167 Quant, 158 Verbal, 5.0 AW: Industrial Engineering Masters Programs

[braves2014]

I currently have a ~3.2 overall GPA from a top-10 school with only a ~3.0 in my major (economics), and I've gotten a couple C's in classes relevant to my major. I took the GRE, and my score was 167 Quant, 158 Verbal, 5.0 AW. What schools would be in my range for a masters program in Industrial Engineering. I'm looking to start in January 2015. 

 

What schools could I be looking at? Any suggestions to it? 

 

My list is as follows:

 

GA Tech (GA Resident)

University of Florida

University of Oklahoma (Can they be a safety? They have ~70% acceptance rate.) 

Columbia

Cornell

Stanford

Duke

Auburn

Clemson

Ohio State 

Texas A&M 

NC State 

 

[justinmcummings]

You have good GRE scores, are you hoping to get funding as well or are you prepared to pay for the masters with loans? For me personally I think economics to anything engineering seems like a large leap, I'm not positive though. Is this common for industrial engineering? Your GPA is on the low side for the top schools that you are looking at applying too, if there is a solid reason for it you could maybe explain that in your SOP. Anything is possible though, I had terrible GRE scores and I still got into a PhD program so best luck to you! Hopefully someone else can be more helpful on the specifics.

[braves2014]

Keep in mind that this is industrial engineering, which is more economics and statistics-oriented. I also have some good summer internships (private wealth management, investment banking, and business development) on my resume. Would the fact that I come from a school ranked in the top 10 of USNWR help my low GPA? What do you think, @justinmcummings? 

 

Also, do you think I'm safe at U of Oklahoma since it has a 70% acceptance rate? 

Edited April 18, 2014 by braves2014

[bsharpe269]

what math/physics classes have you taken and how did you do in them?

[Tatty]

what math/physics classes have you taken and how did you do in them?

Exactly.

[braves2014]

Calc 2 (A), Multivar Calc (A-), Calculus-based stats and probability (C+), linear algebra ( B )

Then a ton of Econ classes that I have averaged about a B in. I'm taking comp sci this autumn.  

I'm taking econometrics this term, and I'm expecting ~B/B+ in it.  

Edited April 18, 2014 by braves2014

[bsharpe269]

Can you get in differential equations as well? And have you done a physics sequence?

My guess would be that places like Clemson, ohio state, and NC state are realistic goals. I think that if you apply for a decent number (5-10?) of places around there then you should get a couple acceptances at least. This is just me guessing of course!

[braves2014]

Do you need physics for INDUSTRIAL engineering? Most schools' websites don't have it as a hard requirement or even "recommended." 

 

Also, how much easier is it to get into a masters if I'm paying full-price for it with no funding? 

Edited April 19, 2014 by braves2014

[braves2014]

Eh. I got a 5 on the AP Chem exam back in high school, but I know that med schools don't take AP credits as pre-med requirements anymore. Does that apply to IsYe masters too?  

[justinmcummings]

It's still an engineering degree, they are going to look at all math, science, and engineering courses you took to evaluate your eligibility. You should google the cost of attendance for your schools, but just to compare it was around 82k for a masters in EE at Uminnesota and 120k at UMichigan. That's if you take loans for everything room, board, tuition, etc..

I think it its very unlikely you could count AP credit toward a masters.

Ga tech was on your list and a good number of your question are sorta answered on their faq page, other schools should have them as well. http://www.isye.gatech.edu/academics/graduate/faq/

They are always going tho encourage you to apply, but they do have on there that if your background isn't math science or engineering you have to prove yourself more to them, as someone else mentioned linear algebra looks recommended. They also address low gpa from top school on there too.

Just being realistic, not trying to discourage you/anyone from applying. Just know you will need to show the admissions committee even more why you deserve a spot, and you did very well on the gre. You might look into the gre subject test they mention too.

Edited April 19, 2014 by justinmcummings

[braves2014]

Also, my econ classes were very calculus-based, and my econometrics classes is very rigorous when it comes to statistics. 

[Suede]

My opinion is your 3.2 GPA shouldn't discourage you, if the programs you'll be applying to are more professionally oriented rather than a stepping stone for the PhD. If that is the case, your internships will be a huge asset, especially if the program includes financial applications of IE/OR tools and methods (relative to your internships). 

However, your greater liability for the adcoms will be your questionable quant background. You come from a non-engineering UG, with rather average grades in math (that C in prob/stats might hurt you). If you had the opportunity to take courses from a respected institution in Stochastic Processes and Mathematical Modelling I'd say you'd pretty much make up for it, displaying both determination and good understanding of the science.

GA Tech has a reputation for being too strict with their GPA standards. Don't take my word for it though. If I were you, I'd also cross Oklahoma,Auburn,Clemson and Texas A&M off my list. If you are able to support the tuition on personal funds, you could perhaps aim for a top 10 institution. Good luck!

Edited April 19, 2014 by Suede