Please help me evaluate my situation

[vincent123]

Hi all,

I have recently completed my undergrad in Computer Information Systems from one of the state universities. I graduated with perfect GPA and Summa Cum Laude from the department of computer science and engineering. I have been working as Software Engineer at a leading software company for about 6 months now. However, I have been thinking about going back to grad school and getting my Masters in Computer Science. However, as my undergrad is in CIS and not CS, there are many pre reqs that I need to complete. For example, I need to take some calculus, discrete math, theory of computing, etc . However, I have all the other cs courses like, OS, AI, Compilers, Algos, programming, DB, Networking, Machine Language, Architecture, distributed computing etc. Now, before I start pursuing my studies, I need to get an advice to see if I complete the pre reqs via community colleges and some online school extensions, do I stand a chance to get into a decent school (with funding). I have two cs research assistant jobs on my profile (one was for 1 semester and 1 was for 2 semesters). I also have 6 months industry experience from a leading software company. No research paper though. I will get excellent LoRs from my professors. Do you think I should take GRE CS to help me getting into decent universities. I will be applying for Fall, 2013 as it would take me about an year to complete the pre reqs and GRE. I know I do not have GRE scores to help you evaluate me but do you think universities will be interested in a student from a slightly different field and a State University. I am not aiming at top 10 universities or anything, but decent universities like

UC, Riverside

UC, Irvine

Ohio State

UM Baltimore County

Calgary University Canada

York University Canada

UT, Houston

Virginia Tech

Do you think, its worth the efforts?

Thank you so much in advance.

[Amogh]

Hey, IMHO I think you should go ahead and take thouse pre-requisites through community college or online and then apply for Fall 2013. However, I think that in this one year, you should also try gaining some more research experience. A publication isn't all that important as the development of a clear plan of what you want from the graduate degree.

You do have a good chance of admission. Don't worry too much and go for it.

Cheers:D