<p>I'm interested in going on to a masters program in Biomedical engineering. My main interest is in biomedical instrumentation. I like both electrical design and programming, so finding a program where I could utilize both of those skills would definitely be ideal. Designing things like pacemakers and EEG's, or medical imaging are both fields I would be interested in pursuing.</p>
<p>School: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Graduation Date: Fall 2012
GPA: 3.35
GRE: Taking in the fall
Major: Applied Mathematics, Engineering and Physics (Degree I think only UW offers. Essentially, it's an engineering degree with a lot of math and physics. My engineering focus is EE).
Certificate: Computer Science
Research Experience: 3 years as lab assistant in a quantum computing lab (Never published. Helped out with building electronics for experiments and programming.)
Work Experience: 8 years of systems programming. Currently the project manager, coordinating the transition to our new systems. Not sure if this is relevant when applying to a graduate program...</p>
<p>Questions:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>With my background, GPA, and assuming I do very well on the GRE (my ACT score was 34, I've always done well on standardized tests), what are schools I could realistically get into? I'm under the impression that my GPA isn't good enough to bother applying to top-tier schools. Is this a fair assumption?</p></li>
<li><p>What are some good online resources for finding schools that are a good match? (I'll be seeing my school advising services soon, but I still would like to do research on my own) So far I've been having a hard time finding quality information. I see US News released their 2013 Graduate School book for $10. Would this be a good buy?</p></li>
<li><p>Would it be worth searching for a BME-related research position for the fall? I feel that not having any BME research experience is hurting me the most.</p></li>
<li><p>What aspect of the application does the admissions office put the most weight on?</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Here's a little more info about the type of school I would like to go to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Big city</li>
<li>Tuition cost is not a factor in my search</li>
<li>Prefer location in either the midwest or northeast, but would be willing to go elsewhere if necessary.</li>
</ul>
<p>An answer to any of these questions (or any information at all) would be really appreciated! I'm just trying to gather as much information as possible before I make my decisions. Thank you!</p>