Value of publications vs grades

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi!</p>

<p>I am an electrical engineering student and I am almost done with my Bachelors degree. I am thinking about applying to Stanford for a MS in Computer Science. </p>

<p>As an undergraduate, I published two papers together with two professors at a renowned publisher and I also held a conference talk at an international conference abroad. I enjoy to write and put creativity into research. </p>

<p>However my grades are not straight A's. At my university we dont have a GPA, but I have mostly B's, only some A's and some C's. My university has a rather strong academic program.</p>

<p>What are my chances of admission, if my only true selling point is a history of publications and conference talks?</p>

<p>Thanks very much!
I would be happy to get some input in this.</p>

2

<p>We’ve got no idea, since you didn’t even list a GPA (“mostly Bs” could be a 3.1 or a 3.5) and your admission is going to also be based on GRE scores, letters of recommendation, relevant work and research experience, and your statement.</p>

<p>Publications are going to strengthen your application a lot, especially if you are further up on the food chain of authors (first, second, or third). But they alone are probably not going to get you in.</p>

3

<p>Considering the OP is applying to a Masters, I feel he/she has a strong shot at Stanford even with not-the-highest GPA. If you’re above whatever Stanford’s minimum GPA is for admission, and get a strong Q score on the GRE, I would think you’re an in. If you were applying for a Ph.D., however…</p>