Hey guys, whatsup?
I'm an international student (India) applying to US universities for an MS in Mechanical Engineering (fall '13).
I'm a little worried about my research experience, which pretty much only consists of my year-long undergraduate thesis. This thesis did win a couple of awards, but aside from this I have no academic research publication/papers. But for what it's worth, I do have a strong academic coursework background for my intended major.
So do I have a chance at these places? -
Columbia, Princeton, UCLA, CMU, Northwestern, Purdue, Michigan Ann Arbor, Brown
My Gre score is 165V/167Q/4, my gpa is 9.43/10 (major gpa - 9.39/10), toefl score is 30/30/26/30 (i.e, 116/120)
Other info:
I have very strong literary and theater ECs, but I suppose it doesn't count for much.
I've done a lot of community work and worked in animal/wildlife rehabilitation programs. I've also co-founded/head a couple of popular environmental organisations. Again, I don't know if this matters for grad admissions.
I don't intend to do my PhD. So I'd want to do the non-thesis MS option. But I'm open to doing the thesis option because finaid opportunities are better. I think I'll enjoy both.
Sorry for the long post, thanks in advance, and have a great day!