<p>I posted here a long time ago about applications, but my situation has changed a bit and so I thought I would post again. I'm trying to trim down my list of schools. Some background first:</p>
<p>Quick stats:
Applying for PhD in robotics/mechatronics
GRE: 770Q, 630V, 5.0 W
GPA: 3.48 overall, 3.56 major, 3.71 junior year (from Cornell)</p>
<p>Research experience:
Started working this semester in a lab. Our work will be publishable, and we plan to attend a conference in the spring. </p>
<p>5~6 months worth of research at another university. Completely unrelated (materials science) to my field of interest. Recently found out that I am second author on a paper submitted to a journal.</p>
<p>Work experience: Internship at a large engineering company, technical but unrelated to my field. </p>
<p>Other: No significant awards (four semesters on Dean's list), but I hold leadership positions in a couple of campus organizations (this can be fairly time-consuming). I have also worked about 8 hours a week grading papers for Statics and Dynamics.</p>
<p>LORs:
Two strong ones, one from each of my research professors
Third one: still debating whom to ask...</p>
<p>My list so far:
Cornell
U of Michigan
UCSD
Johns Hopkins (might remove - not too fond of Baltimore)
RPI (might remove - not sure my interests really match theirs)
Case Western
U of Maryland (might remove - can't stand the weather)
Penn State</p>
<p>First of all, would ANY of these count as reasonable "safeties" for me? I really would like to continue my studies, so I want to get into at least one school...</p>
<p>I am actually really interested in studying in the west coast. Does anyone know of good safety schools in California or Washington? I'm thinking of UCSB or UC Irvine, but I don't know if they are safeties. I looked at U of Washington, but I'm afraid their website doesn't advertise the kind of research I'm looking for...</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for your thoughts.</p>