Help: Chances at MSE/MBA with Math Undergrad

QuestionGuy12
Fri, 21 May 2010 23:00:15 +0000

Hello everyone,

I am a recently graduated senior with a cum GPA of 3.4 with degrees in Applied Mathematics (with a concentration in Physics and Biology) and Chemistry. It would have been higher, save the 2 semesters that I was a biochem major and dropped below 3.0.

I am interested in doing a MSE/MBA combination in order to use my writing/organizational, mathematical, and science skills to their fullest in industry. I have great recommendations aside from the biochemistry department; however, the math/physics/chemistry/biology departments know the full caliber of my work and dedication.

Chem E. sounds rather interesting, and I hope the MBA and computer background will keep me away from the majority of the “wet-work”. I also don’t have much of a desire to attain a PhD due to time and other interests that I wish to pursue.

Personal/More Info:

–I am a gay African American male who has topped most of his chemistry/physics/biology/English classes, but not so much in biochem.

–I am not particularly keen on PhD other than for the possible stipend. I simply cannot afford the MBA/MSE w/o a stipend, so I need to know if this is feasible.

– I have experience in: Java/C/HTML/CSS/Matlab/Mathematica/SAS

–Math classes were mostly applied in nature; I also ran a sustainability project and an acoustic project for computational physics (programmed in C).

– I am proficient at writing and have written many technical reports that have been lauded both in the sciences and English department.

–I have 3 particular people that will definitely give me glowing recs. Probably more if I asked.

–After switching from biochem, my GPA stayed around a 3.5-3.6 while taking an average of 3 400 level and 3 400 level science classes per semester (36 credits senior year).

– I am known to be well at self-teaching. I taught myself Fluid Mechanics, Electromagnetics and Relativity, and Intro to Quantum. Professors/my transcripts have noticed this.

Should I apply to Ivy? Does the MSE/MBA sound like a good idea? Will finding funding to go full-time be feasible with grants/scholarships/and school aid?

Thank you,
Sean

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