Is this the right time to apply for Ph.D ?

[warrior]

Hi everyone !

I am a final year Metallurgical and Materials engineering student studying in NIT, Nagpur, one of the premier engineering institute of India. I would like to analysis my chances to get admission in top universities in USA.

So far I have undertaken 2 internships at NUS, Singapore consecutively after my 2 yr and 3 yr of Engineering to gain international research exposure and 1 at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore , top research center of INDIA. and couple of projects in my parent university.

My research work honored me with 4 International Journal papers(1 as main author and rest as second author) and 1 international conference paper ( as main author).

I am planning to do Ph.D at top universities like Northwestern , Stanford , WashU and UCSB. I will be getting all 3 promising letter of recommendations. But the only the problem is my academic GPA is low ( 6/10). I thought to take a year of work experience at Research institutes which can increase my chances to get admission in top universities.

Please guide me what should I do . Shall I apply to universities for Ph.D right away or shall I take some more research experience of about 1 year?

Regards

Warrior

[newms]

Research experience is probably the most important thing on your application, so your research experience and publications will look good on your application. Were your papers published in journals and conferences that will be recognized by US profs? If they were published in the top journals and conferences in your field I would say you have a good chance.

[warrior]

Thank you for your suggestions.