Help me choose where to apply/thoughts on my plan

[codersarepeople]

Hi all,

I'm in a somewhat unique position. My school has a 5 year BS/MS program, but I'm doing it in 4 years. However, I'm currently a junior and thinking this is my plan: Apply to reach schools for PhD, and if I don't get in anywhere, I stay for my forth year and get my MS. If I DO get in, I graduate this year and go do the PhD. If I don't, I'll stay a 4th year and reapply next year, when I will probably have a publication or two.

I have a 3.63 (but a 4.0 in my CS classes) from a well respected undergrad institution, but not as well respected in CS.

I don't have my GREs back yet, but expect a very strong math score and okay english.

I have no publications, but I have worked under a professor through the last summer and am currently doing independent study with that professor.

American, interested in Networks Research.

Where should I apply/does anybody have thoughts on this plan?

Thanks in advance!

Edited October 15, 2011 by codersarepeople

[habanero]

I think your idea is solid. You should only apply to institutions that you really, really want to go to this round.