Should I apply to grad school or go work?

[someundergrad]

I'm an undergrad EE/CS from a top 5 engineering school with one first author publication at "a top conference" and I will have fantastic references from very well known researchers in my field (publishing this plus working with them for 2.5 years by the time I graduate). I will hopefully have at least one more of these publications by the time I graduate if all goes well.

My GPA is low because I basically just took as many hard technical classes as I could fit into my schedule every semester (just over a 3.0) while doing research / first authoring (so yes, now I realize that was a poor choice). I just wanted to get as much out of my education as I could fit in. I feel like I will have proved my worth as a researcher but I realize the GPA is extremely hard to look past (especially after skimming topics here).

In experience of applying, what would be your suggestions? I would like to get a higher degree at some point, but I am not sure which degree or where I would be qualified for. Also I'm not sure a lesser school masters or PhD degree would be worth it after a great undergrad school degree.

Notably, I like research, but I could see there being industry jobs I'd like too (I think research is probably out).

Help?

[jjsakurai]

I'm an undergrad EE/CS from a top 5 engineering school with one first author publication at "a top conference" and I will have fantastic references from very well known researchers in my field (publishing this plus working with them for 2.5 years by the time I graduate). I will hopefully have at least one more of these publications by the time I graduate if all goes well.

My GPA is low because I basically just took as many hard technical classes as I could fit into my schedule every semester (just over a 3.0) while doing research / first authoring (so yes, now I realize that was a poor choice). I just wanted to get as much out of my education as I could fit in. I feel like I will have proved my worth as a researcher but I realize the GPA is extremely hard to look past (especially after skimming topics here).

Your recommenders will have to write something to explain the GPA - maybe say that you didn't invest much effort into your classes as you were very focussed on the research. They'll also have to strongly attest to your intellectual capability. You might want to also take the CS GRE.

In experience of applying, what would be your suggestions? I would like to get a higher degree at some point, but I am not sure which degree or where I would be qualified for. Also I'm not sure a lesser school masters or PhD degree would be worth it after a great undergrad school degree.

Notably, I like research, but I could see there being industry jobs I'd like too (I think research is probably out).

Help?

There's no harm in applying to PhD programs. If you're sure you'll get fantastic recs from well known people in your field, then I'd say you've a decent shot at the top 20, maybe even the top 10 despite your GPA.

Talk to your profs at your institution! If you're researching with prof(s) from your institution, they might be willing to take you on as a PhD student.

As to industrial jobs, the best course of action would be do an internship to see how much you'll like it.

Edited May 3, 2012 by jjsakurai

[tkulk]

find some job at an industrial R&D lab. I had a great experience working in one and now heading back to school in sep. My interests evolved as I was working and the process helped me figure out the type of problems that intrigue me the most.

[victor.s.andrei]

My GPA is low because I basically just took as many hard technical classes as I could fit into my schedule every semester (just over a 3.0) while doing research / first authoring (so yes, now I realize that was a poor choice). I just wanted to get as much out of my education as I could fit in. I feel like I will have proved my worth as a researcher but I realize the GPA is extremely hard to look past (especially after skimming topics here).

I did exactly what you did, except without the research part. Well, unless you count my undergraduate thesis. Plus, I had some rather extenuating circumstances...death in the family, financial problems, etc.

In experience of applying, what would be your suggestions? I would like to get a higher degree at some point, but I am not sure which degree or where I would be qualified for. Also I'm not sure a lesser school masters or PhD degree would be worth it after a great undergrad school degree.

Depends what you're trying to accomplish. I ended up working as a network engineer, and my employer is paying for me to get a master's in computer engineering with a concentration in computer networks. Oh, and they are also paying for me to get lots of industry certifications too.

Another poster suggested getting a research position. I second this. Or, at least, like I did, get a position that's relevant to your research interests. (I like computer networks.) Definitely apply for a master's degree, do better this time, and get more research experience and recommendation letters.

Then, go apply.