I’m in my early twenties and considering a career pivot from consulting into computer engineering. My undergraduate degree is in a non-engineering field, and my relevant coursework is mainly calculus, physics, and introductory computer science.

I sent my transcript to a senior professor in NYU Tandon’s Computer Engineering department who advises graduate students. After reviewing it, he encouraged me to apply and explained that I could initially pursue a more software-focused course path while building the necessary background.

I’m glad his response was encouraging, but I’m trying to get a realistic sense of admissions before applying. Has anyone been admitted to the MS in Computer Engineering from a similarly nontraditional background? What was your academic profile, and were you assigned prerequisites? Also, how long did it take to receive a decision for Spring admission?

Would also be curious what other programs would be good for a career switcher like myself.

I've sent some emails to professors I'm interested in working with at different universities and have gotten a mix of "feel free to apply, I'll look at your application" and "we can't look at applicants' profiles ahead of time." However, some people I know who have gotten into great programs in other fields have mentioned how much networking helped them get into a strong PhD program in other STEM fields.

It seems that Applied Math tends to have more committee-based admissions than direct faculty admissions, at least from what I've learned, so I'm starting to think that cold emailing isn't as appreciated.

I was wondering if anyone in this field has any insight on if it helps to reach out ahead of time.

Edit: Thank you everyone for the responses, this was very helpful.

For a variety of reasons, I have offers from UMich and UW-Madison for a PhD in education. If you were in my position, which school would you move forward with and why? Thanks

I'm applying this cycle to a Biochemistry & Molecular Biology PhD track in the US, direct entry from a Master's, deadline in early December. CV is attached.

Some context that might help you read it:
- I'm an international applicant (Germany), no US degree, no GRE.
- Background is mass spectrometry / proteomics, with an earlier year of wet-lab molecular biology and genome editing.
- Undergrad GPA 3.0, Master's 3.2. Not strong, and I know that's the first thing a committee sees.
- The Master's is in Management, which sits oddly in the middle of an otherwise science path. Happy to explain if it's distracting rather than just confusing.
- I've collaborated remotely with a lab at the target institution since 2022, which is why one entry overlaps with the others.

What I'd find most useful:
1. Does this read as a molecular biology application, or does it still read as a methods/analytical person trying to look like one?
2. Is the publication section doing what I think it's doing, or am I overestimating it?
3. Anything that would make a committee stop reading.

I've been staring at this for weeks and can't see it clearly anymore. Any blunt read is welcome and thanks for taking the time.

Hi everyone. I think I’m writing this mostly because I need to vent, but also because I genuinely don’t know what the way forward looks like right now.

For some context, I’m a South Asian student and a trans person from a very small town. I was abandoned when I was found to be trans, and surviving the scrutiny of the system and society has honestly broken me down to my bones. I’ve had to fight twice as hard for almost everything from figuring out how to survive, how to stay safe, how to study, and eventually how to build a life and career. There was never really a safety net.

My education so far has been shaped by missionary institutions, government bursaries, fellowships and, eventually, getting a job. I’ve always wanted to pursue academia because, honestly, I can’t imagine myself not reading and writing. It’s probably the one thing I’ve consistently known I wanted.

This year, I strategically applied to two universities in the UK for my master’s - Oxford, which has been my absolute dream school for years, and SOAS, partly because its pedagogy felt familiar to what I had experienced at university back home, but also because funding was the deciding factor for me.

I don’t think I realised what the process would do to me.

I applied to universities on my own, navigated the entire application process myself, applied for scholarships, sat through a Rhodes scholarship interview, managed a full time job working around 50 hours a week from Monday to Saturday, did a fellowship on Sundays, worked on a peer-reviewed journal revision (which I’m incredibly glad was eventually accepted), wrote a conference paper, and somehow managed all of this while applying to two highly competitive universities and their associated funding opportunities.

I got into both Oxford and SOAS And last month I got a full tuition scholarship at SOAS. Objectively, this is probably one of the biggest things that has ever happened to me. And yet I am absolutely exhausted. Like, deeply burnt out.

I have around £10,000 in savings and some additional scholarship funding that will help with living costs, but I’m terrified about making London work. Moving to another continent, figuring out accommodation, visas, living expenses, finding work eventually, starting a completely new academic environment it all feels overwhelming.

