Chances for an MS in Mechanical Engineering Program?

[stmije]

I graduated back in 2008 with an decent, but not great GPA (3.01) in mechanical engineering from a pretty well-respected school (school and engineering program are in the USNWR Top 20). I *think* the grading was pretty rigorous, but not entirely sure to be honest. I took a post-bacc class in operations research at the local flagship and did decently, but not amazingly (a B+). 

After I graduated, I thought I wanted to work in IP. I went to work at the USPTO for a couple of years and then went to work for a commercial search firm (sort of like doing consulting work in IP). I got laid off from the search firm. I wanted to get out of IP anyway, but have had trouble finding a job in engineering again. I'm a bit too far out for entry-level jobs (strong preference for college hires within a year of graduation) and don't have enough direct experience for experienced roles.

 

In terms of other experience, I'm currently doing technical writing for a small oil and gas company. I've been involved with professional organizations like SWE, NSBE, and EWB and have did volunteer work with FIRST Robotics as a team mentor. I do know ECs aren't considered too much. 

So my thought was to head back to school to reset the clock (and get the opportunity to work in a co-op/internship). I'm looking into MS in mechanical engineering programs. The work I did at the Patent Office is related to what I'm interested in studying. 

Any suggestions for a strong application? It's not imperative I get into MIT or Stanford, but I would like to go somewhere with good recruiting opportunities as a career switch is my primary aim in returning to school (so that very well may coincide with Top 20 programs). I know there are things in my favor (like work experience) and others aren't (my grades). I am a underrepresented minority and female, but my understanding was that that is a slight bump at best for graduate applications. (I am also going for the GEM Fellowship.) GRE I'm taking in a couple of weeks. Math is lower than I'd like it to be (around 160) and Verbal is around 165 (based on my practice). I know non-thesis or self-funded programs are a bit less selective. 

 

Thanks for the advice! 

 

[btsulliv]

I too am applying for MS in Fall 2015, but in Aerospace Engineering. My GPA is also a weakpoint of my applicant profile, but in my SOP I drew attention to the composition of my GPA more than the overall number. Specifically, my academic performance was highly correlated to specific subjects that I was innately interested in. Although I graduated with a B average overall, my GPA within the specific area I plan to study as a graduate student was actually closer to 3.85. Drawing a connection between the courses you excelled in as an undergraduate and the area you are intent on researching as a graduate may go a long way towards mitigating a relatively uninspired overall GPA. I would also comment on the amount of time that has passed since you earned those marks, and the maturation that has occurred in the intervening years.