Peculiar situation

[saw]

Hi! I wanted to get some input about my possibilities in gaining admission to top 10 PhD programs in computer science (subfield: machine learning). I'm definitely a nontraditional student as I have a rather odd academic profile. Basically, during the first 3 years of my undergrad, I had accumulated what can only be described as a terrible GPA (~2.3). I would skip classes, fail to deliver assignments, and eventually would have to ace tests just to get a pass. I was, in every sense of the word, a failure in the world of academics. During my senior year, I started becoming passionate about pursuing research and subsequently started to realize how deeply my GPA is going to screw my chances of ever getting into graduate school. As such, during senior year, I started taking things seriously and managed to get As and B+s in most of my courses. I then started to work on research-oriented projects and, through faculty recommendations, I got into a masters program at the only research university in my country (all while being fully funded as an RA/TA). During my studies, I managed to gain some decent research experience and it's safe to say that my supervisor considers me to be one of his better students (i.e. could possibly get some great recommendations). I finally finished my masters degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA and was the class topper for my graduate class and was honored by the prime minister during graduation. Despite all this, I didn't have the courage or self-confidence to apply to any PhD program (even though I desperately wanted to pursue a research career). Eventually, I was convinced by some colleagues to at least apply to some "safety" (i.e. top 100) schools if I'm indeed too scared of getting rejections, which I did. Surprisingly, I managed to get into all programs that I've applied to despite my deepest fears of getting nowhere. While I was elated, this also got me thinking about my chances of getting into top PhD programs in the US. I'm currently working on publishing two papers based on the work that I did during my masters, and I was wondering if this can (in any way) help circumvent my abysmal undergrad GPA for top-ranked programs?

 

I'll detail below the pros and cons of my profile from my pov, and list the possible options that I have.

 

Cons:

-abysmal undergrad GPA (sub 3.0) from unranked university (although it's the top univ in my country for undergrad studies)

-some okish research internships, but nothing extraordinary

-currently no papers published

 

Pros:

-high grad GPA (4.0) and class valedictorian (this school is also unranked but it's the only research university in my country)

-at least 2 great LoRs

-decent research experience

-near perfect GRE/TOEFL scores (I'm assuming this doesn't count for much, as these are largely cut-off based in high ranking institutions)

-possibly 2 papers published in mid-ranked conferences before application season (although this is a BIG if - I could just as easily end up with zero publications)

 

I feel that at this point I have the following options:

1) reject all offers and just focus on getting published (this will save me quite a bit of time and might increase my chances of successfully publishing my articles)

2) reject all offers and try to get a spot as an RA at a high-ranking institution abroad

3) accept one of the current PhD offers and try to improve academic profile and then transfer later (note that this is a bit difficult as my offers are all from EU PhD programs, so I won't have the option of waiting for two years to finish an M.Sc. and then leave)

4) be content with getting into a low-ranked PhD program and move on

 

What do you guys think? Is my profile too hopeless that I should just consider option 4?

Edited July 28, 2014 by Anonym

[bsharpe269]

In the US, advisor determines your career way more than rank of the school so I would try to get the "top 10" mindset out of your head and instead focus on finding the schools with the well known researchers in your field. For my sub field for example, there is only 1 "top 10" school with strong researchers and schools ranked in the 20-50 range have many more great researchers and will be much more beneficial for my career.

That being said, I do think that you have a shot at top 50 US schools. It looks like it will be a tough decision for you but if you think that you might always wonder what could have happened if you had tried for top schools then maybe it is worth trying!

[Admissions Advice Online]

As a general rule, the longer you have been out of undergrad, the less weight will be placed on your undergraduate record. This is not to say that it is not important, because it is. However, since you have completed a master's degree, have great GRE scores and was honored by the Prime Minister of your country, a well written Statement of Purpose can certainly help propel you into a top 5 program let alone top 10. - Admissions Advice Online