Funding situtaion for MS in CS

[blugorila]

After a forgettable f'11 application season I am starting afresh for f'12.

My topic of interest fall between Electrical Engineering and CS. Unfortunately

I have a BS in Electrical and around 70% of the CS department (not EECS) which has

a active research group in my field. I have relevant research experience in my

field including some publications, and also an industrial R&D experience.

I have following questions:-

1. Will my research background make up for my lack of CS coursework?

2.would it be better to apply for a MS instead of PhD to improve my

chances?(although after two years of research I desperately want to directly get in to a PhD).

3.If I do an MS then should I consider more higher rank schools, which case

I like to know do top schools fund MS students.I would definitely need the fund though.

4.what is the significance of taking a CS subject GRE?

My profile: GRE: v670 + q770 + awa3.0, GPA-8.5/10.0

pubs: 2 journall pubs(1 in tire 1) + 1 conference pub (tire-1) + 2 pending in top journals

LOR: 1 decent + 1 strong + may get another strong LOR

[frenzydude]

You profile looks good so there must be some weak links from these three. Where did you do your undergrad ? Where did you publish your papers ? Who were your recommenders ?

[blugorila]

Thanks for your reply. I did my undergrad from NIT, Durgapur. Publications :

(1 in LNCS - SEAL 2010 and another springer journal NCA) + 1 pending in elsevier ASC.

As far as the recommendations go no I did not have decent ones last yaer, the above profile

is for this year. Did my research interest/ SOP negatively impact my app?