I'm leaning toward a PhD. About my LoRs, I like to think my professors think more of me than just being an A student. I was always talking with them about the field, discussing CS topics that weren't even taught, talking about graduate school, etc. They know how dedicated, ambitious, and tenacious I am toward my work, so that's why I think I can get good LoRs.
I tell anyone spending much time studying for it, your efforts would almost surely be better placed doing some research or improving your SOP
Thanks for that. I've heard that before, but mostly my need to study for the GRE is to at least get that score that puts me in contention (Chapel Hill says their average candidate gets 90% in every GRE section, which is over a 1400 total, it's probably like this everywhere).
About getting some research experience, what's the best way to pursue that now? I don't have the guidance of a professor like undergrads do. Are there many paid research opportunities for graduates?