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zj868

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Everything posted by zj868

  1. I had an offer for a fully funded master's at the school where I was completing my undergrad (my gpa was ~2.8). At first it was full funding with a stipend then it became partial funding with a stipend. I wasn't to fond of my labmates nor my advisor plus I got into two WAY better master's programs. I decided to take the financial hit because I know it'll work out in the long run. Anyway, the point is, it's definitely possible but difficult to come by, especially for a school that's high in prestige.
  2. Yeah same here. I'm not usually very emotional but I watched the Columbia orientation video clip and I may have shed a tear or two or 6..
  3. I had a 2.9 as well and applied to some top schools in my field. I was able to get into two top programs for Master's programs and I've heard that you can transition into the PhD program if you perform well in your first year so that's something to think about. I would suggest you take the time to evaluate the ease at which you would repay the loans if you were to incur more loans. Work on your total package (GRE, LOR, SOP etc.) to take some weight off of your GPA but I would say Master's is a more realistic goal right now since PhD programs tend to be much more picky about GPA. Ultimately though, if your professor knew the right people, I'm sure it would help a lot. Still apply, the worst you can get is a no. A lot of schools will evaluate you for Master's if you didn't get into their PhD program so inquire about that when you apply. Be relentless and show your determination to the admissions committee! Good luck!
  4. Thanks for the replies everyone! I probably should have added that I lived alone for the last 2 years of undergrad so that's why I was a little hesitant to jump into that type of living situation. Also, the only two roommates I ever had always partied every weekend. Let's hope I get better luck this time. It is grad school after all
  5. I'm just starting my Master's Program in NY and I'm looking for housing. I've quickly come to realize that it's almost impossible to find something decent for <$1100 in a good location (near Morningside Heights) unless I have 2 or more roommates. My question is, would this be an advisable living situation for a first year Master's student?
  6. I'm just getting out of a situation like that. I did undergrad research and my group was mean to me from the beginning. All I did was be nice but they seemed to try to look for the first reason to label me as unproductive or unhelpful when I did great work and created a device that completely transformed (in a positive way) the way one of the grad students conducted his research. I tried to be as helpful and polite as possible but nothing worked and I was never included in lunch or anything after a few months.. Anyway, this situation sounds all too familiar and my advice is to stay strong because obviously professors favor you (with the funding and all). Speakling from experience now, It's pure jealousy on their part and understanding that solves half of the problem. It's easier said than done but hype yourself everyday and go into school as positive as you can. Make your own happiness and don't let them get you down. They got nothin on you! That's the reason why their trying to mess with you. You don't need their validation because it sounds like you're pretty awesome. Keep your head up!
  7. I can't believe I'm actually posting on here! I dreamt about my turn to post here for the past year! Anyway, my gpa is ~2.9 and I was recently accepted to two top MS programs in my field. One of them was my dream program and I'm still in shock. I had my doubts but now I can reassure everyone here that it is possible!! However, I must say that the process is no walk in the park and there are a lot of key factors that need to be strong on your application to offset a weak GPA. In my case, I had EXCELLENT LORs from well recognized faculty who knew my GPA situation to my professors and so they made sure to address it in my LORs. GRE was another important factor. - you need to ace that quant section (for engineering). Your SOP needs to be very well thought out as well and explain your situation without trying to pity yourself - spin it into a positive. I spent over a week on mine (~4 hrs a day) and I reviewed with some great writers. Get involved in extracurricular activities and obtain leadership positions if possible. Finally, you need to be tenacious and confident. Don't be afraid to contact your program if they take very long. Offer to meet with some faculty member in person or take some quiz to reassure them. Convince them that they need you as part of their program! For all those reading this and currently applying or planning to, I hope I helped and it is possible!
  8. Just accepted Columbia's offer. I'll be there for Electrical Engineering! Anyone else EE? Who found housing already? I'm so excited!!
  9. Ok I'll change that part. Thanks!
  10. I recently met with an advisor at my first choice program and he discussed the possibility of adding me into his group for the upcoming Fall semester (master's program). During our meeting he asked if I had any questions but I felt as though asking about funding would be inappropriate. Now, I really need to know if he would provide any type of funding for my research. Is it inappropriate to email him and ask something along the lines of: "I'm deciding between the programs and I need to compare the costs of these programs and decide in a few days. If I were to work for you during the semester would there be any funding attached?"
