Top schools environmental engineering, already have masters?

kylemi85
Fri, 04 Jun 2010 23:08:33 +0000

I’m currently working on my masters degree in environmental engineering at the University of Delaware, and would like to apply for a PhD this winter. I have three advisers, all distinguished professors, and all directors of various programs at my university. Grade-wise, I’m a solid student with either A’s or A-'s, and I expect to publish 4 papers when the requirement is only one. In addition, I have experience in microbiology, biogeochemistry, and advanced tools of analysis in both disciplines which should be of benefit with the current push in academia for interdisciplinary projects. My GRE scores for the quantitative sections are below average for the top schools, but still in the 700’s, and my writing score is above average.

I’m planning to apply to some top programs in environmental engineering, and also a few others on the outer edge of the top 20. Is it true that the acceptance rates are higher for those in environmental engineering, as opposed to chemical, mechanical, or electrical? Will already having a masters degree and a demonstrated ability to conduct independent research increase my chances of being accepted? Lastly, will the GRE scores hurt me if I have solid recommendations from well-known professors, a good personal statement, and several papers under my belt?