M.S or M.Eng - Biomedical Engineering/Bioengineering

[ajmnz]

I'm applying to several masters programs in biomedical engineering and I wanted some second thoughts as to what my chances are for admission and what other schools I should apply to. My profile is "average" at best, so I'm a little apprehensive about getting into any programs at all. I wanted to stay in California, as I get free tuition provided by the military in CA schools. My goal was to enter the industry in San Diego, however I've realized over the past few months how competitive the biotech industry is and I'm hoping to turn to a masters degree to better my chances in the future. 

Undergrad: UCI B.S Biomedical Engineering
Cumulative GPA: 3.287
Jr/Sr GPA: 3.521

GRE Scores: 
Quantitative: 160 (78%)
Verbal: 155 (67%)
Analytical: 4.0 (56%)

2+ years of research experience in tissue engineering and cardiovascular engineering
3 LOR with UCI engineering professors I have worked with for at least 1 year
Authored 1 publication
Awards: Deans honors list (2 quarters), Student Fellowship (2 projects), BMES Meeting Qualifier, Deans Choice Award (Top Senior Design Project out of 100+ projects)

Schools I have applied to:
UCSD M.Eng Bioengineering
UCI M.S Biomedical Engineering
UCLA M.S Bioengineering
USC M.S Biomedical Engineering
SDSU M.S Bioengineering

[Extra Espresso]

I don't know much about M.S./M.Eng. programs in BME since I am applying to Ph.D. programs, but I may be able to help? I think your GRE scores definitely help make up for your GPA, and the Jr/Sr GPA should also help you. Do you have an extenuating circumstances that you discussed in your SOP? 

With your pub and all of your research experience, I think you appear to have a really, really good chance. Assuming your LOR are strong (and since you did research with all of them, it's a good bet that they are strong), I think the one weak mark on your whole application is your GPA, and that could easily be overshadowed by your other strong points. Especially since you are applying for M.S./M.Eng. instead of Ph.D., I would guess that your chances are good. 

But take all of that with a grain of salt because I'm also a current applicant so my experience with admissions is virtually nonexistent!