Stanford Grad Engineering "It" Factor

<p>So I’ve heard mixed things about the top engineering programs (Stanford, Berkeley, MIT) in terms of what is weighed most heavily. Some say just kickass research, others say research with insane grades.</p>

<p>I’m coming from UT Austin in ME with ~3.75, 2+ years of good research (at least 1 pub), decent recs and GRE, finalist in an alternative energy design competition and some random leadership stuff. I’m going for PhD programs in MSE or ME. I know I have good stats and I’ve worked my butt off. But is it like undergrad where you need that “It” factor for these top schools?</p>

<p>if you mean “it” factor as in like completing an exorbitant amount of extracurricular activities, or going on a mission to feed children in africa, then no - grad schools dont really care about that. just have good scores/grades/research/LORS/essays, etc etc, and you’re good</p>

<p>Sounds like you have a good shot. I’ve heard that grad schools care about your research potential most: letters of rec about your research skills and past research experience weighs most heavily.</p>

<p>The “It” factor for PhD programs is “Fit” - grades and gre’s are just qualifiers that gets your application through the first round. After that it is a very individual decision based on whether or not any of the professors like you for their research area.</p>

<p>So there is not one “magic formula” to get into grad school - each researcher has their own.</p>