planetbucks

Thank you for a very clear overview of the whole process. "maybe you're so clearly brimming with raw talent and creativity that they just have to take you". lol, i wish. as far as my college goes, people with 3.8+ have got into cornell, stanford, cmu. i have little information about people with my gpa, which is why i am a little concerned, although its quite clear that above mentioned schools are in the dream category for me.

Thank you both for replying! @velua: I guess I'll apply for fall admissions, then. It shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for mentioning. @pascal: That is a great idea, but seeing that my gpa isn't too good, how do I know my chances at the places they mention? Is it possible to find some rough gpa cutoffs? Sorry if I'm bugging you by being a noob.

Hi, I am an undergrad in India in a reputed college, doing a double major in computer science and electrical engineering with 3.4 GPA. I have no publications(as of now, at least) but I have worked/ am working with two people who have done their PhDs at UCB and MIT in EE and CS respectively and supposedly have good contacts. Assuming good recos from them, how do I choose the best colleges for me to do an Ms+PhD in theory CS / info theory in CS, which are decently ranked and in which I have maximum chances? Thanks!