[Undergrad Research]

How important is undergrad research for a computer engineering major if I'm looking to get in to a grad program for computer science?

Would internships and co-ops be viable substitutes?

[Life after undergrad]

I will be a computer engineering senior next semester. And I have been looking to either do MS or PhD in HCI/Ubicomp.

I've been looking in to Stanford, Berkeley, Washington, Irvine.

What are some good 'safety' schools with HCI program? Preferably on the coasts as I'm trying to get out of the midwest.

Some background:

3.84 gpa

haven't taken the gre, but I think I could do fairly well. at least above average.

didn't do any undergrad research

i've had two internships with two very well-known and respectable companies.