Applicant Profile - what is realistic

[btb1tw]

I am interested in applying for a PhD in Computer Engineering for admission in fall 2010.

My question is: Is it possible for me to get into a top 20 school and get funding? Basically - I am worried that the schools I have attended are not very presitigious so I won't stand out against people who are applying from better schools.

I graduated from a state school ranked approximately 60 in 2006 Cum Laude (GPA=3.65).

I am currently working on a MS degree part time while working in industry. I go to a state schools ranked ~120 and have a 4.0 GPA.

I took the GRE in September 2005 and got:

Quant: 800

Verbal: 550

Writing: 5.5

I have 2.5 years of industry experience (not sure if this helps me).

Appreciate any feedback!

[bgk]

It's possible. What kind of research experience do you have? Do you have any connections at these 'top 20' schools? What are you working on in your MS thesis? Why do you want to go back to grad school? Your GRE score indicates you probably won't get 'filtered into the trash', so if you write a good engaging statement, then there's always a chance.

Put yourself in the position of a professor reading lots of excellent letters and statements from seniors wanting to go to grad school, and think about things you could do to make your case really stand out. A few years in industry means you're probably a bit more mature, which has its pros and cons. Play up the pros!

I like to think that getting accepted isn't entirely a game of "where did you do your undergrad, who wrote your LORs".

[predestinate]

Well, I think your industry experience should be especially beneficial to your Ph.D application. Actually, CE is still engineering rather than theoretical subject and most professors would like to keep close contact to the industry world.

Moreover, never mind your undergraduate school nor your MS school, you're applying for 2010 and you shall have plenty of time. Everything is possible in these two years.

[btb1tw]

>> It's possible. What kind of research experience do you have?

Lot's of good work experience. Actual bonified research experience none. That said, I think maybe some of the projects that I did at work would be very competitive with any research experience.

>> Do you have any connections at these 'top 20' schools?

No connections.

>> What are you working on in your MS thesis?

I'm hoping to do a project in computer architecture. I plan to work on the thesis spring and summer term. I haven't actually started it yet.

>> Why do you want to go back to grad school?

That's a great question! I want to do more research. Also I like the university environment; I like classes, lectures, and all of that stuff.

>> Your GRE score indicates you probably won't get 'filtered into the trash', so if you write a good

>> engaging statement, then there's always a chance.

That's encouraging!

>> Put yourself in the position of a professor reading lots of excellent letters and statements from

>> seniors wanting to go to grad school, and think about things you could do to make your case really

>> stand out. A few years in industry means you're probably a bit more mature, which has its pros

>> and cons. Play up the pros!

>> I like to think that getting accepted isn't entirely a game of "where did you do your undergrad,

>> who wrote your LORs".

Thanks for the response!