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[starscream]

Hello Admissions consultant,

I am an international student from India and would be applying for direct Phd program in Electrical engineering specifically VLSI/CAD with a focus on low power design this year.

Target Universities:
Stanford Univ
Univ of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Purdue Univ, Indiana
Univ of Texas Austin
Univ of South California
Virgnia Tech-College of Engineering
Arizona State Univ

Profile:
Electronics Undergraduate in a Top Indian Institute of Technology(IIT)
Average Score: 9.36/10 Institute rank-1
GRE: 790 Q, 680V, 3 AW
TOEFL: 108/120(28 R, 24L, 28S, 28W)
Work Experience: 2.5 years in a top electronic design automation company(CAD tool developer).
Research Experience: Projects in Speech Synthesis, Computer Architecture, low power VLSI design but no publications.
Internships: Worked on FPGA synthesis optimization techniques for a FPGA synthesis tool.

Should get three strong recommendations from my undergraduate professors.

Would like to hear your opinion on:
– Would my low Analytical writing score hurt my chances?
– What are my overall chances?
– Few other Universities with a good VLSI program in digital design
and decent funding.
– Would lack of publications be a strong negative for my chances?

Thanks.

[hmacneill]

That’s a tough one – a letter from an established PhD is the most desirable. However, if that letter is not “great” then it might do more harm than good. I think the PhD that supervised you – would be a good letter to have. Are there any other professors that you have relationships with, that would be able to write a letter of rec for you? Or better yet, would you be able to help guide the well know professor towards writing a more personalized/powerful letter? These are a few ideas to consider. Good luck.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by felipr1

Hi there,
Thanx for this cool site. I have a question regarding the recommendation letters. A very well know german professor has agreed to recommend me for PhD admission in some US (Top 5) universities. However I’m a bit concerned that his recommendation is not “amazing” enough. On the other hand, my ex-boss (who’s actually an employee of the professor), who is a PhD and has a couple of publications has also agreed to recommend me. I’m pretty sure he will write the best of best about me. My question is:

What’s better: A good but not awsome recommendation from a well know professor or an amazing recommendation from a normal PhD?

Thank you for your advice,
Felipe

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[hmacneill]

Thank for your post. It sounds like you have a well rounded list of schools – one of the most important criteria when selecting schools is making sure the research and faculty at the school are a good match with your research interests/goals. I do not think your analytical score by itself will keep you from gaining admission – it’s just part of the whole package and your GRE score is not bad (verbal and quant). I do think that having publications will make your application much stronger but your letters of recommendation and essays can help make a big difference in your application so don’t underestimate their effectiveness. Good luck with your choices.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by starscream

Hello Admissions consultant,

I am an international student from India and would be applying for direct Phd program in Electrical engineering specifically VLSI/CAD with a focus on low power design this year.

Target Universities:
Stanford Univ
Univ of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Purdue Univ, Indiana
Univ of Texas Austin
Univ of South California
Virgnia Tech-College of Engineering
Arizona State Univ

Profile:
Electronics Undergraduate in a Top Indian Institute of Technology(IIT)
Average Score: 9.36/10 Institute rank-1
GRE: 790 Q, 680V, 3 AW
TOEFL: 108/120(28 R, 24L, 28S, 28W)
Work Experience: 2.5 years in a top electronic design automation company(CAD tool developer).
Research Experience: Projects in Speech Synthesis, Computer Architecture, low power VLSI design but no publications.
Internships: Worked on FPGA synthesis optimization techniques for a FPGA synthesis tool.

Should get three strong recommendations from my undergraduate professors.

Would like to hear your opinion on:
– Would my low Analytical writing score hurt my chances?
– What are my overall chances?
– Few other Universities with a good VLSI program in digital design
and decent funding.
– Would lack of publications be a strong negative for my chances?

Thanks.

---

AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[aibiluv]

Hello adm. consultant

sorry about posting this twice. wasn’t sure on where to post it. still new to this site

I’m applying into EECS(electrical & computer science dep.) at MIT. My GPA is 3.9/4 and I just started a research work about 2 weeks ago and i don’t think there would be any publications before the application deadline.

My question is this, is it possible to get admission into Msc program at MIT without any publications? What are your advice?

Is teaching experience important? What type of volunteer work will give ones application a boost?

thanks

All things are possible

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. Most Masters programs do not require previous publication experience – but it certainly is a plus. That said, it’s hard to know how competitive you are as an applicant. Certainly, your grades are good – but a successful application is much more than grades and research experience. Good letters of recommendation, test scores, and of course a strong essay are all part of the package.
Good luck with your studies.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by aibiluv

Hello adm. consultant

sorry about posting this twice. wasn’t sure on where to post it. still new to this site

I’m applying into EECS(electrical & computer science dep.) at MIT. My GPA is 3.9/4 and I just started a research work about 2 weeks ago and i don’t think there would be any publications before the application deadline.

My question is this, is it possible to get admission into Msc program at MIT without any publications? What are your advice?

