Guidelines for applying to graduate schools based on past admissions statistics

Most students aspiring for graduate study apply without much prior knowledge about the University's selection policies or the performance of the earlier batch of students.

These STATISTICS are based on the performance of students over the past 5 years. University specifics have 3 headings namely :

suggestions
- broad suggestions about the graduate school

inside tips
- some specific features about the graduate school

requisites
- credentials of students who have made it to that graduate school in the past few years.

The CGPA is given on a scale of 10.Please adjust it accordingly if your undergraduate institution awards percentages or grade point avg. out of 4.

General Comments


These STATISTICS are compiled University wise and not separately for each branch as it would lead to confusion.

The rankings of certain Universities are very much different in different fields. Since these are general statistics these are best used along with University rankings for the particular field in which you propose to apply to graduate school.

Important note about GRE Score Conversion from Old to New Pattern

Two very rough indicators are given below

I VIEW
A score of 2000 in the old pattern GRE will be roughly equivalent to a score of 1300-1350 in the new GRE and a grade of 4.5 in the Essay section.
A score of 2200 in the old pattern GRE will be roughly equal to a score of
1450-1500 in the new GRE and a grade of 5.0 in the Essay section.

II VIEW
As a bench mark you can say that
1.Universities which were accepting a score of 2000 or above should be seeking candidates with a score of 1450 or above.
2.Universities falling under 1800 to 2000 would want a score of 1300 to 1450
3.For those falling in the group 1500 - 1800 a score of 1100 to 1300 will be desirable.
4. For those under 1500 a score above 1000 should do.
Caution. This is an intelligent guess.
Some univs. also ask for percentile scores.

A broad outline :
( based on subject wise rankings )

University Ranking General Tips
1- 5 Top ranked graduate schools generally give a lot of importance to academic performance as compared to GRE scores. Good under grad CGPA is a and impressive research credentials are a must. Best chances for the top 3 in a class .Others do not waste your time.
CGPA > 9.0 GRE > 2200 A research paper

10 - 25 Grad schools in this range are a safe bet for students with a decent academic record and GRE scores. Excellent GRE scores can make up for a slightly low CGPA.( 2250+ ).Research credentials do improve your chances.
CGPA > 8.0 GRE > 2000

CGPA > 7.5 GRE > 2150 good project work

30 - 50 Students with just OK academic record and good grades in courses specific to your field of interest stand a good chance. Good GRE scores are a boost and can certainly get you an admit ( inspite of weak acads ) but aid might be more tricky. Research credentials can make up for bad acads and get you aid .
CGPA > 7.0 GRE > 1800

CGPA > 6.0 GRE > 2000

50 - 80 Univs generally rated LOW. Getting an admit might be much easier but aid is generally a problem as funding is quite less. Comp Sci and Elec students have a decent chance of getting aid . Funding in other branches might be erratic. Research Credentials may prove to be inconsequential.
CGPA > 6.0 GRE > 1600

CGPA > 4.5 GRE > 1800

Beyond 100 Getting an admit should be easy . But expect no funding. You will have to finance yourself. Maybe except a Masters in Computer Science ask yourself whether it is worth it ??

SOME TERMS :

BP - Branch position RA - Research Asstship TA - Teaching Asstship
CGPA - Cumulative Grade Point Avg. ------> Look at applying process for conversion formulae Prof Let : writing to faculty

Penn State at University Park
Suggestions : A graduate school with lots of emphasis on GRE scores. A high GRE ( 2250 + ) can make up for low grades.

Inside Tips : Getting an application packet might be a spot of bother . you need to fill in a pre application form and mail it back. You might get a pre app bump ! Prof letters may work try it out .

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.5 & GRE > 2100
CGPA > 8.0 & GRE > 2250

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Suggestions : A school reputed to be very good in pure sciences .Also very highly ranked for material sciences. A decent academic record and GRE score should see you through.

Inside Tips : Lots of importance given to pure science courses. Recommended for students wishing to pursue doctoral studies in Physics , optics etc. boasts of Professor Resnick ( of resnick and halliday fame ). Try to put your research credentials in an impressive manner. Prof letters have been known to help.

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.3 & GRE > 2100
Doctoral students in pure sciences : CGPA > 7.8 & GRE > 1900

Ohio State University
Suggestions : Decent academic record and GRE should see you through. A CGPA of 8 + and GRE of 1900 + should suffice. Good grades in courses pertaining to the field in which you are applying will be useful. App fee around $ 40

Inside Tips :Very persistent prof letters do pay off. you may have to write a couple of times before you get replies but keep at it. If you have good credentials Prof letters will give you an advantage over others with similar credentials. Aid decisions may come through a bit late ( by May ! or even June end )

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.0 & GRE > 2000
CGPA > 7.6 & GRE > 1900 with very good grades in relevant courses has made it through.


