Info on top MS CS programs? Research experience important?

[jhg886]

I am going to be a senior this coming year at UC Berkeley in Computer Science. I am thinking about applying to some MS programs after graduate this fall. I'm mainly targeting MS programs, though I will apply to some Phds, since certain schools I am interested in only offer phds. I'm mainly considering MSs because I didn't intend on continuing my studies after UG until more recently, and thus have not pursued any research opportunities in the past 3 years. I'm hoping the MS programs will be less concerned with research experience and that my good GPA + internship experience will be able to augment my lack of research:

-Computer Science @ UCB

-3.78 Cumulative GPA (don't anticipate this to change much after the fall)

-Internships both summers, one at a small startup-type, and one at a large software company

-Worked as a "reader" (basically grade assignments/projects for CS classes) for two semesters

-Probably run of the mill GRE scores for a decent CS student (will be taking them in late September)

-Probably decent, but not spectacular recommendations

I've searched fairly extensively, but have surprisingly found very little in the way of stats or other info regarding people like myself and their luck with MS CS programs (Perhaps I haven't found the right place?) Specifically, places like Stanford, UCB, UCLA, UCSD, USC, CMU, UIUC... I was hoping perhaps someone here may be in or have been admitted to such programs and can share their profiles and/or advice with me. Are there any other good schools to consider when looking for MS CS?

[belowthree]

Ask one of your professors where they think you should apply. Who knows, if they like you they might even make a phone call for you or offer to write a letter if you don't have that lined up.