voxelite

I've wondered the same thing, as I just applied to the Duke ECE program because of the metamaterials research being done there (and I'm finishing up my B.S. in physics right now). I didn't know how good my chances are, but they're flying me out to the open house, so things are looking pretty good. So according to my personal anecdotal evidence, it shouldn't be too much of a stretch. Most of the programs I'm applying for are materials science, though, and I didn't apply to Stanford, Princeton, or any of the highest ranked EE schools, so I won't be able to offer any help there. You could always try emailing one of the professors at one of those schools, though. I've been pleasantly surprised at how successful emailing random strangers can be.

Undergrad Institution: Private University, decent reputation Major: Physics Minors: Computer Science, Mathematics GPA in Major: 3.76 Overall GPA: 3.59 Length of Degree: 4 years Position in Class: No idea Type of Student: Domestic "multicultural" male GRE Scores (old version): Q: 800 (94%) V: 800 (99%) W: 5.0 (87%) Research Experience: 3 years at university, 1 summer at a national lab, 2 presentations at national conferences, 2 coauthor publications (still under review) Awards/Honors/Recognitions: National Merit Scholar Pertinent Activities or Jobs: TA and RA Special Bonus Points: Great letters of recommendation Applying for PhD programs at: Northwestern - Materials Science Duke - Electrical Engineering Harvard - SEAS Engineering Sciences UIUC - Materials Science WashU - Materials Science Invited to Duke open house, otherwise all pending