  11. My area is a little different (engineering master's) so take this with a pinch of salt. I was given a Skype interview a few months back and I was in your shoes but there is really nothing to be too nervous about. I was expecting technical/difficult questions but instead the questions were pretty easy just asking logistics-related things like how I plan to afford the program and why I specifically chose this school. Ultimately, I was accepted but I don't think the interview played a major role so you should be fine once you don't absolutely bomb it lol. Keeping a cool head and spending ample time on preparation is key and you'll have nothing to worry about! Now go crush that interview! Best of luck!
  12. Hey guys I figured here might have been a better place to get more accurate feedback on my dilemma. Here's the link to my question: Thanks!
  13. True but I'm under the impression that Wharton has a lot more influence in any aspect of business. That said, i'm sure i'll be fine at Columbia's b-school too. Anyone else have opinions on the comparisons? I'm hearing from a lot of friends that Penn recruiting is amazing and might make it easier to land a job after graduation. Any truth to this?
  14. I applied to their MSE program for the second cycle and heard from them on April 15th but every department is different and have different wait times. I usually calm myself down and stay confident and hopeful but if you're really anxious, you could send a polite email or call since it's pretty late. Best of luck!
  15. Thanks for that quick response cs! glad to see you sleep just as little as I do haha. I'm starting to lean towards Columbia now
  16. Haha I forgot just how smart everyone on here is cs_phd! Maybe putting the school names might actually help though. School A is Columbia, School B is Penn
  17. I'm sincerely stumped by the decision I have to make in less than a week. I was fortunate to get into two great electrical engineering programs. Ok here's the breakdown: School A Pros: Excellent research environment 10 minutes away from significant other (after 5.5 yrs long distance) Welcoming faculty who have discussed making me a part of their research group Higher ranked Cheaper M.S degree? Cons: Enjoyed the atmosphere of school B way more School B: Pros: Great environment World renowned faculty Beautiful Campus Current advisor is alumni and well connected there Cons: Professors seem less inviting to Master's students for research Far from significant other(but still closer than ever before) More expensive M.S.E non-thesis degree? Something about school B is very inviting despite all the cons and their MBA program is top 3 so being alumni might help when I'm ready to pursue that. On the other hand there is the allure of being close to my significant other at school A but NY just isn't my cup of tea. Any thoughts? Also, does MS vs MSE make a big difference?
  18. So I ended up getting a research poster from one of my lab mates, I had some screenshots of simulations that I did and also pictures of some of my work in the lab. I compiled all of that stuff into a PDF and sent it to him. Unfortunately, he didn't have a computer in front of him so it's a good thing I walked with my laptop!
  19. Ok that makes me feel more confident. Thanks Jay!
  20. I just left class and was walking back to my apartment. I decided to check my emails on my phone as I usually do and that's when I saw an email from my top choice telling me to go check my application status but at that moment my phone died!! I calmed myself while walking back and prepared for the rejection, then I saw my friend on the way home and he decided to stop to talk to me. THE SUSPENSE!! I finally got home 15 mins later and opened the decision letter to see my acceptance. I jumped so high that I almost hit my head on the ceiling!
  21. An advisor at my first choice school has agreed to meet with me to evaluate my candidacy for his lab (I've already been accepted to the school). My meeting is in a few hours and he said 'bring information on your background and earlier research or project work.' The problem is that my work as an undergrad is not tangible since we haven't produced any papers since I joined the group. I have screenshots of some simulations we did and my CV. What else should I bring?
  22. Thanks for that article! Unfortunately, both schools are on different tiers. My first choice is an Ivy wifh great research and amazing faculty and the other is a mediocre state school. I'm not sure they'll be too compelled by offer comparisons lol
  23. I applied for the Fall 2015 cycle to do my Master's in Electrical Engineering. I was accepted to my first choice school and my safety. I really do not want to attend my safety since it is the school I currently attend and the lab environment is very unfriendly and frustrating. I was offered funding at my safety but it was not guaranteed after the first semester. My first choice did not offer any funding so I would have to take loans (~80k). I am an international student and I am desperately searching for a cosigner. Are there any resources anyone could provide for international students? Also, is it a bad idea to reject my safety in hopes of finding funding to attend my top choice? I was given until Wednesday to decide for my safety. Thanks everyone!
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