Please evaluvate my university list for fall 2009

[MDK]

I could finally get the source for Yale:

I just returned from a visit to schools. And I was able to speak with people in the department. Approximately 25 applicants to MS CS at Yale. Approximately half accepted

http://www.urch.com/forums/computer-...tml#post576128 (decision between: Cornell, Duke, Columbia, Yale, USC)

So I've decided to go with four ambitious schools for that. It's most likely going to be NCSU, Northeastern, NJIT and Duke

Dude, NJIT is among the safest safe choices ever, you should consider some other school.

[nirosilva]

MDK,

Thanks again.

Well, I guess I've got the meaning of the word "ambitious" wrong there. What I meant from "ambitious" is schools that are in the middle tier. Sorry my bad.

Ok, so hmm, If NJIT is one of the safest schools, I guess I should go with it, don't you think? In fact, it's one of the schools I thought (from the bone-cracking study of universities I did) of adding to my list. I'm considering about Indiana Bloomington and UChicago to add to my list. However, as you once said, this thing is not easy, right? It seems the effort is worth since the application fees that I will pay should be justified.

Anyway, thanks again for your help. You guys rock.

[MDK]

UChicago = Impossible Financial Aid for MS. I would definitely switch it with USC if it wasn't on the list already.

[nirosilva]

Hey guys,

Quick question. Does all universities follow the WES grade conversion guide when converting GPAs from other countries? I ask this because I found out yesterday that if I use the WES grading system that relates to Sri Lanka instead of that of current university's, my GPA would get a huge boost. For instance, in my university the grading system goes as follows,

90-100 A+
80-89 A
75-79 A-
70-74 B+
65-69 B
60-64 B-
55-59 C+
50-54 C
45-49 C-
40-44 D+
30-39 D
20-29 D-
00-19 E

So if I convert my GPA to WES standard for Sri Lanka, all my B+s would be converted to As.

Is this assumption correct? Does USA universities abide by this Grading Conversion Guide?

Thanks in advance.

[MDK]

Does USA universities abide by this Grading Conversion Guide?

Actually, it depends on the university. Some universities require translating your grades by a trusted agency (WES for example), while others try to map your grades depending on experience and familiarity with the system of education followed by your university. Generally speaking, I found out that most universities do the translating themselves, unless it's stated otherwise.

[nirosilva]

Thanks MDK,

I truly appreciate your support in all these little issues I have.

I have 5 more days to go for my Toefl (PBT) exam, so have decided on the following universities to list in the admissions card.

Indiana Bloomington
Duke
NCSU
NJIT

I guess I'll wait for my GRE exams in October and for their results to decide upon the 2 or 3 ambitious universities I will apply to. BTW, if anyone can comment about my chances in these four universities, that would be a great help. My profile and my expectations on standardized tests, I'll restate as follows.

-Currently doing internship on a government project (completed 2.5 years of 4 year CS degree)
-Current GPA - 3.7/4.0
-GRE - Very optimistic about 1500+ in general and 80%-90% in subject
-Currently writing two literature reviews and hoping to submit to journals next month
-Hoping to start research with the completion of the reviews
-Can get highly favorable LORs

I'm applying for a PhD (no intention of applying for MS), and funding is the biggest issue.


Thanks guys.