[Columbia University]

Hi all! I'll be joining Columbia SEAS this fall. Is there a Facebook group (or anything of that sort) where I can meet/speak with other people who are going?

[Not enough research! Aaarrgh.]

I haven't applied yet but I'll be applying for modi's group too!

[Not enough research! Aaarrgh.]

Well, my thesis wasn't entirely research in a lab. I designed and built an underwater vehicle for assisting local civic bodies in maintaining lakes and wet infrastructure. The water situation's a big mess where I live, so...

Yup, I applied to Princeton with just a couple of hours to spare before the deadline! It was kinda rushed. I'm not worrying too much about it, probably won't get in anyway - not with the stats you mentioned I really want to go to Columbia though.

Well you're the first person who's told me I'm a competitive applicant, so thanks I've talked to a couple of people and they all said I should've done a couple of research internships and stuff like that. I spent all my summers on unrelated ECs, so now I'm wishing I'd actually done something that would've enhanced my application.

[Not enough research! Aaarrgh.]

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!