collegeomega

Hello guys,

Recently, I checked university sites, especially US universities, for graduate admission in Mechanical Engineering. I am interested in doing a program at a reputed university for good career prospects. I have a GPA of 2.87 /4.30 for the first two years cumulative at good Canadian university. I don't have any research experience or engineering work experience.

All the requirements and stuff are given on university websites but what I am looking for is a plan for next two years that would help me enter into a reputable college. I tried finding one online, but they are too general. I emailed our guidance counselor and she takes weeks if not months to reply to one single email.

I am quite concerned about my admission in graduate schools so please help.

hesdjjim

So, if I understand you correctly, you've just finished your first two years, and you are going into your third year. If this is the case, know that your third and last year of engineering classes are much more important to grad schools than your first two years. If you can show significant improvement, you still have a chance.

Also, look up the profiles of the engineering professors at your school, and find out what research they do. If you can find a professor whose research sounds interesting to you, you could talk to them about assisting them in their research. You might also be able to make connections with the engineering faculty and get a better picture on how to go about applying to grad schools, than you would if you sought out the same information from an undergraduate guidance counselor.

collegeomega

Thank you for the reply.

I have few questions though:

1. How significant should the improvement be?
2. I seriously don't know how to approach a professor and ask him/her for a research opportunity? Also, when should I ask?
I understand it should be before summer but what month? How should I prepare for that?

Too many questions but please answer...

hesdjjim

1. Ideally, you should graduate with a 3.0, on a 4.0 scale. Essentially, that means the average grade on your transcript should be a B or better. If you can't reach that, but your GPA is above 3.0 during your junior and senior years, then some schools may still accept you. Others won't.

2. The best way to contact a professor is probably by email. Just send a brief message telling him or her that you are interested in their research field, and if they are looking for undergraduate research assistants, you would be interested in talking with them. Then just wait and see if they respond.

I'd say, pick three professors at your school, and email them before school starts back up again.

collegeomega

Ok. Do you think I should email profs in August if my school is opening in September?

hesdjjim

Yes, the earlier the better.

collegeomega

Thank you!

Others also please comment and help me figure out a plan...

collegeomega

Hey,

I picked three professors like you suggested. Two of them are even teaching me this fall. I am wondering if I approach them now for an opportunity and if he/she shuts me down how is that going to effect my following term. Also, do you think I should do good in their classes and then ask them for research opportunity? When I look at their sites, they taught 2nd year course I did last year, does it reflect me as a poor performing student? I don't want to make a fool of myself asking them for something I think I have little chances. I am confused please help...

hesdjjim

Collegeomega, you think too much! Just send them each an email, expressing interest in their research, and attach a resume. Approach it like applying for a job. If you get it, great. If not, don't take it personal, and do good in their class, nonetheless.

collegeomega

Thank you! I will send those emails.