializing/overqualification</p>
<p>You may say that if I'm not sure about phd, I shouldn't apply to phd since it requires solid motivation, but honestly I don't know yet. I believe that I have a solid interest though. I may as well like pursuing a phd. </p>
<p>I know this question has been asked several times, but I would still appreciate an answer as I have hopes about getting new ideas or idea modifications. </p>
<p>In addition, I was wondering what my chances are of getting into a top-tier school in ind. engineering, operations research, management sciences etc. I am currently studying for GRE since in any case I will at least go with a MS. I've been reading and doing some preparations myself, but time is approaching for me to set a clear goal and work towards it.</p>
<p>tools in my pocket:</p>
<p>-GPA: 3.71 at GaTech (which is ranked first in ind. eng.) actually my gpa was higher until this semester, but I had some issues this semester so it dropped a little bit.
-minor in international affairs (I know it's kinda random, but I was simply interested)
-undergrad research for two semesters. one in IE, one in Math(NSF funded REU). I may continue research this semester in humanitarian IE stuff
-I think I can get pretty decent recommendation letters due to my research activities etc.
-I also think I will be able to pull off good GRE scores (I hope). It is to be taken yet.
-one year of TA experience in Calculus and other teaching activities
-senior design finalist (senior design is a big deal at GaTech). worked with UPS.
-experience with relevant softwares/programming.
-other intellectual strengths/interests (e.g.,foreign languages) though I guess they won't be that helpful for a degree in my field except maybe showcasing my desire to learn.</p>
<p>So three questions:
1) master's vs. phd?
2) chances of getting in into top-tier schools in related areas (don't worry that I mentioned sociology; though I will be happy to hear any comments on that:) )
3) would it hurt that I have no significant work experience if I apply to master's? I feel like it's not a big deal for the fields I am interested in (master of science).</p>
<p>I plan to do my best no matter what, but of course, I appreciate input from experienced people. thanks a bunch!</p>