o_0

Thesis is only p/f. I have to take it. The graded research course is separate. Each course is 3 hours, with an obligation of 10 work hours/week. But I easily spend 20 hours/week on this project anyway. The main deterrent is the expense, for 0.1 point.

Another detail: A lot of my applications are to Sandia, and their management is known for having a bit of a GPA obsession, as per the reviews on glassdoor. So if anyone knows about that specific case please comment. [edit] @Usmivka: in other words I shouldn't bother? OK thanks for your help. Have a nice weekend.

I'm an electrical engineering grad student*, I expect to earn MS this semester and if I find a job will probably just take it. Unfortunately, my GPA is quite close to the cutoff for most workplaces (3.255)** so I'm considering taking what this school calls a "research problems course" for the sole purpose of shoring up my GPA a bit. I've calculated that it will make a difference of 0.1 GPA point. Problem is, it's at least $1k extra, probably more, so is it worth it? Or should I just count on doing well in the 2 classroom courses I'm taking? Clearly that didn't happen in the past. That course is basically just getting a grade for labwork, doesn't count toward the degree but helps GPA. I'm taking the thesis course, but it has no effect on GPA. *(This may or may not affect the answer, but I also have a biology degree, chemistry background, and currently work in a biomedical engineering lab. Lots of different research experiences, but only 2 conferences, 1 conference paper.) **Even last semester, when my GPA was higher, recruiters didn't seem too impressed.

Thanks for responding, that's for undergrads though

Hi, I don't seem to be finding any graduate internships that pay housing. (in addition to stipend) Do they exist? It could be at a company, government, university, etc. I'm aware times are tough, however all my undergrad internships had paid housing. Maybe I just didn't search hard enough? I'd be particularly interested in hearing about hard sciences (in particular EE and/or biology) but anyone's comments would be interesting. Even if only travel is paid, I'd like to hear that too. Or if you knew something that used to pay. Just so I can get an idea of what the opportunities are out there. Thanks