Engineering Grad vs Undergrad

[confused23]

Hey guys,

                 I'm currently finishing up my Junior year as a MechE major at UC Berkeley. I am pretty keen on going to grad school to study Mechatronics or Information Systems(not exactly engineering but comparable i guess). The only thing that really discourages me is that I have a lowish GPA here(3.3 with a slight inflation due to humanities courses). Assuming I am able to get into a grad school(USC, Purdue or schools of similar or calibre), I am very concerned about whether I will be able to maintain a 3.5+ gpa there(I've heard most companies prefer that grad students maintain at least a 3.5). I work pretty hard to do slightly above average at Berkeley, and I'm afraid it's severely affecting my confidence about my potential grad school performance(I know this sounds a little naive but hey).

I was wondering if someone could give me any insight into what grading is like in engineering grad schools? Are the curves just as harsh? Is there anything I can do to better prepare for the workload?

Any advice would be appreciated

[TheMostPowerfulApplicant]

People typically have a better GPA in grad school than undergrad because professors care more about that grad students do research than take a bunch of classes. You have more control on what your schedule looks like as well... Also grades dont matter as much in grad school. 

 

You should try to getting 3.5 overall GPA before graduation

[Beaudreau]

You won't be admitted to a graduate program unless they think you can be successful.  After that, it's up to you.  If you work hard, you will be able to maintain a 3.5.

[CleverDisplayName]

I went to a small school not well known/competitive for engineering and finished up with a 3.5 after dual majoring in BME and Biology. I was very nervous about how I would fair with graduate coursework as I was accepted to a Masters Engineering program at Carnegie Mellon University (a program leaps and bounds better than my undergraduate). I found a few courses were challenging but as stated above you typically have less coursework at one time but also the obligations (necessary or not) of undergraduate life are sorta gone so you will likely find yourself much more focussed. I ended up finishing my Masters in 1 year with a GPA well above my undergraduate. If you want to continue your education be confident and go for it.