techfreak99

Hey,
I am a chemical engineering major and am aspiring to go to a top 10 graduate program. I was wondering if taking a graduate class in my area of interest would look impressive on my application. Do you think it it worth it because I already have a full schedule with all the chemical engineering classes.

On another note: I am going to be a junior now and have a decent GPA and am doing research. What can do more at this stage to be more comptetitive?

cheme24

I didn't take any grad classes, went to an unknown state school and I am going to a top 5 ChemE program. Its not a requirement to take grad classes.

hesdjjim

Maintain your GPA

juillet

1) Yes, if you are successful in them. If you already have a full schedule, then taking grad classes is not a wise decision because you will not perform well.

2) Cultivate strong relationships with professors who can write you recommendation letters - if possible, take more than one course with a specific professor so that he or she can give you a recommendation based on a variety of course materials.

Start thinking about why you really want to go into a chem E grad program. Over the summer you may wish to start drafting your statement.

Keep your grades up. Consider doing an REU over the summer.

techfreak99

About rec letters- does it matter if one's from an assistant (new) professor who knows you well because he was more approachable than the other egoistic ones you find at a top-3 program?

b@r!um

According to my own professors, yes, it does matter who your letter is from. I was in a similar boat, actually. I had two letters from senior faculty, and the most obvious third one would have come from the new assistant professor who supervised my senior thesis. However, my senior references cautioned me against that. Instead, they suggested that I should get the substance of my letter written by the assistant professor, and have that incorporated into a letter written and signed by a benevolent professor who was more connected. I am very lucky that that worked out for me.

If that's not an option for you, you are probably still better off with a meaningful letter from a young professor than an empty letter from an accomplished one.

techfreak99

Thanks for your long reply Barium.