Chances at MIT!!!!

[math_cs]

Hi,

I m an asian undergrad looking for Phd in CS at MIT.
Academics is good (top 5%, GPA:3.93)
Have a one year research experience on statistical modeling of traffic system, good experience in simulation and other statistical techniques in my work place.
But there is a problem with my undergrad academic research. I have some very good theoretical findings in combinatorics, but it should take ridiculously long time to get mature, to be precise in mathematical terms. So I cannot expect any quick publications. What should I do now? What are the weight of working papers? My current university is not well recognized. How can MIT find my credentials credible?
No GRE, Sub-GRE or TOEFL. (MIT doesn't require)
Can you people suggest anything?

[nomad]

Not to burst your bubble, but you are really gonna need to expand your options to other schools. I was in almost EXACTLY the same boat as you last year. I was a CS major, had a 3.95 GPA from a well recognized school, and I had a good bit of research culminating in my senior thesis but no journal publications... I was not accepted. If you don't have any publications in a journal, and you are not currently an MIT undergrad ( MIT is a very insular school, and they reserve 35-50% of the spots in their grad school for their own undergrads), your chances are pretty slim. I'm not saying there isn't a chance, you should apply and try and get the best recs you can. Also, make sure your statement of purpose is very specific in terms of what you want to research. But the best advice I'm sure anyone can give you right now is to look at some other schools as well. There are alot of other great schools out there.

[math_cs]

Thanks nomad for thy realistic reply. I am not over-confident. My situation is somewhat different than you thought. Actually I dont have any time to sit for GRE or sub-GRE. My mid-term will commence soon and then final. After that I have to complete my thesis. I will actually focus for fall 2008 with all the aggrasion. However, this year I just want to test the water with MIT. But want to test it nicely. Would u mind if I PM you?

[nomad]

no, not at all, feel free to PM me. Actually, that's good that you have some time before you are planning on applying. If you can get any publications that will help your chances TREMENDOUSLY!

[tvn]

I am more optimistic than nomad about your case since most undegraduates wouldn't have the opportunity to accomplish a research with high quality results to be presented in a prestigious journal (not to mention the time it takes to get into a journal). As long as your research experience is solid, and very good recommendations about your research potential. In addition, you might look at presenting your research at several good conferences (as full or late breaking papers).

Have you considered the ACO group at CMU ? It seems to be among the top (if not the best) in combinatorial and theoretical related programs. Take a look at their faculties (the Blum's, M. Tricks, and so on). Similar to top notch schools, CMU takes GRE very lightly. Take a look at Mor Harchol-Balter's CS Ph.D guide, I think it is the best guide for aiming at 'good' schools since the author herself has been in the adcom of several top schools (including MIT).

Good luck,

[sitara_kaur]

Hi,

I have some very good theoretical findings in combinatorics, but it should take ridiculously long time to get mature, to be precise in mathematical terms. So I cannot expect any quick publications. What should I do now? What are the weight of working papers?

if you are confident of your work..just submit it saying its pending ..if they like it they will surely take you