University of Minnesota - Twin Cities


Suggestions : A graduate school for you if you are considering a doctorate or a career in academics. An app fee of around $ 55 .The ranking of this graduate school is very high in some fields of study. Very good academics are required for those fields

Inside Tips : There are some not very well known areas of graduate study ...dig deeper into the website and hunt around for such programs .A CGPA of 8 + and GRE > 1900 should get you an admit. Prof letters are known to work but start early.

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.0 & GRE > 2000
CGPA > 7.2 & GRE > 2000 with some good project work ( for doctoral studies ).


John Hopkins University
Suggestions : Absolutely top school for Medicine and students interested in pursuing Bio technology , Bio engineering, medicinal physics , genetic engineering and related fields.

Inside Tips : Prof letters do work. Try to do a project in some field of on going research work. Try requesting faculty for their research publications if you are keen on the subject. Getting a RA should not be very difficult if you get an admission first.

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.0 & GRE > 2000 ( for above fields )
CGPA > 7.0 & GRE > 1800 ( other fields )

Virginia Tech
Suggestions : A graduate school whose rankings vary widely in different fields. A CGPA of 6.5 and a decent GRE score ( 2000 ) should get you an admission. App fee is quire less around $ 25

Inside Tips : Prof letters do work but mostly are non committal. An excellent place to head to if you can fund yourself. Getting an aid is slightly dicey and depends upon your field of study.

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.0 & GRE > 2100
CGPA > 6.5 & GRE > 2000


North Carolina State University ( NCSU)
Suggestions : A graduate school which insists on good academic performances. A CGPA > 8.0 should get you through. Moderate GRE scores suffice > 1800 .App fee around $ 40

Inside Tips : Prof letters certainly do work. Good SOPS and relevant research experience if put forward impressively and to the correct faculty member should get you an RA.

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.5 & GRE > 1800
CGPA > 8.1 & GRE > 2000
Good project work for getting an RA.


Rice University
Suggestions : A moderately ranked university with very high rankings in some fields like Bio medical engineering. Located in a relatively inexpensive place ( Houston ). A CGPA > 8.0 and GRE scores > 1900 should see you through. Students contemplating a doctorate stand very good chances of admission. App fee $ 25

Inside Tips : Prof letters work. Try writing to faculty members early. You can outdo people with better grades and GRE scores if you contact faculty members and impress them with your credentials !!

Requisites :
CGPA > 8.5 & GRE > 1800 and impressive prof letters
CGPA > 8.2 & GRE > 2000


University of Colorado Boulder
Suggestions : One of the most picturesque Universities. Check out the snaps on the net ( totally awesome ! ) .High GRE scores preferred around the 2200 mark. CGPA of around 8.4 should do. App fee around $ 40

Inside Tips : Getting an application packet might be a little tough . There is screening in the pre application stage. Prof letters do not work. You may try prof letters after getting an admission

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.5 & GRE > 2200
CGPA > 8.2 & GRE > 2100 and terrific research credentials


Duke University :
Suggestions : Good grades in your senior year ( ie 3rd year ) will help you . Academic performance in core courses is given a lot of credit . App fee around $ 50.

Inside Tips : Lots of importance given to undergraduate project work . If you have done some good project work in relevant fields of research you stand good chances of getting an R A .make sure that your SOP reflects your research abilities and try getting a very good letter of recommendation from your guide .

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.0 & GRE > 2000
CGPA > 7.5 & GRE > 2150


University of Pennsylvania :
Suggestions : The BSchool Wharton is located here. This makes it a good choice for students wishing to go in for programs like Industrial management and financial engineering. A CGPA > 8.3 and GRE scores > 2100 should see you through.

Inside Tips :Students contemplating doctoral are preferred for financial aid. Prof letters do not help at all. Try sending mails to the graduate secretary with your queries. You will mostly have to apply online.

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.4 & GRE > 2100
CGPA > 8.6 & GRE > 2000


University of Florida Gainsville
Suggestions : Well head here if you like the sun !!!!A CGPA > 8.4 and GRE scores > 2000 should suffice. Try prof letters. They work decently.

Inside Tips : Getting complete financial aid might be a bit of bother. You often end up getting tuition fee waiver or half a fellowship kind of stuff.

