Question for Grad Students/Academics

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>I have a question related to PhD admissions</p>

<p>Say a person does exceptionally well as an undergrad (BSME, school rank ~40) and could get into any MS program. But they choose to work in industry for a while. While working, the employer will pay for them to get an MS at a nearby school (rank ~60). If the person eventually wants to get into a top 5 PhD program, is this a good idea?</p>

<p>And what if the degree they get while working is a Master of Engineering? i.e. no research and includes a few business classes.</p>

2

<p>If you want to get into a top PhD program, you will need to have some research experience in your Master's. You should write a thesis and publish at least one paper, that will boost your chances significantly. Another way to boost your chances is to choose a "hot" field to do your research in.</p>