<p>Can you guys suggest some safe/match/reach schools for me just based on my background? Ignore whether the grad program and my interests are compatible for now, Im just trying to find out how competitive an applicant I am.</p>
<p>Im planning to apply for a masters program in mechanical engineering or engineering physics or something related.</p>
<p>My background:</p>
<p>Institution: UCL (considered a top uni in UK, but no idea how well-known it is in US)</p>
<p>Degree: BSc in Physics (1st class honors - Im not sure how to convert this to GPA, but Im guessing itll be somewhere between 3.6 to 4.0)</p>
<p>GRE: Got 770 Maths, 570 Verbal on the powerprep software</p>
<p>Research/Projects:
- Did a group project (relating to organic semiconductors) as part of degree. This was like doing research, but we didnt actually publish any papers to a scientific journal. Got kind of an average grade for this project.
- Did a summer placement at a university (didnt really do research). Basically designed a demonstration/experiment to educate the public about some physics phenomena.
- As part of the degree, we have lab sessions where we do experiments and mini-projects, but Im not sure this counts as research </p>
<p>Activities:
Not sure if these will help but
- Ive been a student leader for this university scheme where 2nd year students help 1st year students.
- Member of some project that aims to promote physics to high school students. As part of this project, I went to high schools to give presentations on superconductivity.
- Ive been a member of the universitys basketball and track & field team
- Grade 8 violin
- Done some charity work</p>
<p>Im thinking of applying to Stanford, UC San Diego, USC, Columbia, University of Texas at Austin among others What are my chances at these schools? Im guessing my research experience doesnt really stand out, but since Im only applying for masters rather than phd, do I have a better chance? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>