<p>Since one of the most important criteria when applying to engineering grad schools is research experience [and I have no idea what that is], how am I supposed to apply and be admitted without any RE (research experience) or published papers (PP)?</p>
<p>Professors, lecturers, students, deans and others at my (international) university have completely no understanding of what RE is, how it is done, etc.</p>
<p>My letters of recommendation will come from unknown profs, high GPA won't help since the school rank is, well, probably top 1000... GRE scores are fine.</p>
<p>What are the chances of being admitted into the top engineering grad schools without any RE and PP? Has anyone been in these situations?</p>
<p>Finally, can someone explain to me what RE and PP are and how do you do them?</p>
<p>Research experience is work in research that you’ve done for a professor, for a university, or for a company that is in your field of study. You’ve assisted with the research in some way. It’s something that is, perhaps, unpaid and is usually done in the Junior and Senior year before you graduate with the Bachelor’s degree.
Published papers are exactly what it says-your name that has been published in your professional journals.</p>
<p>I think I pretty much understand what you mean, aunt bea, but I was wondering how is the research done in the international universities, since your whole post is, well, inapplicable to us.</p>
<p>There is no “helping”, “asking to join”, etc. These things are simply not happening, therefore I am concerned about the research experience, and I don’t think admission committees would make exceptions for us.</p>
<p>Let me know if anyone has any thoughts about this.</p>
Are you applying to undergraduate or graduate schools? I don’t expect any undergraduate applicant (high school student) would have any research experience or published papers.</p>
<p>No, of course not Just as it says in the first line of your quote of my words, I will be applying to a graduate school (excuse me for abbreviating it) for a Master’s program in Mechanical Engineering.</p>
<p>But they always emphasize on it, it’s not mandatory but a huge plus if you have any RE, and I guess I just want to be one step ahead of other applicants. I see US students discussing it all the time, hence the concern.</p>
<p>Lasana: If you don’t have it, you don’t have it. Since you state that it’s not done internationally, then you have to hope that your other qualities stand out. </p>
<p>No one said it was going to be easy, and, no one knows your chances of being admitted. </p>
<p>The US is competitive for a reason, in that, thousands of students from other countries want to come here as guests; the colleges determine who they want. Additionally, as an international student, if you need financial aid, it’s even more restrictive.</p>
<p>US students should be given some consideration and advantage, don’t you think, since it is their country and their taxes providing for a lot of the colleges’ finances. You’re not guaranteed a spot because you want it; you know it doesn’t work that way. If you don’t have the experience just say so.</p>
<p>Research and Papers, asked of you by the universities, helps colleges to determine if prospective students have done additional activities in the field or not, and it helps them to filter the proactive students, not only in the US but also abroad. </p>
Just as it says in the first line of your quote of my words, I will be applying to a graduate school (excuse me for abbreviating it) for a Master’s program in Mechanical Engineering.</p>