<p>I’m at the University of Washington, and am a civil engineering major emphasizing on structures. The problem is, that with structures, you really do need a masters degree to get a job. I only applied to UW and honestly didn’t feel that I’d get rejected. I have a 3.84 gpa, solid GRE scores, and average recs. </p>
<p>My life just kinda got thrown upside down and I really don’t know what to do.</p>
<p>You could apply again for the spring, but this time apply to more than one?</p>
<p>i suppose by grad school you meant the Ph.d program? I don’t understand, somehting ismissing here, it’s your own school and da 3.84 they should let you in for civil???</p>
<p>Often universities discourage their undergraduates from pursuing their graduate education at the same institution, which may explain why you did not get in. Since you obviously had LORs from professors there, maybe you should schedule appointments with them to discuss your next step. They might be able to reveal where your weaknesses are, and how you should address them.</p>
<p>Have you applied for jobs yet? That’s a pretty strong gpa, they might take a shot at you. Also, some schools have late or rolling admissions for grad programs - the downside is that there will almost certainly be zero funding.</p>
<p>If you cannot get a professional job or a grad program by fall, I would find whatever you can to pay the bills for the next year while you go through the next round of applications. Apply to more schools (!!), and try to get in on some research and bolster your recs - some professors will appreciate the help provided you are willing to work cheap (or free!).</p>
<p>Sorry you didn’t get in seahawk, but with a civil engineering degree, I bet you can get A job - it might not be in structures, but, new civil eng grads can and do get hired on as entry level at firms based on their broad engineering background. Your first job might not be the ideal job for your interests, but experience will allow you to transition into the field of your choice. </p>
<p>In the mean time, you can reapply for grad schools, with the new experience to bolster your resume. Those with real work experience are often more attractive applicants I would say.</p>
<p>i agree, i am a structures emphasis as well and graduated last year, but could not find a job in the field right now, but i did land one in construction management…not the dream job, but i will be going to grad school next fall part time (for structures) while i work…my point is don’t stress out about it, you can apply to smaller schools (if you haven’t already) because they usually have a rolling admissions policy, and like i’ve been told it is only a masters degree. plus if you get some experience in the industry, grad schools will look at that in addition to your gpa or recommendations like pinkearmufs had previously said. hope this helps, i am sure things will pan out</p>
<p>I have to agree with the point that schools generally don’t like taking their own. They want you to get out and get experience elsewhere. Getting a year’s worth of industrial experience might be the best bet for you before applying again. Who knows… with that job experience, you will be more competitive for graduate positions later; and if you really like you’re job, maybe a grad degree isn’t even necessary because you can just start climbing the ladder now and earning money now. You’d be working or getting promoted internally to a position that other people with grad degrees would be trying to get into; and you did less work! But… again, seeing that you’re a high performing candidate, I’m banking that your school didn’t want to accept any of their own. It’s a really rare case that schools ever do. Sorry… but good luck!</p>