Where can I go for my graduate studies?

Graduate School
1

<p>I’m going to finish my bachelor’s degree(Computer Science) and I want to do my masters abroad. The problem is, I’m currently studying in some insignificant college in the Middle East(Bahrain) and I’m not sure how it’s going to be viewed by Western universities. Most universities I checked require that I “find an advisor”, but who is going to waste their time with someone holding a useless degree? I’m really worried about this part in particular…</p>

<p>I’m a third world citizen as well, so getting a visa is going to be a hassle. Money is another problem; I’m looking for a place that is affordable but also safe(North America or Western Europe).</p>

<p>I thought about Germany, but honestly, do I have a chance given my “academic” background? I’m not bound to my curriculum at school and I study a lot on my own and I go beyond the course syllabus, but my grades aren’t that high for several other reasons… I’m expecting my GPA to be around 3.10. </p>

<p>I really don’t know what to do… I’ve never experienced emotional distress of this intensity in my life…</p>

2

<p>The fact your college is insignificant will not matter to most flagships that offer PHDs in CS. Graduate study is typically funded.
“Find an advisor” just means “find a professor willing to say a few nice things about you/your work, backed up with a couple examples, and certify you’re not a criminal and are in good standing at your college”. Obviously if the professor is doing it as a favor, not part of his/her job, you give him/her a bullet point list of your achievements along with a resume (emphasizing academics).
However your GPA is going to be a problem since most graduate programs will want to see a 3.5, especially from a small college, unless 3.0 represents top 25% in your school.
Start looking at the state universities: Arizona State, Penn State, SUNYs, U Iowa, Ole Miss… There are dozens and dozens of them. Then look at their admission requirements.</p>