<p>I was wondering if anyone could give me some feedback. I am currently 2 years removed from undergrad, I've been working as a manufacturing engineer in an aerospace company in san diego. My employer pays for tuition (not much), but enough for a nearby school like san diego state university. I've researched their programs and am interested in doing research in biomechanics. </p>
<p>I know prestige shouldn't be too much of a factor, but what other programs should I aim for? I have no idea what "bracket" of schools I should go for given my stats. I graduated with Environmental Engineering at UCSD (majority of my classes were ME courses), GPA: 3.05, I've taken/passed my EIT and have no research experience. I can get in touch with some professors for LORs but I am not sure how strong/effective they would be. Any recommendation/advice would be great.</p>
<p>The first thing you need to determine is if your employer is willing to support your studies in a different engineering field. Some employers may not.</p>
<p>Second, if you intend to continue working while getting a masters degree you probably need to stay local. That means that San Diego State must be a serious consideration along with UCSD if it has the program you like. Prestige is probably not as big a consideration under these circumstances.</p>
<p>Third, you need to determine if a professional Engineering masters is a better fit for you than a research based degree. Doing research while holding down a full time job can be rather stressful.</p>
<p>You can ask for LORs from your UCSD professors and from your employer. For a Masters that should be acceptable. Your work experience may offset your lack of research experience somewhat. You will need to take the GRE, of course.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. What if I am OK with being a full time student? Given my combination of work exp and GPA, should I attempt to apply anywhere else?</p>
<p>Well, you will need to see what your GRE scores are like and then make an assessment of which schools appeal to you for their program. I think your GPA is on the low side for highly selective programs and you likely will have to start with a Masters and then move to a Ph.D. if that is your ultimate goal.</p>