Structural Engineering at MIT, chance me...

[d3amon]

I am an international student from Europe intending to apply for a MSc degree in Structural Engineering that is leading to a Phd at MIT. I would like to hear your opinions on my chances of getting in with a fellowship...

GPA: 9.70/10

Class ranking: Top student

Research experience: about 7 months of research exp and a paper that is going to be internationally published and presented on a conference (I'm a second author)

Working experience: 3 years of summer internship at a structural engineering consulting firm; grader in Statics class

Honors and Awards: Many fellowships and academic awards... full exchange scholarship which enabled me to study one year on a state university in US (GPA: 3.90/4.00).

LORs: 3 GREAT recs. one from a distinguished expert in the field I plan to specialize (I did my research with him as well)

I didn't take the GRE yet, but my estimate is >750 on quantitative and about average on V an AW sections.

TOEFL ibt: 108

I should also mention that I'm applying to the MIT because I have found an exceptional faculty member whose research area is completely similar to my interests. I guess it helps too! I am just worried about my research experience. From what I've heard most successful applicants (who get in with a fellowship) have more experience than I do....

Edited August 21, 2010 by d3amon

[Moghi]

Hi,

Concerning admissions, you have as good a chance as others for MIT but remember that admissions are never a given, so you should try looking for other universities as well. I don't want to discourage you but MIT receives lots of applications from students like you. It doesn't mean that you won't get in, just that nobody can tell you if you will or not except the admission committee.

Note that you will also be evaluated on the reputation of your European institution (you didn't say anything about it) and the firm you worked for.

About a possible fellowship, we cannot tell you as the university itself generally doesn't know until quite late except for students they really want. If you want to go to the us, you should be able to fund at least 1 year of study by yourself. If not, why not stay in Europe, it's cheaper...

Concerning the GRE, you will need at least 790 in Quantitative, 800 is better (it is not a rule but it would greatly increase your chances).

Anyway, remember that what's important is your SOP, as it reveals to the admission comittee who you really are and what your goals are.

Good luck !

[d3amon]

Thanks for the reply!

I was wondering if I would increase my chances by writing an email to the faculty member I want to do research with? Or is it going to ruin my chances? Anyway, how should that email look alike?

[Moghi]

Thanks for the reply!

I was wondering if I would increase my chances by writing an email to the faculty member I want to do research with? Or is it going to ruin my chances? Anyway, how should that email look alike?

It would obviously increase your chances. But be careful, your email should look polite and motivated.

However, it is my experience that faculty members are really busy so, even if they are interested, they could forget about your email. My advice is too send an email in october (they're too busy in september) to introduce yourself, wait for a few weeks (at least 4/5), and then contact them by phone if you don't get a reply.

Edited September 1, 2010 by Moghi

[d3amon]

Thanks for advice Moghi.

I have one more question. Do you think that the coursework completed could make an impression on admission committee? For example, I have taken PS concrete, Intro to EQ engineering, EQ steel design, Advanced Structures, Advanced Mechanics of Materials and Intro to Bridge Design as undergrad. I think that most of the undergrad students haven't taken those classes, so would that give me any advantage over the other applicants?

Edited September 1, 2010 by d3amon

[Moghi]

Thanks for advice Moghi.

I have one more question. Do you think that the coursework completed could make an impression on admission committee? For example, I have taken PS concrete, Intro to EQ engineering, EQ steel design, Advanced Structures, Advanced Mechanics of Materials and Intro to Bridge Design as undergrad. I think that most of the undergrad students haven't taken those classes, so would that give me any advantage over the other applicants?

Since you are an international student, I don't think so.

It would if you were competiting with American students, but most international students already have a Master level (or similar).

I may be wrong, though.

Anyway, what's sure is that it won't disadvantage you

Edited September 1, 2010 by Moghi

[d3amon]

Nope, I'll have only a 3-year Bologna degree which is similar to the US Bachelor degree. That's why I thought it may be an advantage for me.

Anyway, does anybody know how much V and AW scores matter? Is MIT using the GRE as a way to reduce the number of applications at the very beginning, or do they actually care a lot about it? Of course, I am concerned only about the Civil Engineering Dept philosophy on this matter. Btw, they mention on their website that successful applicants score above 750 in Q, but they don't mention V and AW...

Edited September 5, 2010 by d3amon