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.3 & GRE > 2000
Impressive SOPS and relevant research credentials for an RA.


University of Virginia
Suggestions : Ranked very highly in the fields of arts and economics. A CGPA of 8 and GRE scores > 2100 should suffice.

Inside Tips : Students wishing to move over to Economics or B Schools try applying here. Inter disciplinary programs especially in Operations management , financial engineering etc must be good.

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.5 & GRE > 2000
CGPA > 7.5 & GRE > 2200


Rutgers State University - New Brunswick
Suggestions : A CGPA around the 8.0 mark and GRE scores in excess of 2000 should suffice.

Inside Tips : Prof letters may be misleading here. Expected Q + V scores > 1350

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.2 & GRE > 2050


Iowa State University
Suggestions : A moderately high GRE score especially Q + V scores > 1400 . CGPA around 7.5 should suffice.

Inside Tips : Prof letters do work. Try them

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.8 & GRE > 2050
CGPA > 7.3 & GRE > 2160

Lehigh University
Suggestions : A decently ranked university . A CGPA of 8 + and a GRE score of 1900 + should be able to see you through. App fee around $ 40 .

Inside Tips : PhD strong ie you are sure to get an admit and aid if you are contemplating a PhD ( with decent credentials of course ). An economic place to be in. Prof lets are not known to work . Research credential are of importance . Be sure that you get an acknowledgement once you have applied or keep mailing for one .

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.2 & GRE >1950
CGPA > 7.6 & GRE > 2000 and some good project work .

Washington University in St Louis
Suggestions : A university where you stand a good chance with a CGPA of 7.3 and above . Not very particular about high GRE scores . 1800 + should be sufficient . Low app fee around $ 25

Inside Tips : You can get a Waiver on reporting your GRE and TOEFL scores ( save around $ 24 ) , try contacting the program coordinator . you may have to report only after you get an admit . Prof letters do work and you often get encouraging replies . Aid has been slightly dwindling of late.

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.7 & GRE > 1800
CGPA > 7.4 & GRE > 1940


Michigan State University
Suggestions : A cgpa of 7.6 or excess should hold u in good stead .

Inside Tips : A acad strong university . Good scores expected in Q + V sections of GRE ( Q + V > 1150 ) mostly .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.5 & GRE > 2000
CGPA > 8.0 & GRE > 1750

University of Arizona
Suggestions : Yet another school which makes early decisions . A GRE score of 2000 and decent academic credentials should be sufficient .

Inside Tips : Lots of importance given to senior year grades especially in relevant courses . Good grades in such courses will make up for a relatively low all round CGPA . Research and practical credentials given a lot of importance .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.4 & GRE > 2000
CGPA > 7.7 & GRE > 1850


University of Rochester
Suggestions : A highly ranked University in some fields . A GRE score of 1900 + and a CGPA around the 8.0 mark should help you get an admit.

Inside Tips : PhD strong . You stand very good chance s of getting an admit to doctoral programs . Prof letters are known to work . Try contacting faculty with similar research interests. Their replies are often very accurate about your chances of aid .

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.0 & GRE > 1900
CGPA > 7.6 & GRE > 2100


University of Delaware

Suggestions : A university whose rankings vary a lot with the field of specialization . A high CGPA required for fields in which it is ranked in top 20 else a CGPA of 7.2 + should suffice . App Fee around $ 40

Inside Tips : Check out the ranking before you apply . Not GRE strong and a GRE score of 1800 + should suffice . Good academic credentials necessary especially in core courses .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.4 & GRE > 1850 ( ranked beyond 20 )
CGPA > 8.6 & GRE > 2000 ( ranked in top 20 )

University of New Mexico
Suggestions : A safe university for someone with CGPA of around 8.0 and a GRE score in excess of 1900 .A high GRE score can get you through with a CGPA of 7.2 + .App fee around $ 45

Inside Tips : A university which makes late decisions so app early . getting the app forms might a little trouble so preapp early to avoid delays. SOPS should be impressive.

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.0 & GRE > 1900
CGPA > 7.4 & GRE > 2050


Arizona State University
Suggestions : A CGPA of 7.5 + and a GRE score in excess of 1950 and you are home safe ( in most cases ! ) .

