<p>Hi </p>
<p>I am looking to apply to a PhD program to pursue research in Analog and RF IC. I would prefer to stay local to the San Francisco Bay Area so my choices of schools would be:</p>
<p>Stanford
UC Berkley
Santa Clara <-- a prof here in RFIC has asked if I would like to work with him for a PhD</p>
<p>If I were to move I would look into:
UCLA
Cal Tech
UC Davis</p>
<p>I completed the BSEE (S'07) with a GPA of 3.12/4.0 and a Major GPA 3.32/4.0. I also have an MSEE(S'10) with a GPA 3.42/4.0 where I completed a research project on Power Amplifiers. From 06-07 I worked a Co-Op with a very well known IC design firm and from 07- present I have been working with a very well known aerospace company as an RFIC/MMIC and Microwave Designer. My most recent employer hired me on into their R&D group where they have filed two patents for two RFIC architectures/systems that I have invented. </p>
<p>I have also been asked to pursue a PhD by my upper management under a corporate sponsorship (if admitted) and will have letters of rec from a Fellow, Senior R&D Manager, and a VP. </p>
<p>I will have to take the GRE since I was not required to take it when entering my MSEE.</p>
<p>1) I know my GPAs are slightly under the minimum GPA, but will universities take into account that I worked fulltime in industry during my past degree programs?</p>
<p>2) I do not have publications but have two submitted USPTO applications...will this help me out?</p>
<p>3) I have worked directly in an R&D department in a related field for the past 3 years..will this help me?</p>