PhD in top mechanical schools

[blackjohnny]

Hello, I am applying for a PhD in mechanical engineering.

-My undergraduate GPA of my 5-year diploma of mechanical engineering is 8.5/10 and this corresponds to the top 5% of my class

-I have done a summer internship close to my field

-I have been involved in projects of a lab of my field for about 2 years

-I have submitted a paper to an international conference of my field with my name being the first (I hope it gets admitted)

-I have participated in engineering competitions of my university receiving awards

-I am going to have a really good letter of recommendation from my advisor, well-known in the field with a high number of international publications. The other two from two top us university graduates that now teach at my university.

-My GRE scores unfortunately were not that good. 162 (87% from what I saw) on the quantitative section and 153 on the verbal section. I am waiting for the analytical writing section, expecting more than 4.

Given the fact that I would like to apply among others to some top 10 us universities (MIT, Stanford, Cornell) what do you think of my profile? Would my GRE scores be a significant drawback? Should I retake them?I wont be on time for the December deadlines. Is the rest of my application adequate for such schools?

Thanks!

[KindaHardWorker]

I would say that you should retake the GRE. For top schools like this, they expect to see high GRE scores. A high GRE won't help much but a lower GRE could hurt your chances. I would also definitely explore a lot of schools outside of the top ten and find those who have research interests similar to what you want to do. Your research history will definitely help but I'd apply to schools ranked in the 20's or 30's.

Don't want to be the bearer of bad news but my friend went to a top 10 engineering undergrad, had a 3.7 GPA, 800 on GRE math, and published research (as an undergrad) and was rejected via form letter from MIT. Competition for the top schools is absolutely brutal my friend. Definitely don't restrict yourself.

[blackjohnny]

Thanks for your reply!

I would retake the GRE but since most deadlines are due december 15th, I am afraid that the results won't be available on time. I am sure that I will do better if I have the test again, but still I am not sure if it is worth it. I will apply to 3-4 top 10 schools and some more top 20's and top 30's.

I hope that my research experience and references will be able to give me the boost needed.

[HappyEngineer]

Some other lower ranked schools, like the 30s to 60s have a later deadline, something like in the January.

[KindaHardWorker]

Yeah I would look into some of those schools with January deadlines. I noticed your undergraduate took 5 years and is 8.5/10 (foreign?). They might take that into account as well.

Something else to consider: even managing to get into super elite schools doesn't guarentee a good education or experience. You could be slaving away on a project you're disinterested in, and possibly working with a professor that doesn't suit you. And then if you manage to get in, there's the problem of funding to consider. Keep your options open.

One other question: You said it took you 5 years and you did a lot of research. Do you have a bachelors or a masters degree?

[blackjohnny]

Hello and thanks for your replies!

Yes I am a foreign student. My diploma is considered as equal to a master's degree because of the 5 years of studies and the specialization it provides during the last two years.

In my school selection, I was mostly guided by labs I considered as interesting and close to my research profile. Schools' reputation is significant but as you said, it cannot guarantee by itself a successful cooperation and research.

I am applying to some 10 schools in the US and maybe 1-2 in Europe, maybe Switzerland.

[KindaHardWorker]

In my school selection, I was mostly guided by labs I considered as interesting and close to my research profile. Schools' reputation is significant but as you said, it cannot guarantee by itself a successful cooperation and research.

Definitely good then. If you have a solid footing in your field, which it sounds like, aiming for some top 10's and then going to 20's and 30's sounds like a good strategy.