Northwestern - Confusion.

[Turbulence]

Hi,

I am an international student and I've been admitted to Northwestern University for M.S (unfunded) program in Chemical Engineering. As far as my research interests go, I couldn't have asked for a better school but there are some factors to consider.

1) a: I'm pretty sure I want to get a PhD and I would like to know what are the chances for MS students to transfer to PhD program. The e-brochure does mention that '' We have a number of students who come in as MS students and are subsequently admitted to our PhD program''. But as of now, I don't know much details and the technicalities involved with this issue.

b: I would like to be considered for RA positions. Do you think it's a good idea to contact Professors and ask about any funding opportunities or I should contact the fellowship office first.

2) I'll be taking a huge loan to support my first year studies (at least). In case, I don't get that PhD transfer option, would I get enough job opportunities to repay that huge amount? In general, what are the prospects for students who have obtained their masters from NU.

3) Northwestern does feature high on the rankings but I think rankings can often be misleading. I would like to know how is Northwestern University regarded in the US and whether it would be safe to compare it with the likes of Cornell, Penn State, Carnegie Mellon etc.

Any details about the university or the program would be highly appreciated.

Edited February 7, 2010 by Turbulence

[zonko]

Hi,

I am an international student and I've been admitted to Northwestern University for M.S (unfunded) program in Chemical Engineering. As far as my research interests go, I couldn't have asked for a better school but there are some factors to consider.

1) a: I'm pretty sure I want to get a PhD and I would like to know what are the chances for MS students to transfer to PhD program. The e-brochure does mention that '' We have a number of students who come in as MS students and are subsequently admitted to our PhD program''. But as of now, I don't know much details and the technicalities involved with this issue.

b: I would like to be considered for RA positions. Do you think it's a good idea to contact Professors and ask about any funding opportunities or I should contact the fellowship office first.

2) I'll be taking a huge loan to support my first year studies (at least). In case, I don't get that PhD transfer option, would I get enough job opportunities to repay that huge amount? In general, what are the prospects for students who have obtained their masters from NU.

3) Northwestern does feature high on the rankings but I think rankings can often be misleading. I would like to know how is Northwestern University regarded in the US and whether it would be safe to compare it with the likes of Cornell, Penn State, Carnegie Mellon etc.

Any details about the university or the program would be highly appreciated.

1) I'm at Northwestern (but not ChemE). I don't believe the fellowship office does RA assignments. I recommend that you contact the professors directly by e-mail.

[liszt85]

1) I'm at Northwestern (but not ChemE). I don't believe the fellowship office does RA assignments. I recommend that you contact the professors directly by e-mail.

Same advice. Also there is probably a web page somewhere that announces RA jobs (look at other related departments too.. you might be able to collaborate with professors from other related depts towards your MS thesis, so start reading about research activities of related departments, eg: biomedical engineering?) I know CS students who get RA positions in Psych depts (we hired one ourselves) for their programming skills. So ex[and your search to other departments while keeping a lookout in your own. Good luck.