The Silent Warrior

i am not clear upto what extent you would like to get help in writing these essays. How would you rate your writing skills compared with other good candidates you know well enough? I think your personal statement should be written by yourself primarily. However there is no harm in getting feedback or your grammar checked by some people whom you think have got better writing skills than you. I would suggest to take the help of a friend or your faculty member who also knows you well and could give you a sound opinion keeping in mind your personal career goals.

well i got 107 in toefl ibt with 29/30 in the writing portion. Lets see whether it helps or not.:hmm:

dont retake especially if you have a decent GPA or work experience. i also have an awa score of 3.5 only. my other scores are (800Q/590V). though i have only a moderate profile altogether, still i cant risk my frist attempt quantitative score in the hope of improving my awa. ever heard about score reviewing for awa score? it is an option offcourse but i am myself not sure whether it is worth trying or not. Cuz after review, we might end up with even lower scores. What is your opinion about that?

Hi Ancalagon The Black, well i meant that should i take the chance of applying in the deadline extension or else wait for the next admission session. could you please elaborate your answer regarding "Maybe you would have better returns from applying next year?"

Hi, I was considering applying for the next term (spring 2009 or fall 2009) but i came to know about the extension in the deadlines for some of the programs of my interest. I can manage to apply in them but i havent any time for getting in touch with the faculty (cant say if its necessary especially if the research topics of the department matches with mine) I have heard it repeatedly that applying earlier increases the chances of your acceptance. Should i consider availing the last minute opportunities? i am also relying heavily on some considerable financial aid. In the meantme i cant wait for a very long time since my current job doesnt support my research interest or doesnt even reflect my higher studies aptitude. (already an year since the completion of my undergrad degree) Any wise suggestions would be highly welcome.

Thanks calmlogic, Initially i didnt condsider iowa state but now seeing from the outer details, it looks a very good choice. i will dwell into it in much detai and get in touch with you as soon as i get some useful info, i will share it you.

Thanks alot! I think i am quite clear on this issue. While i would never like to do such a thing myself but just wanted to be safe in case of worst scenario.:p Thanks again for sharing the info.

well i am lot more concerned about the exact ruling regarding this practice. I mean has anyone of you heard about any case in which an individual was denied his MS degree just because he couldnt complete his PhD?

Hi thanks calmlogic. Regarding GA Tech. ya they do say about the extension in deadline for fall 2008 but didnt mention the exact date. Previous deadline was 1st Feb. so i wonder if the new one has also been over. I also asked the new date from the department and waiting for answer. I cant apply immediately because Toefl score is due in mid of march. Can any body tell me if there is any drawback in any applying at the eleventh hour before the closing date? I am asking this specifically because GA tech and virginia tech do take spring intake even with financial aid considerations. If i opt for spring 2009 then i would be considered as the early applicant. Would it be of any significance for me?

i think, you should directly ask this question from the concerned department that How long do they normally take to reach the final decision about your admission status after the submission of the entire application package. I also asked this question from some of the universities even prior to submitting any application, and was replied appropriately by most of them. As far as I got the info, the range varies from 4 weeks to 12 weeks to get a confirmation in writing but I cant say anything about UT Austin in general or its Elec engineering department in particular.

hi, checked rutgers recently. They need 3.2 undergrad gpa so i cant even apply for it. Its kind of strange since even georgia tech and virginia tech need 3.00/4.00. i wonder why rutgers is more selective.

yes i think calmlogic is right, ut dallas doesnt offer aerospace or mechanical. Its certainly a good option for Computer science and electrical engineering.

thanks UofACats190! i will find out about iowa state as well. Do you think i have a good chance there? vbmenu_register("postmenu_557051", true);

Hi everyone, I was just in a little doubt about the necessary commitment required for an MS leading to Phd programs. whether it is allowed generally to break up your MS leading to PhD program, after you secure your MS. Although i have been told that we are eligible to have atleast an MS if we coudn't complete our entire Phd. I still have got some doubts about the universal prevalence of this scenario. Any ideas?

Thanks for the reply. I was just hoping if anyone of could kindly suggest me some reasonably safe options. Right now i am applying for Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech because they do have a spring intake in 2009. I also intend to apply for TAMU & UT Austin for fall 2009. any ideas considering my profile.

Hi everyone, Initially i was concentrating at spring 2009 admissions but now various sources advice me against it. Moreover, I think I am a little too late in applying for fall 2008. But still does anyone of you could help me in finding a medium/good university in US whose deadline is still not over for MS or MS leading to PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering? I have a moderate profile with GRE (800Q/590V/3.5AWA) and an undergrad CGPA 3.03/4.00 from a top most university in Pakistan, without any research publications. Funding is also highly desireable, so please advice accordingly.