Getting a masters with a bad GPA.

[c_str]

Hello,

During my time in college I will admit that I did not try as hard as I should and put effort into studying and thus ended up with a dismal gpa of 2.65. However my major GPA is a 3.19 however it does contain a F from my compiler construction class, and a C+ in database due to a poor group project. The rest of my major classes however are in the B+ to A range with a quick calculation giving me about a 3.4 - 3.5 gpa average.

I've taken the revised GRE and got an approximate score for math in the 730-800 range.

What I want to focus on is optimization and algorithms, in particular dealing with parallel computing. For example

University of Delaware's High Performance Computing.

What I am interested in what schools I should look at applying to, with a preference for schools in the northeastern United States. Along with I can do to increase my chance of being accepted.

[c_str]

Hmm, I'm pretty sure I can't edit my previous post so sorry for the double post.

I've been thinking and would getting taking a couple graduate level courses, in the spring improve my chances. Though at a university I was not planing on attending to obtain my degree.

[starmaker]

Yes, taking a couple of grad classes and doing well will help you. So will successfully holding down a job in computer science.

I was also a low-undergrad-GPA person, and I did these things for a couple of years. I got into MS programs.

For you, if you do well in a couple of grad classes and work in the field for a bit, I might suggest WPI, Dartmouth, Boston University, Northeastern University, Brandeis University, various not-super-high-caliber state schools.