NU Student: Worried about engineering grad school?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi everyone, </p>

<pre><code> I was wondering if anyone could help me answer questions about graduate school admissions and how to become a successful applicant. I've read through a lot of posts, as well as resources outside of College Confidential, so I have a pretty basic understanding of what graduate schools are looking for (research experience, GRE scores, GPA, etc).
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<p>Of these requirements, however, how important is GPA specifically ? I know this question has been asked, but specifically, is there a range I should aim for that would make me a competitive applicant for top engineering graduate programs? I know the standard is above 3.5 (coincidentally, NU undergrads are automatically accepted into their grad school if they have a 3.5> gpa.) However, what if I wanted to go to an even more competitive university in chemical engineering, such as MIT, Berkely, or Stanford? Also, how comparable are graduate admissions for public/private universities? I know my dad mentioned that although the University of Illinois graduate engineering school is very good, it's admissions are still easier than schools like Princeton graduate engineering programs. Is this true? </p>

<p>To summarize....
Sorry for the bundle of questions, but I would really appreciate any feedback I could get. (a) I'm in the midst of deciding whether to apply to Berkeley, Stanford, or Northwestern, and how difficult they are in terms of GPA alone, although I am 100% aware GPA is not the full picture. (b) I am also interested in how undergraduate reputations affect graduate school admissions (example above mentioned University of Illinois vs. Princeton) Thanks!</p>

<p>P.S. I know a lot of people will say that the rigor of your undergraduate university will affect how they view your gpa, so I should just give you my stats here. </p>

<p>Northwestern University
Chemical Engineering/ (Aiming for Undergraduate Kellogg Certificate)
Curren GPA: 3.85</p>

2

<p>GPA is only one piece of the puzzle, albeit a very large piece, and it looks like you have that part covered.</p>

<p>A strong personal statement is a plus, as well. Pick three things you have been involved in recently that you can sell yourself on in a one-pager. If you have time to gain some research experience, do so.</p>

<p>Colleges all view the GRE differently, and some give it more weight than others. However, if you have a reasonably decent GRE score, you shouldn’t worry too much. If Giant Mega-Snob University will not let you in based solely on your GRE score, you probably wouldn’t want to go there anyway.</p>

<p>I would definitely apply back to Northwestern. Since you are already a Northwestern student, you might know some professors you like, who you could see yourself doing research with. Plus, grad schools tend to favor accepting students from the corresponding undergrad program at the same school.</p>

<p>As far as Berkeley or Stanford, check their ChemE websites and see if any of the professors at those schools do research that interests you. These schools are very expensive if you don’t get funding, and applying to Berkeley just because it’s Berkeley, is not a good enough reason.</p>