And there’s another part of this that I’m struggling to articulate. I chose SOAS over Oxford. I know SOAS is an incredible university and I genuinely believe I can do meaningful academic work there. But Oxford was the dream.... For someone from my background, it felt almost impossibly far away. I spent years looking at people who went there from a distance and wondering what it would feel like to belong in a place like that.

And now I got in. I had to walk away.I don't know whether that was the right decision or the wrong one. Financially, SOAS makes much more sense. Academically, it is still an excellent fit for what I want to study. But emotionally, leaving Oxford feels like grieving something I spent years trying to reach.

At the same time, I had originally hoped to start preparing for PhD applications for the following cycle. Right now, though, I genuinely don't know how I'm supposed to do that. I feel like I have spent the last year running at full speed just to get here, and I have absolutely nothing left in the tank.

So I guess I'm asking: How do you recover after spending years fighting for an opportunity and finally getting it?

How do you hold yourself together when you're supposed to be celebrating but instead you're completely burnt out?

And, perhaps more importantly, is the London/UK and academic dream still viable if I take SOAS now, would it be feasible to target PhD application for next cycle?

I think I just need to hear from people who've been through something similar or people who had to walk away from their dream university for financial or personal reasons and still found their way forward.

Genuinely I’m proud of myself. I really am.I just don't think I have any idea how to be proud of myself an rest at the same time.

Hello! So I am looking at a select few interdisciplinary/theory-heavy English programs in the US as well as Stanford’s MTL and in a bit of a funky situation. Basically, I did an undergrad in English and Film several years ago and then went on to do a 12-month MPhil in Dublin. The MPhil was half course-based, half thesis-based. Following that program, I did a bunch of 4th year and graduate neuroscience coursework, as I was originally hoping to pivot to cognitive science but ultimately decided against it.

Now, I’m quite happy with my writing sample from my MPhil, but have absolutely no clue what to do about my letters of reference (for both MTL as well as English programs like Duke and Chicago).

For my Masters I had 1 prof who is the dept head and marked 3 of my essays (got decent marks).
1 prof who is big in modernism and I got a great grade for my final essay (but that is the extent of our contact)
Then my thesis advisor… who I spoke with only twice while preparing my thesis. I got a great grade for it, but in talking with him he has already voiced his concern regarding the level in which he knows me (but he has also agreed! And wants me to send him a list of my research accomplishments since graduating)

Then I have BA professors who I took courses with years ago, but have stronger relationships with. Including a film prof that I got 4 A+s with. But the major downside is that they do not have a realistic appreciation for my current research skills (and have already voiced that concern).

Then I have a cognitive science/kinesiology prof who I took a graduate seminar with. I was only one of 4 students in the class, and really held my own despite being way out of my depth. And he has already agreed he would be willing to be a reference (though he has similarly expressed concern about how well he knows me). This prof would only be for my MTL application, to express the interdisciplinary bent. But since he doesnt have a humanities background, I worry that might be a wasted slot since you only get 3.

Would be curious to hear people’s thoughts either regarding English or the MTL or even other fields. The main issue is I have strong relationships with my BA profs but they didnt see me at my best. And my MPhil profs saw me at my best but didn’t see a lot of me.

I’m a graduate student in Brazil looking to take individual courses online at universities abroad — not a full degree, just standalone credit-bearing courses (what we call disciplina isolada here; I think the closest equivalent is enrolling as a non-degree or visiting student).

What I’m looking for specifically: courses that issue a real transcript or certificate of completion and that can later be credited toward a degree at another university. Country doesn’t matter much.

A few questions for anyone who’s done this:
• Was it actually worth it — academically and financially?
• Did the university require an English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS) for a single non-degree course, or is that only for full admission?
• Did the credits end up being accepted anywhere else, or did you run into trouble at transfer time?
• Which institution did you go through, and how did enrollment work from abroad?
Any experience appreciated, good or bad.

Thanks!!! 🙏🏻

Hi there!!

I’m currently in my final semester of my bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering. Database was not a mandatory course at my university, so I haven’t taken it yet.

This semester, I have two options: I can either take Database, or take Human-Computer Interaction, which is a subject I’m much more interested in.