Inside Tips : A university which decides quite early . Offers may be made as early as January end for the fall . Aid decisions are often made after admissions . Prof letters play a big part in getting you aid after an admit . not very GRE strong . Write to faculty and concentrate a lot on your SOP to make your research potential clear .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.8 & GRE > 2000
CGPA > 7.5 & GRE > 1950


University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Suggestions : A CGPA of 7.3 + and a GRE score in excess of 2000 and you are home safe ( in most cases ! ) . Sometimes higher grades and academic performance is preferred . App fee around $ 55

Inside Tips : A university where research credentials have a lot of importance . Good project work can get you an admit and an aid even if your grades are low . An excellent school for doctoral studies as most of the faculty are doctorates from M I T . Prof letters play a big part in getting you a research assistantship.

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.3 & GRE > 2040
CGPA > 7.8 & GRE > 1950

Auburn University
Suggestions : Ranked pretty low around the 70 mark in most departments. A good graduate school to land up in with a cgpa of around 7.0 - 7.4 . GRE scores around 1700 - 1900 should get you through . Score reporting and app fee are not waived . App fee ( around $ 25 )

Inside Tips : The funding here is quite good. Complete aid is around $ 18000 an year which is very good . You can also apply for a doctorate and later convert it into an M S once you get there .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.3 & GRE > 1800
CGPA > 7.0 & GRE > 2000


C U N Y
Suggestions : A graduate school located in a slightly unsafe area . Good academic grades are expected . A CGPA of 8.0 should ensure an admit . App fee and score reporting fees are waived . around $ 45 anyway

Inside Tips : Located in NY . There are two main problems one is the high crime rate and the other is the expensive place .Worth going to only with full financial aid and even then the chances of your being able to save money is very less . The academic credentials required by this grad school will also get you into other more economic and safer graduate schools.

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.0 & GRE >1800

University of Connecticut
Suggestions : Ranked around the 65 mark . A CGPA of 7.6 and GRE scores of 1800 should see you through .Good grades in the senior year are a definite advantage .

Inside Tips : A good feature is that in most cases aid is almost guaranteed if you get an admission . You are assured of some form of financial assistance . Good SOPs are a must , please do not just cut and paste previous ones .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.8 & GRE > 1900
CGPA > 7.2 & GRE > 2000

Kansas State University
Suggestions : A cgpa of 7.0 + and a GRE score of 1700 + should suffice in most cases . A university with pretty low intake of students . Ranks around the 75 mark .

Inside Tips : Suggested only for students who can afford to finance their graduate studies . Funds are usually low and aid is very difficult to come by .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.2 & GRE >1830
CGPA > 6.8 & GRE >1740


Illinois Institute of Technology
Suggestions : Ranked around the 80 mark . A CGPA of 6.5 + and GRE scores in excess of 1750 should give you a fair chance of admission.

Inside Tips : Aid is generally not given in the first year for M S students . Suggested to students who can afford to finance at least a part of their graduate study . Chances of aid are good after a semester .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.1 & GRE >1820
CGPA > 6.6 & GRE >1760


State University of New York Buffalo
Suggestions : Ranked in the vicinity of 55 - 60 in most fields . Very highly ranked in some specific fields . A cgpa around the 7.3 mark should be sufficient . App fee around $ 40

Inside Tips : An expensive place again . Think twice if you are going to finance your graduate studies . Good GRE scores can make up for some poor grades . Do not go to this graduate school with only partial aid if you do not have sufficient funds to back you up .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.9 & GRE >1960
CGPA > 6.4 & GRE > 2100


Drexel University
Suggestions : Rankings range from late 40s to the 60s . A cgpa of 6.5 and GRE scores of 1960 have seen people through .

Inside Tips : Prof letters are known to work . Try writing if your grades are slightly low and you wish to check out your chances .A good graduate school for students contemplating a doctorate ( with low academic credentials ...)

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.5 & GRE > 1950
CGPA > 6.6 & GRE > 1940


University of Illinois Chicago
Suggestions : Ranking around 65 . Getting an admit should be pretty easy with decent academic credentials . An undergraduate cgpa of 7.2 should see you through .

Inside Tips : Prof letters do work . Getting aid might be a little difficult . If you can show enough funds accept this graduate school . Once you land up there it is pretty easy to get aid .Speaking personally to faculty should really help you in getting financial aid.

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.2 & GRE > 1890
CGPA > 6.8 & GRE > 2120


Michigan Technological University
Suggestions : A cgpa of 8.0 and GRE scores around 2050 should give you good chances but decisions have been erratic in the past . An app fee around $ 40 .

Inside Tips : Prof letters do not work . Getting a reply it self is very unlikely . Not very highly ranked but still applications are rare .Suggested only if you can fund your graduate studies . Our advice is to steer clear of this graduate school .