Is teaching experience important? What type of volunteer work will give ones application a boost?

thanks

All things are possible

---

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[smoauro]

Dear Admissions Board,

I am looking to apply to good urban planning masters programs for 2012, looking into NYU, Pratt, Penn and others. I am curious if you would recommend taking the GRE again with my current scores – I would have time, feel that I could get higher scores (I rather casually studied the first time), but am nervous as the format has significantly changed.

1. I graduated in 2009 from the University of Illinois UC with a 3.92 GPA and Magna Cum Laude Honors, social science (International Studies, Urban Development) major.
2. Relevant coursework included urban geography, a few urban planning courses and a few economics courses.
2. GRE Verbal 590, Quant 730, AWA 5
3. I have 2 years abroad experience in Argentina, which includes an internship in progress that works with community development (economic and access to amenities).

I am concerned that my GRE score, although not poor, might be a bit weak for top programs since I do not have long term work experience.

Thank you for any advice.

[prashanth]

Dear Admission consultants,

I am an Indian and intend to apply for fall 2012. I have an aggregate of 78% in BE (Mech.) with six projects and four international publications. All these projects have been funded by industries, college and various associations (govt and non-govt). I will have completed one year of research in the field I intend to do my MS/Phd. I am currently working in the Government’s aerospace and Micro-aerial vehicles domain. I have also recieved internatonal certificate of appreciation for one of these projects apart from various other awards.

But, I screwed up my GRE with 800Q + 440V.

I intend to apply for UCB/Princeton/GIT/UMich/CMU/Cornell/Purdue… Do you feel I have any chance of making it into any of these universities ? Please suggest some universities apart form the above mentioned, for my score..

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. I think the answer depends a lot on how much time you have to spend on studying for the exam. I do not feel that better scores are critical to your application – it appears that you have good grades and experience. However, sometimes showing the motivation for improvement goes a long way in the admissions process. In the end, better scores will unlikely be the difference in your application. Your essays, letters of recommendation etc. will hold more weight. Good luck with your decision.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by smoauro

Dear Admissions Board,

I am looking to apply to good urban planning masters programs for 2012, looking into NYU, Pratt, Penn and others. I am curious if you would recommend taking the GRE again with my current scores – I would have time, feel that I could get higher scores (I rather casually studied the first time), but am nervous as the format has significantly changed.

1. I graduated in 2009 from the University of Illinois UC with a 3.92 GPA and Magna Cum Laude Honors, social science (International Studies, Urban Development) major.
2. Relevant coursework included urban geography, a few urban planning courses and a few economics courses.
2. GRE Verbal 590, Quant 730, AWA 5
3. I have 2 years abroad experience in Argentina, which includes an internship in progress that works with community development (economic and access to amenities).

I am concerned that my GRE score, although not poor, might be a bit weak for top programs since I do not have long term work experience.

Thank you for any advice.

---

AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post. Engineering programs will mostly look at your quantitative scores in the GRE. If you are taking the TOEFL they will likely look to those scores and your essays (along with any other written correspondence) to better assess your verbal abilities. Your references may be another avenue to speak for your verbal abilities. That said, if you feel you can improve on the scores – then you should consider retaking the test. Good luck with your studies.
Heather

quote:

---

Originally posted by prashanth

Dear Admission consultants,

I am an Indian and intend to apply for fall 2012. I have an aggregate of 78% in BE (Mech.) with six projects and four international publications. All these projects have been funded by industries, college and various associations (govt and non-govt). I will have completed one year of research in the field I intend to do my MS/Phd. I am currently working in the Government’s aerospace and Micro-aerial vehicles domain. I have also recieved internatonal certificate of appreciation for one of these projects apart from various other awards.

But, I screwed up my GRE with 800Q + 440V.

I intend to apply for UCB/Princeton/GIT/UMich/CMU/Cornell/Purdue… Do you feel I have any chance of making it into any of these universities ? Please suggest some universities apart form the above mentioned, for my score..

---

AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

[prashanth]

Dear Admission consultants,
Thanks for your reply.
I haven’t given my TOEFL exam yet. I do have some strong LORs. To add to that the Science Direct journal in which I have published is headed by UCB Co-Director for one of the labs that would be part of my course work (if I make it at UCB). I know three people who have applied for Purdue in the last three years. One of the person’s who has agreed to give me a letter of recommendation had recommended all the three (all the three applicants were admitted). So I am as well counting on his LOR.

quote:

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Originally posted by hmacneill

Thanks for your post. Engineering programs will mostly look at your quantitative scores in the GRE. If you are taking the TOEFL they will likely look to those scores and your essays (along with any other written correspondence) to better assess your verbal abilities. Your references may be another avenue to speak for your verbal abilities. That said, if you feel you can improve on the scores – then you should consider retaking the test. Good luck with your studies.
Heather

quote:

---

Originally posted by prashanth

Dear Admission consultants,

I am an Indian and intend to apply for fall 2012. I have an aggregate of 78% in BE (Mech.) with six projects and four international publications. All these projects have been funded by industries, college and various associations (govt and non-govt). I will have completed one year of research in the field I intend to do my MS/Phd. I am currently working in the Government’s aerospace and Micro-aerial vehicles domain. I have also recieved internatonal certificate of appreciation for one of these projects apart from various other awards.

