<p>My ugrad gpa is a 2.9 in engineering. I want to pursue an MS at a top tier engineering school in order to get some invaluable research experience, hands on experience, and an internship. I was just accepted into an online Master of Engineering program in a slightly different but related field at a top 20 school. If I complete this degree, can I use this as a stepping stone into a top tier MS program if I do very well? Or will my ugrad gpa still haunt me?</p>
<p>What city do you live in?</p>
<p>I can suggest some M.S. programs if I know where you live?</p>
<p>I think if you do well at the distance program, it will boost your chances</p>
<p>how different are the programs? which university did you get accepted to?</p>
<p>How is a top-20 program not considered “top tier”?</p>
<p>The MEng dergee is from the University of Maryland in sustainable energy engineering. I have a BSIE but ultimately want to be a mechanical engineer and would rather pursue a MSME but I don’t think I have the grades to get me into a good school. I live in San Diego and am short on local options.</p>
<p>If you can get free or cheap housing from a relative in San Jose, I recommend an M.S. program which you can get admitted conditionally if your GPA is 2.70-2.99. :D</p>