I recently graduated from a tier 3 (USNEWS ranking) state university with a BSCS. I didn't really try hard in my undergrad studies because I didn't have much direction. My motto was basically "do just enough to get by" and now that I am finished I regret this dearly. I have decided I want to go for a PhD and this is where I stand:
Ugrad GPA: 3.23
CS GPA: 3.2
GRE: not taken yet
LORs: none
Research Experience: none
I know I am not competitive at all right now so I am going to get a Masters first. I have decided to do the Masters via distance learning and have narrowed it down to 3 choices. I would like opinions on which school to choose:
University of Illinois Springfield - MSCS, thesis option, cost 11k.
University of Louisville - MSCS, thesis option, cost 18k.
Colorado State University - MCS, coursework only, cost 19k.
I plan on applying to state schools in the southeast for a PhD. None of the programs I apply to will be top schools. Here is my opinion on the schools I am considering for the Masters:
UIS - The school is pretty much unknown. It is a ranked tier 1 Masters midwest region (USNEWS ranking) school (the school doesn't offer PhDs). It is the cheapest and smallest program. I will interact more with the faculty and have a good chance of getting great LORs and research experience.
UofL - Seems to be a solid program. Decent size program so it may be difficult to get LORs since I will be doing distance learning. Will get research experience.
CSU - Same as UofL except will not get any research experience.
I am leaning towards UIS and then making it a point to get great LORs and research experience. I am hesitant because UIS is not known.
So basically, should I go with an unknown school and get great LORs and research experience or should I go with a known school and get decent LORs with little or no research experience?
Thank you for your help!