Top engineering schools with limited research experience

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I'd like to apply to (materials science) PhD programs during fall of 2010. My top choices would include schools like MIT, Berkeley, Stanford, Cornell, UCSB, etc.</p>

<p>I'm currently a senior/master's student at Stanford. I'm planning to finish the master's at the end of this year (basically when I'm applying). I'd say overall my stats are pretty solid: 3.9 UG GPA in my major department, ~4.0 for the Master's, 800M/700V on the GRE, and pretty excellent LOR's from professors that I know well.</p>

<p>The problem is, I started doing research relatively late. I'd say that by the time I apply, I'll only have a year or so of (fairly decent) research experience. I'd like to know how much of a problem that will be. Will it ruin my chances of getting into top PhD programs?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for the help.</p>

2

<p>From my understanding, showing that you have done, and know how to do research is key to PhD acceptance. Why didn’t your mentors/advisors tell you? But your strong school and gpa may outweight it.</p>

<p>All you can do is apply. No one here can give you more insight than the profs who know you.</p>

3

<p>No, it will not ruin your chances. You’ll be fine.</p>

4

<p>You are more than fine, your GPA and GRE scores coming from Stanford will likely put you in the top 10% of all applicants, likely higher.</p>