<p>What is more of an asset to a M.S. or PhD application (Comp. Sci)?
Should I try to get internships at companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, or will I be better off doing research exclusively?</p>
<p>Would it be wise to do research during school year and internships over the summer, or is it to my advantage to do research during the summer as well?</p>
<p>Also, how much research should be enough (how many quarters?)
The more the better, or are they just looking for a couple quarters?</p>
<p>Depends on the field, but generally research is better (I mean, come on, PhD's are RESEARCH degrees)...and the more the better. Also, there is no formula regarding the number of quarters necessary.</p>
<p>It depends on what you want to do after you graduate. Research is recommended for the PhD track. As far as how much is enough, well, quality > quantity. Here, read the following guide on CS PhD:</p>