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.1 & GRE >2060


Oklahoma State University
Suggestions : A cgpa in the vicinity of 7.3 and GRE scores around 1800 should suffice . Ranked around the 100 mark

Inside Tips : Prof letters are not necessary. Partial financial aid is very common , suggested to students who can furnish some initial funds . SOPs should be original and should show research experience .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.8 & GRE > 1810
CGPA > 6.4 & GRE > 2000

Mississippi State University
Suggestions : Ranked around the late 80s and 90s in several fields . A cgpa of 7.2 and GRE scores around 1800 should be sufficient for a student.

Inside Tips : A very good graduate school for mathematical programs like CFD and computing etc . Lots of importance given to undergraduate grades in math based courses. Prof letters can be of assistance.

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.4 & GRE > 1830
CGPA > 6.6 & GRE > 1780


University of Iowa
Suggestions : A cgpa in the vicinity of 7.3 and GRE scores around 1850 should suffice . Ranked around the 60 mark

Inside Tips : Admissions are relatively easy but financial aid is often hard to get. Suggested if you can afford to fund yourself for a semester .SOPs should be original and should show research experience .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.3 & GRE > 1870
CGPA > 7.8 & GRE > 2000

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Suggestions : An undergraduate cgpa in the vicinity of 6.4 and GRE scores around 1650 should suffice . Ranked around the 95 mark . Some good project work can make up for low grades.

Inside Tips : Aid might not be available initially . However if you have sufficient funds go ahead ,you will invariably get some form of financial aid once you get there . Prof letters do work as in you might be promised financial assistance once you land up there . For prospective doctoral students with a cgpa of 6.0 should suffice.

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.1 & GRE > 1810
CGPA > 6.4 & GRE > 1650


Wayne State University
Suggestions : A cgpa in the vicinity of 6.8 and GRE scores around 1700 should suffice . Ranked around the 85 - 90 mark

Inside Tips : Prof letters are helpful . A safe graduate school for students with low undergraduate grades . Replies from the faculty indicate your chances of admission pretty well . If you are contemplating a doctorate a cgpa of 6.0 should suffice .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.3 & GRE > 1860
CGPA > 6.1 & GRE > 1780


University of Maryland at Baltimore County
Suggestions : A cgpa in the vicinity of 7.2 and GRE scores around 1800 should suffice . Ranked around the 100 mark

Inside Tips : Multiple offers have been made in the past . So if students with better credentials than yours drop out the offer rolls down to you ..However decisions may come late .. ( around April end to May mid )

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.4 & GRE > 1860


University of Houston
Suggestions : Rankings vary from 30s to 70s so cannot say accurately . look up the ranking in your prospective department and apply accordingly

Inside Tips : If it is ranked in the top 30 then a CGPA of 8.4 and GRE scores of 1950 is required . More updates later !!

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.4 & GRE > 1980


University of Cincinnati
Suggestions : A cgpa in the vicinity of 7.2 and GRE scores around 1850 should suffice . App fee around $40

Inside Tips : It is easy to get a tuition fee waiver but full financial aid offers are not very common . Suggested to those who have enough funds to pay for living expenses . Prof letters do help but request for aid from early apping stages itself instead of requesting an admission which is quite easy to obtain.

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.2 & GRE > 1890
CGPA > 6.4 & GRE > 2050

Clemson University
Suggestions : A cgpa in the vicinity of 7.1 and GRE scores around 1950 should surely get you an admit . App fee $ 40 and ranked around 80 - 100

Inside Tips : A safe grad school . Multiple aid offers are very common . Lots of Indian students manage to get aid in this graduate school . Tuition fee waivers are also common . Prof letters might prove useful for aid decisions.

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.3 & GRE > 1900

University of Pittsburgh

Suggestions : A cgpa in the vicinity of 7.3 and GRE scores around 1950 should suffice for students willing to pursue doctoral studies . Application for masters M S is not all too common .

Inside Tips : Prof letters are very useful . Suggested for students willing to pursue doctoral studies . Students with cgpa of 8.4 and GRE > 2100 have been rejected for M S .

Requisites :

CGPA > 7.3 & GRE > 2030 ( for students interested in PhD )



University of Notre Dame
Suggestions : Ranking ranges from 30s to 60s . As said before go by the departmental rankings .

Inside Tips : Prof letters do not work as replies from faculty are all too rare. In highly ranked fields cgpa of 8.5 and GRE of 2050 may prove to be inadequate .

Requisites :

CGPA > 8.6 & GRE > 2100

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