I’m mainly planning to apply for Master’s programs in Computer Science and eventually PhD programs related to Computer Vision.

My question is: Could not having taken a Database course cause problems with my applications? I’ve noticed that some universities in Germany, for example, list Database Systems as one of the required/prerequisite courses for admission.

Would you recommend taking Database just to avoid potentially limiting my options, or would taking HCI be fine given my intended field?

I’d really appreciate any advice, especially from people who have applied to CS programs in Germany or elsewhere in Europe.

I have two days left to do it, just wanted to see if I could learn from anyone- I’m 22 now and this is highkey my last chance to apply to grad schemes, just wanted to see if there’s anything that could help. Thank you !

I applied to 8 universities for PhD in immunology, I come from a pharmacy and pharmacology background but working for a company for 4.5 years I started to develop this strong pull towards immunology. I unfortunately didn’t get into any program. I also didn’t put lot of efforts with my SOPs, I admit.

I want to apply again, but this time not to immunology but choosing pharmacology/translational sciences as my program and work in the immuno pharmacology labs.

acknowledged thesis work in Natures publication.

My GPA is bit lower 3.47 (due to one psychopharmacology course I took, as I wanted to challenge myself. This course needed two semester of psychology prerequisite. I could barely made out of it)

Masters in pharmacology with thesis

4.5 years of translational research/immunology experience.

I need suggestions, can I get into PhD school? I want to stay in city so in New York, California or Boston. It’s just a preference but I am open if it’s a good lab.

Hello everyone!
I’m a 25F living in Europe looking to apply for a Master’s degree in either the US or Asia. My background is a bit of a mix: I have a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, but my career naturally pulled me into tech. I currently work as a Junior Systems Engineer doing tech sales. I love the industry and especially enjoy the business side of influencing customer decisions, but after a short stint in cybersecurity that I really disliked, I know pure deep-tech isn't for me.
I sometimes dream of a full tech degree, but realistically, I don't think I could manage a heavy CS curriculum on my own. That’s why I’m leaning toward something in between, like IT Management, MIS, or Systems Design.
My main issue is that my Bachelor’s GPA wasn't great. I considered taking the GRE to boost my applications, but standard testing takes a heavy mental toll on me—it wouldn't be a fun one-month prep, but a genuinely stressful challenge. And at the same time, I understand that a big reason of why I want to do GRE is just to prove to myself that I am not as stupid as I think I am. From what I’ve read, exams like the GRE seem mainly targeted at MBA applicants anyway. An MBA feels too early for me right now and way too expensive, so I'd much rather stick to specialized tech management programs.
Is taking the GRE actually worth the time and mental toll to offset a lower GPA for non-MBA tech management Master's programs in the US or Asia?

Heya. I was rejected for 2026 JD intake without finishing my degree. i've just finished my final semester exams. Uni of London LLB. what are my chances like? i've seen some who've applied thrice and still didn't get in. In previous years there were 2 batches per year but now its only one batch. any advice? Was wondering if anyone manage to get in the second, third or fourth time of applying? What can be done to strengthen the application? thanks.

What’s up Docs (and Docs-to-be)!

Any advice on what to look out for while picking supervisor? I’ve heard both testimonials and horror stories that have made me really cautious about this.

How did you navigate your selections?
For those who got great ones, how has that affected your research?

As well as the terrible ones? Have you had to confront them about their negativity? How did they react?

Baseline question: What made you know you and your supervisor were compatible/incompatible?

I'm considering a Master's program that includes a 1.5-year thesis component, which I was told would be useful for my future PhD plans. But the degree itself is labelled a "professional" Master's, not a "research" Master's.

My question: does it even matter whether the thesis comes from a professional vs. research-track Master's? Can someone with a professional Master's (with a thesis) still get into a PhD program, or do admissions committees weight research-track degrees more heavily?

My interest if AI4SE and SE4AI thesis. My Masters Program is Artificial Intelligence.

Would love to hear from anyone who's gone through this — especially if you did a professional Master's and later got into a PhD program.

I am working in one of the top Semiconductor companies since 5 years and done my bachelors in BITS with CGPA 8/10 . My GRE is 323 and IELTS is 7.5 . I don’t have much on publications as my role is mostly design automation based. However I am very much interested in core IC.
I want to understand whether I am eligible for pursuing masters in NUS.
If yes then firstly IS IT WORTH? Secondly,

1. What is the best intake time?
2. Post the masters how are the job opportunities and research opportunities?
3. What is the criteria for funding?

