Profile Evaluation Please!

[GenGRE]

Hi all, I had recently completed my B.S. in computer science. I have a pretty ordinary GPA (say, something comparable to 6.3 on a scale of 10). I'm a non-native speaker of English. I'm an International -- I currently don't reside in the U.S.A. I had never flunked (in any exam) at the under-graduate level.

I had already attempted the GRE once -- I got something like 1360 -- with a horrible quant score. (less than 700). I hadn't attempted the TOEFL yet. I attribute my low quant score solely to mismanagement of time.

My GRE score was something like : Quant -- 660 , and Verbal:700 and AWA-4.0.

I have very good extra-curricular activities -- I had participated in two business plan competitions which were held at the elite Indian Institute of Technology (IIT - Madras). I also managed to win the third prize in one of those competitions.

I'm in a real dilemma now. I personally feel I can get some good/decent letters of recommendation from my erstwhile professors. Also, currently I'm also actively seeking a job in the software industry.

I intend to apply to universities like GATech (for Information Security), SUNY, Buffalo, University of Southern California, etc. I feel I can get a much better score if I attempt the GRE again.

So, provided I manage to attempt the GRE again and managed to get a 'perfect' score -- would it help in bolstering my application packet?

I feel I can get above 110 in TOEFL. So, a 'perfect' GRE score coupled with a 110+ score in TOEFL, decent/good LORs, a decent statement of purpose, etc -- would it help me in securing an admit into a school like GA Tech, etc.

My profile (probably in the future)

GPA: 6.3 on a scale of 10.

GRE: 1600. (Hypothetical)

TOEFL: 110+

Some work experience (probably 10-15 months).

Decent/Good Letters of Recommendation, good Statement of Purpose.

If I manage to apply with the above profile, can I get into Georgia Tech , etc? Which type of universities would I be able to get into?

Please give your suggestion/advice and also advise me on which type/kind of universities should I need to apply to. I would also request CalmLogic, Luma, etc to give their view/opinion.

Thank you!

[Luma]

You need to retake GRE, many schools require Quantitative score falls in the 80 percentile. I shall compliment your Verbal score (can you fill me with the secret )

I worry that your GPA may hurt your chances in some top schools, I viewed admitted profiles at Edulix (Purdue) with upper 8 and other rejected profiles with 9 so check the profiles at Edulix: Edulix InfoBank | Reports

Moreover, lack of research exposure is another issue at least I can name (UIUC, Purdue, University of Massachusetts-Amherst) those evaluate their applicants in terms of research.

For now, you need to identify your research interest and pick schools accordingly.

If you have specific questions about GA-Tech, you need to address w_guy.

[GenGRE]

@Luma: Thank you for your quick reply!

Yes, I surmise my Quant score is relatively low. As far as my verbal score goes -- there isn't any secret. You need to memorize most of the word-lists in Barron's and come up with your own strategies on how to deal with those questions. I personally feel -- Reading a lot helps in getting a high verbal score.

As of now, I haven't identified my research interests. I just want to work for some time in the software field and then apply for an M.S.

@w_guy: Can you please give your suggestion/advice on what I should do in order to secure an admit at Georgia Tech? Does a 'perfect' GRE score suffice?

I think I might have a chance of securing an admit at the University of Southern California -- probably an M.S. in computer games -- but I don't know how the gaming industry is right now.

Provided I do manage to get a 'perfect' GRE score -- I think I'm pretty sure of securing an admit at places like SUNY, Buffalo; University of Texas,Dallas, etc.

Does work experience help in getting an admit?

Between, Does a person who graduated with an M.S. in Information Security from Georgia Tech be assured of a job?