Likelihood of Getting Funding?

[AdilB990]

Hi everyone, I'm in the final stage of my application process for an MS program. As an international applicant, my decision of attending grad school will be heavily dependent on whether I get funding or not (RA-ship or TA-ship).

 

I've been a working professional since graduation; around 5 years back. I do not have any research background whatsoever. But I have a strong inclination for conducting research in my field (transportation engineering). And I have a specific area in mind which will definitely help me in my professional/career goals.

 

But one question has been constantly bugging me over the last couple of months: is it realistic to think that I may get into one of the prospective programs with funding? Or is it a bridge too far?

 

Thanks in advance.

Edited August 2, 2013 by AdilBari990

[GeoDUDE!]

I got funding, but it was pretty lucky and I think it depends on the department. Many departments only give funding to PhD students, some even though they say Masters gets funding, still only give it to the masters students as leftovers from PhD students, and sometimes only give you 1 year so they can try and cull another PhD student. I think it really is just situational, i was not a particularly expectational candidate (which is why I am doing a masters in the first place)

[AdilB990]

I'm not a very exceptional candidate either. The silver lining is that all 4 of my prospective universities explicitly state that they offer funding for master's. Being an optimist, hoping for the best.

 

Btw, are you an international studying in the US?

[GeoDUDE!]

No I am domestic. 

[AdilB990]

i was not a particularly expectational candidate (which is why I am doing a masters in the first place)

 

Let me ask you something with the above in mind. In your opinion, what was the strongest part of your application package?

[GeoDUDE!]

Let me ask you something with the above in mind. In your opinion, what was the strongest part of your application package?

 

My research experience, I had 2 conference posters at Earth Sciences biggest meeting and an REU at a top 5 lab/grad program. My gpa was the weakest part of my application.