gnufoo

Enthusiasm is really underrated in my opinion. I wasn't the highest scoring GRE or the highest GPA (163Q/157V/5.0W, 3.4 Overall, 3.75 Major), but my SOP discussed my passion for the subject, along with the large workload I took on top of school heavily. One other thing, which is tangential to enthusiasm, is having a specific interest. I'm not saying just pick something, but if you have a research interest which aligns with some of the professors doing research, and you can relay this in your essay, it can definitely help your chances; I think my specific research interest propelled my application quite a bit.

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Those are all top CS programs, except for maybe GT. With your qualifications, I would say it is nearly impossible that you are accepted. You may find it tough to get accepted into most programs. Most successful applicants with a non cs background typically have a degree in a field more tangentially related, and have significant experience in computer science, usually in the form of a minor. They also look heavily upon your math background, which by your description doesn't seem to be very strong. If you want to improve your chances for a CSMS program, you should probably take, at least: CS - Intro, Data Structures, Algorithm Analysis, Finite Automata, Object Oriented Design, Computer Architecture Math - Discrete Math, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations A strong showing in these classes would make you a much more viable candidate. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

I would begin with a book on introductory discrete math from Dover, it should surely cover basic set theory. http://www.amazon.com/Discrete-Mathematics-Elementary-Beyond-Undergraduate/dp/0387955852/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1372121834&sr=8-4&keywords=discrete+math From there, I would suggest reading Smullyan's book on set theory. http://www.amazon.com/Theory-Continuum-Problem-Dover-Mathematics/dp/B00B55AVPI/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372121959&sr=1-9&keywords=smullyan

Since you are an international student, I don't think most will hold it against you. The verbal section is honestly ridiculous. I believe myself to be decently well read, and I still find most of the choices downright obscure for obscurity's sake, so don't be too hard on yourself.

The application fees are killer, that is why I am trying to narrow down my list as much as possible. You may be able to do this by seeing which of those schools has current research in your interests and cut out the ones who don't

Ok, I'll play: My major interest is in Computer Graphics as of now. In particular, I am interested in Virtual Reality. I will mostly be applying for Master's programs as I feel my lack of research experience and non-exceptional gpa would prevent me from attending a school I would be happy with for a PhD. So I am hoping to use a research masters to springboard myself into a great PhD program. Domestic Student Double Major in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics GRE: To be taken in July. Practice 164Q/160V GPA: 3.425 CSGPA: 3.514 Upper Division CSGPA: 3.7 Work Experience: -Currently at a firmware company as a developer intern. Roughly 1 year. -Teach lower division math workshops for my current university. Research Experience: None yet, but will be completing some during the fall which should strengthen my experience, at least in terms of the LOR it will get me. It is too bad that it is not in my area of interest, it is in Physics. List of schools, as of today haha: UC Santa Cruz UC Santa Barbara UC Irvine University of Southern California Rensselear Polytechnic University UC Davis University of Utah Brown University

Also, I should note that my top school, after some contemplation is UC Santa Cruz. I am hesitant to apply directly for a PhD there if it hurts my chances, because I believe a strong research based masters program at santa cruz would give me a great chance to complete my phD there. Does anyone have any opinions on that school in particular?

First off, thank you for your response. I would definitely like to discuss 2/3 more. I would like to go directly into my phD program. My ultimate goal is to be a researcher in industry at some point. Do you think my math major will help sway some phD committees to overlook some of my shortcomings? I only ask because of how heavily computer science uses math. When I am referring to shortcomings, I mean, my average gpa and non-related research.

Hey All, Problem worked itself out in a way. It turns out that five of my remaining ten needed courses are only offered during the spring term, so I would have to delay my graduation until the following spring, which I am not willing to do. Looks like I'll just have to tough it out and do the GRE this summer during my research. For anyone curious, I will be taking the following courses for my two remaining terms. Fall Dynamic Systems Vector Calculus Applied Statistics Programming Paradigms Some philosophy class Who's name escapes me Spring Partial Differential Equations Complex Variables Numerical Analysis(Matlab) Formal Language and Computability Operating Systems Before anyone says it, I know that spring is going to be incredibly tough haha. Any remaining advice would be greatly appreciated!

First off, why do you think you want to do graduate work in computer science? I only ask because you haven't taken any courses in it yet. As for your question, it may be a tough road for you. They generally allow it for people with a closer discipline, such as mathematics, or those who can show aptitude for computer science. The second option is traditionally done via the Computer Science GRE, but it has recently been discontinued (http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/content/computer_science). So, a second bachelors may be a better option.

That is a great attitude to approach it with, best of luck in your applications. I will also be either applying for fall 14' or spring 14'

Hello All, First off, I would like to thank those who take the time to read this. For a quick rundown on my qualifications: I am a double major in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at a state school in California, US. My current gpa is 3.4, my major gpa's are 3.55 and 3.33 respectively. The only research type experience I have will be later this summer when I begin working with my university's physics department. From this, I will likely get to be a co author, or will recieve some significant formal notion of credit on the project. While I look forward to this opportunity, it is not necessarily directly applied to what I'm interested in (Discrete math, graph theory, complexity, algorithm analysis). I have almost a year of work experience at this point. I am a software developer intern at a company that creates spectrum analysis equipment. It has been a wonderful experience, but school is really where I want to be. I have a couple of questions: 1. Should I delay my currently planned graduation date for spring 14 and graduate in fall 14? My reasons for this question are as follows: I could potentially raise my gpa to around 3.55 overall, and I could significantly raise my math upper division gpa as well. This would allow me the opportunity to apply to solid math programs as well. I feel like I am leaning more towards math, I just happen to be better at computer science lol. Also, if I were to extend my date, I could take some classes like abstract algebra and combinatorics. Lastly, I would be able to apply for an REU which would definitely be research more closely tied to my field. I feel that the gpa boost and the extension in research qualifications could really help me, but I'm not sure. 1a. Do I seem qualified for an REU? 2. Am I qualified enough to apply directly to PhD programs? Or should I get a masters first to obtain more research experience and an even higher gpa? These are the schools I currently like: UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, USC(Like I could afford it haha), UC Irvine, Rensselear Polytechnic University and San Diego State 3. Could I be shooting for "better" schools, or am I shooting too high? Again, thank you for reading my diatribe and thank you to anyone who lends advice. Best, gnufoo