ask for some suggestions (GRE 1190 + publications)

[fly4u]

Hi,

I just got my GRE general test score.
Verbal: 390
Math: 800
AW: 3.5

IBT score was 106/120.

I was graduated from a Univ. in Hong Kong with major GPA 3.3/4.0, and now works at a research institute in China.

I had two publications in international conferences. One of the conference is quite good. My general interests are information retrieval and machine learning.

Since I had a rather low verbal score, I want to know what's you opinion of my chance to get into some CS master/Ph.D program (see below for the list). Any suggestions appreciated.

The current list of schools I plan to apply are as follows:
UPenn (Ph.D)
UMass (Ph.D)
CMU (master)
Columbia (master)
JHU (master)
USC (master)
Pitt (master)
MSU (master)

[CalmLogic]

USC is an expensive but often relatively safe option.

I don't recommend CMU's MS programs because they have an exorbitant tuition rate. CMU has several professional master's degrees but no academic MS degrees in CS except for their existing undergraduate students. So there is the INI program, the software engineering program, and I don't remember what else. As with USC, the issue is not really admission as much as cost. Even with a partial tuition waiver, the cost is more than twice the cost of USC at $45,000 per semester:
http://www.urch.com/forums/computer-...tml#post518795 (Evaluation for CompNetworks or InfoSec)

I don't know what your chances are at the other schools, but I would recommend that you have your SOP reviewed by someone to ensure the English grammar is perfect.

[fly4u]

Thanks for your comments.

I am plan to apply for master in language technologies at CMU's school of computer science.

Would you suggest me some other safer schools (with merits) to apply?

[CalmLogic]

I am plan to apply for master in language technologies at CMU's school of computer science.

It certainly is a good-looking program. Since you seem to ultimately want a PhD, I would suggest applying for their PhD program since funding would, I assume, not be an issue then:

All applicants will be reviewed for the PHD and MS programs. You may apply to the PHD program, and be offered admission to the MS program, depending on the decision of the admissions committee.

CMU/Language Technologies Institute:Research

For info about CMU's policies, I would suggest e-mailing or calling the CS graduate coordinator (Stacey Young) for more information. Of course, time is a factor since the application deadline is December 15th.

Regarding verbal scores:
http://www.urch.com/forums/graduate-...bal-score.html (chances with low verbal score)
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=site%3Aurch.com+low+verbal++gre&bt nG=Search

BTW, as you probably know, you should attach a copy of your publications to each application. My guess is that the fact you have 2 publications (in English) and a good/descent TOEFL score should help compensate for your verbal GRE score and AWA score. Also, as the links above indicate, people have gotten into Stanford with low verbal scores.

[CalmLogic]

Regarding CMU's language technology program, this seems interesting:

Actually, the CMU's LTI has a good track record of being able to support masters students with RA's, even if they do not commit upfront.

Applycorner: place for graduate school applicants

Still, even if one is just paying for one semester at CMU, that $45,000 could pay for an entire MS program at UIUC via distance learning. (It's a lot easier getting into UIUC's distance learning program than into their classrooms.)

[fly4u]

Thanks a lot for your suggestion and information. I will prefer a full-time program on campus. Because given my current job and long commute from home to work place, I really don't have much time for distance learning. I want to leave my current job and look for some shift in my life.