<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>I'm just about to wrap up my undergrad this semester (3.5 years!), and the search for a graduate school, preferably a school where I can get my PhD in Geotechnical Engineering with funding. I have been doing research on a couple schools, and I would like to go to a school at the top of my field, but perhaps there's a gem I'm missing. Unfortunately, the professor that I work on my research now is gone for summer, so I don't have anyone to consult. As such, I would absolutely love, and appreciate it if you could give me advice on what to strengthen this last year before I apply or what to do.</p>
<p>Anyways, here is a quick summary. </p>
<p>Major: Civil Engineering
School: University of Texas at Austin
Cumulative GPA: 3.79
Major GPA: 3.83
Jr/Sr Classes GPA: 3.87
GRE: 570V/780Q
U.S. Permanent Resident, Mexican American</p>
<p>Research Experience:
- A year working on the computational modeling for small scale, prototype anchors typically used on oil platforms
- A year doing small pullout tests with geosynthetics/geotextiles</p>
<p>Intern Experience:
- A summer working as a construction laborer learning the ins and out of pouring concrete in a crew
- A summer working as a field engineering intern for Kiewit
- A summer working as a structural/general civil engineering intern for Bechtel
- A summer working as a geotechnical cal engineering intern for a local (DFW) company</p>
<p>Awards: ordinary stuff like departmental scholarships, departmental honors program, dean's list, and honors societies.</p>
<p>3 LORs from UT Professors: Two from Geotech Professors, One from a general Civil Professor</p>
<p>Applying to the following grad schools:
UT-Austin
Stanford
Berkeley
MIT
UCLA</p>
<p>Thank you and appreciate comments!</p>