Neurotic_Jay

Thank you! I am aware of that. I have emailed them of course. Since this service is obviously being used by a lot of schools, I thought someone on this site may have the similar issues like this one.

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1. Definitely. 2. Not as much as undergrad, but it still affects your chance. 3. Merit-based scholarships or on-campus jobs like TA or RA.

It does not matter as much as undergrad, yes. Can't even compare to how much it matters for med school, yes. However, it still matters to every single school whose application includes URM-or-not questions.

I'm willing to bet money that you will get into a great school. Don't worry!

I'm in engineering. From what I heard, having a MS or MA sometimes even backfires. Engineering masters and PhDs focus on very different things. Having a course-based MS before applying for PhD may even raise questions about how serious an applicant is about committing to research. It is very common for undergrad to go directly to PhD programs or take one or two gap years doing research before PhD, though. Taking gap years to do research, on the other hand, shows one's commitment to research.

I wrote the other way and got a 4.5. I think yours is better than mine. I'm not an expert (not even a native speaker) so I'm not gonna go into details, but it looks good. From what I could recall, the test section doesn't have a bold option. That's the only thing I caught.

GPA matters a lot and if your LoRs are good, you have a decent chance in getting into a good school. Top schools like MIT are like lotteries... No one knows whether they'll get in or not until the results are released. Looking into applicant profiles in previous years may help.

I can only say rec letters matter A LOT so you probably want to talk with your sophomore+junior research advisor about that. It's not hard to write your own recs, just brag (no don't do that), maybe ask your freshman year advisor for a template or a previous sample rec letter? Other than that I think your profile is really strong, but there's no telling about someone's chance to schools like Stanford or MIT. Sometimes you need more than a strong profile, such as luck (PI in your area happens to need a new PhD student or something). If you are a domestic student, also try NSF GRFP.

If you're doing imaging then this is a GREAT choice! (from a WashU bme graduate)

I have the impression that neither school has "super great" EE/BME program. I could be wrong. Here's the question everybody would ask you first. Career choice: academia, industry, or other?

Weather is a very important factor IMO. I'm gonna suffer if I have to wake up, wrap myself with two coats and three scarves, dig my car out from the 30-inch snow, and then drive to the lab. PhD students suffer enough already. That's why Caltech rules!!! jkjk While the school's name may not be that important, it is sort of important that your PI is famous/prestigious in your field if you want a career in academia.

OK I see you changed your answer to my question... Anyhoo. One motto I live with is nothing is impossible. I have changed my major three times (all in engineering discipline though) until now I am perfectly happy with my future PhD study in mechanical engineering. And I didn't lose time changing majors. In your case I would try to get a thesis master instead of a course-based one.

Then I think you just have to finish all the pre reqs and then you'll be fine. Top programs may not take you (e.g. Stanford), but I'm sure you'll get into decent programs if you ace those mechE classes.

Are you interested in an engineering MS or PhD?