<p>As the title suggests, I'm trying to run through the scenario of going after a masters in computer science without blowing a semester studying the GRE (or rushing it cold-stick, and performing poorly). Well, here's the short story...</p>
<p>Initially, I had no initial motivation of ever attending graduate school. Just went through a fairly prestigious research internship, and was told it would be in my best interest to grab a masters.</p>
<p>GPA isn't fantastic (3.3ish). However, I have several approved academic research projects under my belt, as well as the experience in the above mentioned "professional" research environment (not including my previous industry-related internship). I'm not so much a grade-driven individual (or exams for that matter). Rather, I let my work do the talking.</p>
<p>I would love to get into a great CS research-driven program. I've been going after non-GRE/"financially capable" programs (UIUC, Purdue, RIT, UC-B). All of which, are in my radar.</p>
<p>So my question is, can recommendations/experience alone save me?</p>
<p>Also, is a recommendation from a fellow colleague superior to a professors if he is a PhD student in very prestigious university?</p>
<p>Thanks for the read. Any advice/comments/suggestions are welcomed. Beating my head over this one.</p>
<p>Well if the program doesnt require the GRE I dont think there would be a problem. I dont know much about the programs you are looking but all of the programs Ive seen for my area requires the GRE. </p>
<p>I am pretty certain that a LOR from a PhD candidate would completely inappropriate.</p>
<p>I don’t think it takes a whole semester of a lot of studying to do well on the GRE… especially because the parts that are emphasized for individual fields are what you should be good at anyway. I don’t know, I still have yet to take mine, but it was 2 month of very laid-back studying and one week of hardcore studying to score well on the subject test, 1/3 of which I did not EVER learn in undergrad because my program. </p>
<p>Sure, the GRE is a pain in the ass, but it is not that big of a pain in the ass to try to avoid programs that need it or try to get around it. It is not THAT important anyway. It seems easier to study and do it than try to find a way around it! Unless by chance the program you want to get into doesn’t need it. Apply to Canadian programs, very few require the GRE. </p>
<p>Also, LOR from PhD candidate is not appropriate. There are tons of PhD candidates in very prestigious schools… there are tons of prestigious schools for that matter.</p>
<p>I said a semester for the fact that I have no time to study this semester. By the time the GREs are out of the way, I’ll be applying for the following spring enrollment. Which pretty much means 3-4 months of twiddling my thumbs.</p>
<p>AKA make damn well sure I have a chance of admission.</p>