But, I screwed up my GRE with 800Q + 440V.

I intend to apply for UCB/Princeton/GIT/UMich/CMU/Cornell/Purdue… Do you feel I have any chance of making it into any of these universities ? Please suggest some universities apart form the above mentioned, for my score..

---

AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

Keep up with us on:

---

[returninggrad]

Hello Admission consultants,

quick profile
– GRE 163Q, 164V, 4.5 W
– TOEFL should be here in a couple of days; I expect something in the 110-115 range;
– BA in PoliSci in my home country in Eastern Europe, graduating in the top 2%;
– MA in a top 5 IR program on the US East Coast; GPA average only a B+, midway through the rankings I would guess;
– returned home, held a couple of very high level jobs in public administration for about 5 years;
– want to return grad school to go beyond (but related to) IR, perhaps through a program that would allow me to switch to the private sector.
– LORs available from US professors and significant employers back home;
– would love a flexible program, where I can take even some finance classes
– don’t have the patience for a US PhD or the money for an MBA

So, questions:
1. What programs would you guys recommend? So far I’m looking at Fletcher’s MIB, KSG MPA2 (very flexible, only 4/16 classes mandatory), SIPAs MPA (a concentration in finance), even Berkeley’s MPP (for the love of San Fran:-) ). Any suggestions for back-ups? Full or solid scholarship would be a must.

2. Does it make sense? Do I risk doing the same thing all over again? Should I look into something further away than IR?

3. Something on this side of the pond would also be interesting, but not sure what. Suggestions?

Advice appreciated.

G.

[hmacneill]

Thanks for the post. There will certainly be some overlap between your IR degree and the MPA/MPP programs. You have some very specific needs in mind for a graduate program – so it’s hard to suggest additional programs as safety schools. LSE, might be worth looking into, however. I think most any MPA program might compliment what you have and what you hope to do. I would encourage you to do some research and talk to people in the positions you hope to work in – to see what kind of degree would be most helpful. It possible that an additional degree is not necessary and you need to be careful not to appear to be collecting degrees. Good luck with your search.
Heather

quote:

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Originally posted by returninggrad

Hello Admission consultants,

quick profile
– GRE 163Q, 164V, 4.5 W
– TOEFL should be here in a couple of days; I expect something in the 110-115 range;
– BA in PoliSci in my home country in Eastern Europe, graduating in the top 2%;
– MA in a top 5 IR program on the US East Coast; GPA average only a B+, midway through the rankings I would guess;
– returned home, held a couple of very high level jobs in public administration for about 5 years;
– want to return grad school to go beyond (but related to) IR, perhaps through a program that would allow me to switch to the private sector.
– LORs available from US professors and significant employers back home;
– would love a flexible program, where I can take even some finance classes
– don’t have the patience for a US PhD or the money for an MBA

So, questions:
1. What programs would you guys recommend? So far I’m looking at Fletcher’s MIB, KSG MPA2 (very flexible, only 4/16 classes mandatory), SIPAs MPA (a concentration in finance), even Berkeley’s MPP (for the love of San Fran:-) ). Any suggestions for back-ups? Full or solid scholarship would be a must.

2. Does it make sense? Do I risk doing the same thing all over again? Should I look into something further away than IR?

3. Something on this side of the pond would also be interesting, but not sure what. Suggestions?

Advice appreciated.

G.

---

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[pgs927]

Hello, I am wondering what my chances are at being admitted into CUNY Baruch for the full time MBA program. My GPA is 2.65, and I have about 2 years of work experience as a Legal Assistant. I haven’t taken the GMAT yet. Their average GMAT score is listed at 590 so, I feel that if I achieve at least a 600 I should be on the safe side. Also their average GPA is a 3.1. I can get solid employer recommendations and I am working on a personal statement currently. Any advice from here would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

[nr211]

Dear Admissions Consultant,

I graduated from Pace this past May with an overall 3.45 gpa, and a major gpa of 3.9 in international relations with a concentration in italian and diplomacy. I am considering grad school but got a horrible score of 940 on the GRE, twice. Do you think it’s even worth trying to apply to the global affairs program at George Mason University. I know I can get good recommendations from my Italian professor and my internship supervisor, but feel that my low GRE score will really hurt my ability to get into a grad school. Also, do you have any other suggestions or other schools that I can possibly be accepted into with such scores.

Thank you.

[hmacneill]

Thanks for your post – but you will need to re post your question on the MBA specific message board.
Thanks.

quote:

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Originally posted by pgs927

Hello, I am wondering what my chances are at being admitted into CUNY Baruch for the full time MBA program. My GPA is 2.65, and I have about 2 years of work experience as a Legal Assistant. I haven’t taken the GMAT yet. Their average GMAT score is listed at 590 so, I feel that if I achieve at least a 600 I should be on the safe side. Also their average GPA is a 3.1. I can get solid employer recommendations and I am working on a personal statement currently. Any advice from here would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

---

AdmissionsConsultants
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