BME Biomedical Engineering - What are some Tier-2 / Mid-Tier Schools?

[calbear23]

I'm applying to Master's Programs in Biomedical Engineering (BME, with a focus in medical devices/instrumentation/imaging). I am a graduating undergraduate senior majoring in EECS (electrical engineering and computer science), with a minor in Bioengineering. I am having trouble finding schools that I have a reasonable chance of getting into.

STATS:

School: Cal (UC Berkeley)

Major: EECS (electrical engineering and computer science, slightly more focused toward hardware/electronics)

Minor: Bioengineering

GPA: 3.1 overall, major closer to 2.9-3.0

GRE: 620V/800Q/4.5W

2 summer internships at pretty big biotech companies

no research (had a few short stints that never really amounted to anything). this month beginning a part-time internship at a biomedical software diagnostic start-up

LOR: none from faculty, all from individuals in industry from the 2 internships

INFO:

I know I pretty much cannot apply to PhD since I have no research and no faculty LOR, but I am hoping I can get into a decent Master's program. I am leaving it open to applying to PhD after my Master's depending on how my experience at the Master's level goes, but I will probably end up going into industry after finishing the MS/M.Eng.

The only positives of my app so far are some internship experience, gre math score, and coming from Cal's EECS program (but there are plenty of EECS that manage good gpas).

My main question is regarding schools that I should look into, based on my GPA and lack of research.

I have seen lists of top 10,20,50 Graduate Programs in U.S. But the average GPA for even the lowest schools on these lists are ~3.4.

QUESTION:

What are some "tier-2" (or tier-3 ?) mid-tier schools that offer Master's in Biomedical Engineering (in general, or specifically in imaging/devices/instrumentation) that are good programs and worth going to, but that are not ultra-competitive and I would have a reasonable chance of getting into with a 3.1?

THanks!

[gatorgirl]

I think I am in a similar situation. I don't have the best undergrad record. I have some experience, but lack research and have a lack luster GPA. I still went ahead and applied to some great highly ranked schools. I think most of those average GPAs are calculated using the PhD candidates (which is by far more competitive due to funding). I applied to 10 schools and hope to get in to at least one. I would say apply where you want to go and hope for the best.

Edited November 18, 2010 by gatorgirl