what are my chances of getting into a TOP 20 ECE program

[khaled]

hello everyone

I'm planning to apply for MS in electrical and computer engineering (interested in the area of control systems) and my BS was in control and instrumentation systems engineering. My CGPA is 3.75/4 and MGPA is 3.92/4 and I was the 2nd top of a class of around 130 students. Also, my performance was increasing continuously and got straight A+'s in my control engineering courses during my senior year. I had a 2 months internship with GE and I studied in the US for 1 semester as an exchange student and got 3.5/4. I'm currently working in the GRE and targeting scores of 150 V and 165 Q (i think these scores are realistic given the time of preparation I have).

Since i don't have research experiences I'm not quite sure that I have a chance to get into MIT/Stanford level. So, I'm targeting schools like UCLA, UCSB, Purdue, A&M ...etc. But still, they are selective and I don't what are my chances if getting into these schools.

By the way, I have a scholarship from my home university to study abroad and then come back as an assistant professor, and a statement proving that will be given to me once I apply.

Your opinions are highly appreciated.

[SP123]

Assuming that you are from a reasonable undergrad institute from your home country, you should be able to get into a top 20 program because of your gpa and availability of funding. Because the grad school won't have to spend on you, they will be happy to get you on board with your gpa (Personally, I know that Michigan Ann Arbor takes many MSEE students). However, beware, this may easily not hold for MIT and Stanford.