Post-undergrad advice and harvard extension school

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi, </p>

<p>I am currently an undergraduate Computer Science student in a decently respected state university. My GPA isn’t horrible per say, but it’s quite mediocre. I think I have a chance at getting into some grad school. I imagine I have a good chance particularly at continuing here. However, it has been my dream to attend a top school in the country in the Northeast or California, and that seems shattered because of my grades. Thus, I have been trying to see what my options are.</p>

<p>One option I was considering is to take post-bacc classes to show an upward curve in my grades. Recently, I visited the Harvard Extension School. Although this seems primarily aimed that people who have not been in school for ages, I was wondering if it's a viable option for someone like me. I see they are offering a certificate in Data Science, requiring to take four courses. Which seems perfect for me, because I want to be a Data Scientist, but my current school has not offered much in the way of analytics courses. They also have a grad school option there itself to consider if I can do well in three classes there. I am interning near Harvard right now, so if I could get an entry level position here after I graduate, I would be able to afford the tuition and housing for however long I took classes here. </p>

<p>Sorry if this seems all over the place, but in a nutshell, I just wanted to get some advice on what to do after I graduate next year, because I unfortunately have not done as well as I hoped, and wondering if HES is something to consider. </p>

<p>If my other credentials matter, I have arranged to start a research project with a professor, but don't know how that will turn out yet. No recommendations yet unfortunately, but hopefully I can fix that ASAP. Greatly appreciate any feedback here.</p>

2

<p>I suppose you might get that data science certificate and be able to land a good job in the DS/analytics area and then determine if you want/need a degree in data science or machine learning or such. Maybe by then just going to the best school you can get in for the right training/background will be sufficient for the goal of the career, and the relevant work experience will help your application.I would think about career building at this point since you say you missed the boat for top programs. I’m assuming you checked that out. Since you haven’t had any longer term research as well.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, take some stats and machine learning electives and keep the research, even MS want research at top colleges.</p>