Not enough research! Aaarrgh.

[jjackstraw]

Hey guys, whatsup?

I'm an international student (India) applying to US universities for an MS in Mechanical Engineering (fall '13).

I'm a little worried about my research experience, which pretty much only consists of my year-long undergraduate thesis. This thesis did win a couple of awards, but aside from this I have no academic research publication/papers. But for what it's worth, I do have a strong academic coursework background for my intended major.

So do I have a chance at these places? -

Columbia, Princeton, UCLA, CMU, Northwestern, Purdue, Michigan Ann Arbor, Brown

My Gre score is 165V/167Q/4, my gpa is 9.43/10 (major gpa - 9.39/10), toefl score is 30/30/26/30 (i.e, 116/120)

Other info:

I have very strong literary and theater ECs, but I suppose it doesn't count for much.

I've done a lot of community work and worked in animal/wildlife rehabilitation programs. I've also co-founded/head a couple of popular environmental organisations. Again, I don't know if this matters for grad admissions.

I don't intend to do my PhD. So I'd want to do the non-thesis MS option. But I'm open to doing the thesis option because finaid opportunities are better. I think I'll enjoy both.

Sorry for the long post, thanks in advance, and have a great day!

[TransferFunction]

Hey!

I'm a mechanical engineering too applying at pretty much the same schools. From what I see you are quite a competitive applicant at even a PhD level. What did you do in your undergraduate thesis?

Also. Princeton m.s. is very very tough. (Last years statistics shows 1 admitted). Did you already apply?

[jjackstraw]

Well, my thesis wasn't entirely research in a lab. I designed and built an underwater vehicle for assisting local civic bodies in maintaining lakes and wet infrastructure. The water situation's a big mess where I live, so...

Yup, I applied to Princeton with just a couple of hours to spare before the deadline! It was kinda rushed. I'm not worrying too much about it, probably won't get in anyway - not with the stats you mentioned I really want to go to Columbia though.

Well you're the first person who's told me I'm a competitive applicant, so thanks I've talked to a couple of people and they all said I should've done a couple of research internships and stuff like that. I spent all my summers on unrelated ECs, so now I'm wishing I'd actually done something that would've enhanced my application.

Edited December 17, 2012 by jjackstraw

[TransferFunction]

Its okay. As long as it showed your propensity to do research the experience you had is fine. Maybe you should mention your letter of recommendation so people get a better idea to gauge your application.

But hey, Columbia is my top choice too! Which did you apply for? I applied for modi's group

[jjackstraw]

I haven't applied yet but I'll be applying for modi's group too!