<p>I want to get into UIUC’s electrical engineering program for my masters.</p>
<p>My GRE and GPA meet their standard, and I think I can get good prof. recommendations. However, I did not do much research during undergrad. I guess I did research in my own time because I developed an electronic product and started a business. I have a patent on it and the product has gotten good reception. Will that help?</p>
<p>Of course, that will help for engineering, particularly if you are more interested in a professional (coursework) masters rather than a research degree. however, work experience is always valued in engineering.</p>
<p>Having a patent will help to the extent that it is related to your research and/or shows real ingenuity, and starting a business will help to show drive, but even in engineering professional experience is not valued nearly as much as research experience. There will be some professors who value it more, but that does not help you if that is not who you want as your advisor!</p>