PhD in EE for Fall 2011. Worried if my credentials are not good enough to get into top schools. Please evaluate.

[intrepid_atom]

Dear people,

First off, let me thank you for your time.

I'm planning to apply for PhD in Electrical Engineering (Fall 2011). Research interest : computer architecture.

I did MS-EE in a US university. Focus area: IC Design

I'm worried about the following:

1. I don't have any publications or patents. Is this the most under-rated ascpect of a grad application?

2. My GRE AWA is 4.0 (47 pcile). Could this be a show-stopper since writing is really important in a doctoral curriculum?

3. My GPA in MS is 3.5 which is a minimum requirement for almost all schools.

The rest of my credentials are not off the charts, but I'm not as worried.

* My GRE: verbal = 640, quant = 800 (both >90 pcile)

* I did related thesis in MS and my thesis adviser's recommendation would be strong.

* Worked full-time in the US for the last 4 yrs as a logic design engineer in one of world's top 5 chip makers. Involved in architecture/design/verification of 2 top-selling chips. Instrumental in the design of a ubiquitous audio processor based chip.

* Strong recommendations from my supervisors in industry.

Can you guys please comment on my chances to get into these schools?

Stanford

U Texas-Austin

U Maryland-College Park

North Carolina State U-Raleigh

U California-Irvine

U Colorado-Boulder

I've done a lot of research in selecting the schools. These schools have very strong comp architecuture research programs. I'll be ecstatic if I can get 1 admit out of 6 applications, I'll buy you all beers

Thanks again for your time.

Edited May 28, 2010 by intrepid_atom

[intrepid_atom]

Dear people,

First off, let me thank you for your time.

I'm planning to apply for PhD in Electrical Engineering (Fall 2011). Research interest : computer architecture.

I did MS-EE in a US university. Focus area: IC Design

I'm worried about the following:

1. I don't have any publications or patents. Is this the most under-rated ascpect of a grad application?

2. My GRE AWA is 4.0 (47 pcile). Could this be a show-stopper since writing is really important in a doctoral curriculum?

3. My GPA in MS is 3.5 which is a minimum requirement for almost all schools.

The rest of my credentials are not off the charts, but I'm not as worried.

* My GRE: verbal = 640, quant = 800 (both >90 pcile)

* I did related thesis in MS and my thesis adviser's recommendation would be strong.

* Worked full-time in the US for the last 4 yrs as a logic design engineer in one of world's top 5 chip makers. Involved in architecture/design/verification of 2 top-selling chips. Instrumental in the design of a ubiquitous audio processor based chip.

* Strong recommendations from my supervisors in industry.

Can you guys please comment on my chances to get into these schools?

Stanford

U Texas-Austin

U Maryland-College Park

North Carolina State U-Raleigh

U California-Irvine

U Colorado-Boulder

I've done a lot of research in selecting the schools. These schools have very strong comp architecuture research programs. I'll be ecstatic if I can get 1 admit out of 6 applications, I'll buy you all beers

Thanks again for your time.

Please let me know if you need more information or clarification on anything.

Thanks.

[UnlikelyGrad]

Not in EE, but...

even w/o pubs or patents, you do have a proven record of research. That's a big bonus.

Also, a lot of programs don't look much at the Analytical Writing score. So don't fret too much about that.

I think you have a good shot of getting into at least one program.

[intrepid_atom]

Not in EE, but...

even w/o pubs or patents, you do have a proven record of research. That's a big bonus.

Also, a lot of programs don't look much at the Analytical Writing score. So don't fret too much about that.

I think you have a good shot of getting into at least one program.

Thanks much, UnlikelyGrad. Sorry for the delayed response, I just got back from vacation. I've one more question: How much do professors care about relevant work experience when they make admission decisions? I talked to a PhD in EE, he says work-exp has little value when it comes to a PhD admit. That's heartbreaking since I've put so much into my job for almost 4 years and running. I hope it's at least useful in carrying out my research, especially when it comes to implementing an idea in hardware (since I know a thing or 2 about building a chip that works). What do you think?

Thanks again.

Edited June 1, 2010 by intrepid_atom

[CanuckBoy]

Thanks much, UnlikelyGrad. Sorry for the delayed response, I just got back from vacation. I've one more question: How much do professors care about relevant work experience when they make admission decisions? I talked to a PhD in EE, he says work-exp has little value when it comes to a PhD admit. That's heartbreaking since I've put so much into my job for almost 4 years and running. I hope it's at least useful in carrying out my research, especially when it comes to implementing an idea in hardware (since I know a thing or 2 about building a chip that works). What do you think?

Thanks again.

I certainly hope that is not the case. Industry experience is invaluable as it puts you in a better perspective of what is possible and what is not in the industry. Having been in industry myself, I see many of the experts in the industry (with PhDs) frown upon some of the research conducted in academia where "this will work if cost, money, and space" don't matter. I believe universities are starting to realize that. My buddies who are looking for professor jobs have mentioned that a lot of the openings prefer candidates with industrial experiences. In addition, you are at an advantage of knowing what topics/areas are of interest to you. Plenty of grad students in my university have industrial experiences. Don't be overly concerned, your credentials look fine. Best of luck.

Edited June 5, 2010 by JimMech

[intrepid_atom]

I certainly hope that is not the case. Industry experience is invaluable as it puts you in a better perspective of what is possible and what is not in the industry. Having been in industry myself, I see many of the experts in the industry (with PhDs) frown upon some of the research conducted in academia where "this will work if cost, money, and space" don't matter. I believe universities are starting to realize that. My buddies who are looking for professor jobs have mentioned that a lot of the openings prefer candidates with industrial experiences. In addition, you are at an advantage of knowing what topics/areas are of interest to you. Plenty of grad students in my university have industrial experiences. Don't be overly concerned, your credentials look fine. Best of luck.

JimMech,

I'm certain that my work-exp is useful when I start doing my research. If profs share the same view, as you say, then it will improve my chances of getting an admit.

Thanks.