RP15

Hello, So I studied abroad in Europe from Sept 2013 - May 2014. I have several courses, which final grades I will not receive until Spring 2015 (it's very complicated)... Anyway, there are only 2 courses somewhat relevant to my field (and quite frankly they're not very important). The rest of the courses are language and modern language subjects (I'm an engineering major). Therefore, being in my 5th year, my transcript only shows my grades for the first three years at undergrad, with a sort of "gap" in between. Will this affect my PhD applications? It's frustrating because none of these study abroad courses add to my Major.....

After taking the Manhattan tests and ETS powerprep tests, am I the only one who thinks that ETS is easier for the quantitative?? Not sure which third part test prep is best... (for quantitative) But it seems like if you're able to nail down the Manhattan quant, you're gold for the ETS quant. Thoughts?

So I managed to obtain an internship with Intel Corporation in a research and development lab for next summer. Is this worth putting on a resume / statement of purpose ? I didn't even start it yet.. However, I will be working on a topic that pertains to my interests Thanks!

I didn't stick to the 5 recommended. I put in 6. I think the point was that they recommend inserting five, but if you wish to go beyond that, go ahead... For me, I highly doubt putting 6 will negatively impact me. However, 10 different experiences is pushing it I think. Try choose those that most pertain to their interests

Hello, I have a question. What do I put in the "Proposed University or College" field under the "Proposed Graduate Study" ? I am a senior applying to about 9 PhD programs, do I just choose one of the universities? What if put in a university and I don't get accepted, does it make a difference? Thank you

I'm confused. Most undergraduates don't have publications. I don't see why you should be concerned that you don't. Just recently a professor from Carnegie Mellon asked me to give him my CV, and he told me he was impressed by my experience.

Awesome thanks for your feedback! I listed Cornell because I've lived there for an entire summer, and personally Ithaca was a nice place. But you're right nonetheless, getting out of there is tough. To be honest, I'm trying to find a location that will work out with my significant other as well. Atlanta is just not a place we'd like to live in (been there). Same goes for other places, such as Detroit. California would be ideal. Although the places i'm applying to are very competitive, they still accept like 15-25% (unlike the 7-9% for undergrads). I think I'll add UCLA though, great university.

I'm not a fan of unpaid internships. Very rarely do companies truly lack the funds to pay an intern. They have the money, they just find it very attractive to claim that offering you an internship is such a privilege for you because of the experience you'll gain, and so therefore you shouldn't get paid. Any company can do this - just open your doors and accept anyone without pay, the position will get filled either way. The truth is, they do benefit greatly from interns. They go on to get experience and often become the new generation of employers of the company. The company is worthless without its workers, and offering unpaid internships demonstrates a lack of appreciation of this fact. You're doing labor, you're getting things done that a paid employee would otherwise do. You're taken advantage of for free Take the internship or leave it, it is up to you. You'll gain valuable experience, true. But personally I don't wouldn't want to do work for free, even if it's something you enjoy.

Hi everyone.. I want to pursue my PhD at a top university. One question I had is, how much will a 6-month internship at Intel improve my application? I ask this because it's industry, and I am not sure how a graduate committee perceives industry experience. I am an Electrical Engineer, 22 years old, and I graduate May 2015. I was suppose to graduate this May but I studied abroad in France for a year instead Here is some more information about me.. How do my credentials look relative to the PhD programs I want to apply to? Home University: Small public university... not top in anything GPA: 3.90/4.00 Where I'm applying Applying to some of the top Engineering PhD programs. MIT/Stanford/Berkeley included. Others are UCSD, Caltech, Cornell. Not applying to Georgia tech though... I just do not want to live in Atlanta. (and I believe location is a very important factor) Publications: These things aren't easy... I simply had no chance to publish. The profs I did research with were way too focused on something else. GRE score: currently studying for it. I'll be taking my first GRE the end of August, and if that isn't satisfying, I can take it again the end of October (just in time to submit for December deadlines). Work experience: May-December 2014 (present): 6-month internship at Intel Corporation Jan-May 2014, Research assistant for 5 months at an EE institue in Paris, France REU, summer 2013 - University of Maryland College Park REU, summer 2012 - Cornell University Letters of Recommendation: I'm planning on getting two from professors at my home University, and hopefully one from the professor I did research with in Paris (he hasn't replied to my request yet...) Language skills: I know it doesn't matter much... but I'm fluent in English, Spanish (mexican family), and French (studied it for 5 years and lived in Paris for 1). Perhaps being well-rounded matters at least a tiny bit? Overseas experience (work, study and teaching): I taught English for 8 months in Paris, and did research for 5 months at an engineering institute. (Name: Institute Superieur d'Electronique de Paris)

srry. didn't realize this was a government affairs section.. ignore

That is correct... I agree sigh.. Three LoRs can be so stressful. I've only gotten to know two professors. I did two REUs, but I rarely spoke to the profs and it's only for 10 weeks. Not sure what to do now

Hey everyone, I'll be having LoRs from two professors... (field EE) Currently though, I am working at Intel. Would it be a good idea to get a LoR from my mentor, she's been working at Intel for about a decade now, and I basically report to her. There's just so much emphasis on "Make sure a professor writes it!!!!".... But I fail to see how professional experience in general isn't as good. What really matters is work ethic right?

I am currently battling between grad school and having my girlfriend move in with me... Only difference is she lives in Argentina. So in my case rather than a 4 hour drive I'm dealing with a 12 hour plane ride. Luckily for us however, she is a freelance translator, and so once she migrates to the US via marriage she won't be restricted in one city like your BF. As it has already been said, 4 hours is not a lot. It is different, yes. And it will not be the same. But... a 4 hour drive breaking up a healthy 6-year relationship? That is stretching it, in my opinion. Relationships require effort, I'm positive you two can work through this.

Hello everyone, I'd like to share my credentials with you. I aspire to apply to a PhD program in Electrical Engineering next year, but I am not sure what chances I have in getting in... Below are my credentials. Assuming I have high GRE scores and pretty good LoRs/SoP, do you find me competitive? What are my chances for top-10 programs? Thank you in advanced! University: Small reputation University GPA: 3.90/4.00 Degree: Bachelors in Electrical Engineering Graduation date: May 2015 Experience: 1) Internship with Intel Corporations Intern May-August 2014 2) Institut Supérieur d’Electronique de Paris (ISEP) in Paris, France Research assistant January-May 2014 3) University of Maryland, College Park (REU) Research assistant June-August 2013 4) My small-reputable university Independent research January-May 2013 5) Cornell University (REU) Research assistant June-August 2012