Sam1608

Hi, I'm an Indian student and have just completed my Bachelors in Engineering (Electronics & Communications) and am applying for graduate studies in High Energy Astrophysics. I recently gave the PGRE this October since the PGRE is only offered once a year in India But due to my lack of timed practice, I'm not hoping to get >700 this time. Undergrad Institution: Gujarat Technological University (No Physics reputation; considered as one of top 50's in Engineering in India) Major: Electronics & Communications Overall GPA: 7.8/10 Length of Degree: 4 years Position in Class: Average Type of Student: International GRE Scores: 307, Revised Q: 157 (68%) V: 150 (45%) W: 3.5 (38) P: Estimated between 600-700 (October, 2014) TOEFL Total: 106 (S-23; L-27; W-28; R-28) Research Experience: None! (Probably my biggest disadvantage) (Apart from the final year project that we've to undertake in the field of Electronics-->irrelevant for Physics purposes) But, I've undertaken one course- Dissertation based certificate course in A&A at a research institute in India, and will also undertake a graduate-level Cosmology course (without dissertation) at the same. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: (??) Was selected in a summer exchange program (25-students) to study 2 subjects at KSU Pertinent Activities or Jobs: N/A Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: None Physics Relevant Courses: Have studies Image Processing, Electromagnetics, Engineering Physics and Engineering Math (4 courses) relevant to A&A is what I can consider for college courses Have taken more than 11 (and currently ongoing) MOOCs on Physics & A&A Applying to Where: Rochester Institute of Technology Princeton's 2-year Post-Baccalaureate Program in Astrophysics (yet to answer if International students are eligible) Colorado, Boulder North Carolina, Chapel Hill Rutgers Australian National University (Seems impossible) Now I don't know whether with the above info. if I should even consider applying or take an year off to prepare better for PGRE and retry. I'm open to any advice.