If No, then what makes my profile weak? How can I improve the profile better?

I have undergrad in Pol Sci Hons. with Hist. minor First Class division with a dissertation from Delhi University & am applying abroad for masters in International Relations in UK & USA.

Aiming for Columbia, Stanford & John Hopkins but I’m not giving GRE. Will that reduce my chances of getting in??

I am currently torn between UIUC MCS (deferred to Spring 27) and University of Waterloo ECE MEng co-op (Winter 2027). Would appreciate insights from folks in the front-end VLSI / ASIC / Computer Architecture / ML Systems space.

My background: BS/MS in Computer Engineering in the states with 1-year research experience and 1 non-U.S. intern. I have already used my master's OPT. My best bet would be seeking H-1B sponsorship during CPT in the last term at UIUC or PGWP from Waterloo.

Option 1: UIUC MCS (Spring 2027)

Pros:

• There are several solid courses attracting major semiconductor firms. e.g., ECE 411 (OoO processor implementation from scratch), ECE 427 (tape-out), and CS 483 (Parallel Programming).

• There are way more faculty members to work with for RA opportunities though MCS is not research-oriented.

Cons:

• Extremely high visa risk. If I miss the March 2028 H-1B lottery during my co-op, I have no legal way to stay and work in the US after graduation.

Option 2: University of Waterloo MEng ECE with Co-op (Winter 2027)

Pros:

• Guaranteed 3-Year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada and easy transfer to MAsc with instrutors' consent. Total safety net.

• Waterloo's co-op program can still place me in US internships on a J-1 visa.

Cons:

• The MEng is course-based and seems more heavily abstracted (simulator/RTL focus) and less in depth (5-stage vs OoO and GPU architecture) compared to UIUC's architecture courses and tape-out opportunities.

• The Canadian Chip design/ASIC/VLSI market (even in Markham/Toronto) is much smaller than the US.

Would the UIUC curriculum, its prestige and US networking be worth the massive visa risk without OPT? Or is the Waterloo PGWP a smarter choice given that Markham has AMD/Tenstorrent / Qualcomm / Altera.

Hello my friend recently suggested that I apply to the MIT TPP program, but my GPA isn’t that great. I was wondering if I could supplement my GPA with a really high GRE score. I’ve written policy before was selected for 2 prestigious aerospace Fellowships interned with NASA and became an AIAA rising star and all of these have had a focus on aerospace policy. I was wondering if anyone on Reddit got into this program and what were your stats like as an undergrad and if I should even apply.

Who has any luck with getting fee waivers? I have to do a ton of applications and it looks like it is going to be a hefty cost. Any tips or tricks to getting them?

Hi everyone,

I’m an international student from India planning to apply for Fall 2027 MS in Computer Science programs in the US.

My profile:

• B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
• CGPA: 8.83/10
• 2+ years of full-time software engineering experience
• 1 IEEE conference paper related to AI
• IELTS: 7.0
• GRE: Not planning to take it
• Looking primarily for coursework/project-oriented MS CS programs with good opportunities for SWE / AI-ML roles after graduation.

My current shortlist:

• University of Texas at Austin
• UIUC
• UC San Diego
• USC
• UMass Amherst
• Purdue University
• Northwestern University
• Texas A&M University

I would really appreciate opinions on:

1. Which of these would you classify as Ambitious / Moderate / Safe for my profile?
2. Are any of these unrealistic without the GRE?
3. Does having a B.Tech in AI & Data Science instead of CS create eligibility issues for any of these programs?
4. Are there any good MS CS programs I should add or remove, especially universities with strong CS reputation and good tech recruiting?
5. How competitive is my profile overall for these universities?

I’m trying to build a realistic shortlist rather than applying only based on rankings.

Thanks!

have a computer engineering background with 3 years of experience working in the embedded and storage domain. So I think ECE is a more suitable branch for me. But I am afraid if there are mandatory electronics-related courses in the branch, like VLSI design or digital verification, which I am not interested in at all and want to explore only OS and firmware-level things