Straya

Hi, I'm a first year Melbourne Uni student doing a 3-year Bachelor of Science (Computing and Software Systems major).
This is what my course structure looks like:
Computing & Software Systems Major: Melbourne School of Information, University of Melbourne

I'm considering doing a masters degree in comp sci at one of Stanford, MIT, Harvard, UC Berkeley or Caltech.

I'm wondering do these unis accept 3-year degrees, particularly from Australia?
Melb Uni has a unique system (all Bachelors are 3 years + then you can do a 2 year masters degree). Bachelors degrees are 4 years at all other Aus unis.

Also, I averaged about 80% (actually, 79.5%) for my first semester at unimelb. How much would such grades be detrimental to my chances? (I have picked up this sem, and know I will do better).

What other factors are considered? I know of the GRE, work experience positions / research work and recommendations from staff. How significant are these other factors compared to grades/GPA?

Thank you

schrodingerscat

First year grades aren't as important as those in later years. Work harder.The problem is though that even though a H1 at UniMelb = a 4.0, that only requires an 80%, whereas a similar grade at a top tier university in the US (in which there is a lotttt more work and it's much more competitive... I did UMEP in year 12 and I'm now studying in the US) will get you a B or B-. In that sense, it's easier to get a competitive GPA in Aus than it is in the US. That means that you shouldn't let yourself down in that regard.

Some unis accept 3 year degrees, but you'd be selling yourself short if you didn't do honours. Honours will give you important research experience (especially as a lot of grad schools look for PhDs rather than masters...) and will help you to stand out. Averaging around an 80 at Melbourne without significant work experience/research won't do that.