Incoming Freshman in CS Major Needs Help With Graduate School

[avalanche72]

Hi,

I'm going to UCI next year as a Computer Science major, and I was wondering about some stuff regarding graduate school. I know its kinda early, but I learned from high school that I should definitely plan things earlier :]

So, just cause I'm going to UCI, does that mean I can't get into one of the top CS schools like Stanford, UC Berkeley, MIT, etc. simply because of my undergraduate school, and by that I mean does it lower my chances significantly?

Also, since you need three letters of recommendation, I was wondering if it would be realistic to get 2 REUs over the 2nd->3rd year and 3rd year->4th year and 2 years of research over the 3rd and 4th years in UCI. My concern is that the first REU might not even remember me when I ask for a letter of rec, or I might not even be accepted as I would have no research experience at that time.

And finally, would getting a minor improve my chances, like if I got one on "Educational Studies" cause then I could be a TA, or am I just sounding so desperate :P

Thanks! :D

 

[eri]

You can get into a top grad school from any undergrad program if you do a great job there and get some great research experience. But it's true that top schools often just shuffle their students around, so it will hurt you a little bit.

As for research experience, it helps you get an REU if you've already gotten some research experience at your own college. See if you can find someone willing to take you on after your first year. Then you can apply for REUs the following summers, and you'll have a better chance of getting one. If you did a good job in your research, your adviser will remember you - I was still asking for letters of recommendation from them 5+ years later, with no problem.

 

[Choppy]

Generally, my experience has been that the school you attend for undergraduate study does not really have that much bearing on your acceptance into graduate school, provided the school and your degree meet the acceptance criteria. What does matter are your marks, and generally what you do to make yourself more competative as a candidate.

Departments tend to keep records of where their graduates end up, so if you're really curious, you could see if there is any evidence that graduates from the program you're interested in taking are going to places where you would like to go.

With regards to research experience, something that often gets overlooked is that many programs actually have a senior thesis project and this counts as research experience. So if you don't get anything external to your program, you are not completely 'without' any research experience. That being said, getting as involved as you can, through REUs or simply volunteering locally can give your application a big boost.

With regards to letters of reference, if you've done good work for someone, that person is likely to remember you. Professors are well-aware that students who come to work for them are likely to ask for reference letters.

Finally, a minor in education is unlikely to have any impact on whether or not you can get a teaching assistanceship. Unless you're actually interested in that subject or considering teaching (at or below high school level) as a career option, I wouldn't bother pursuing that.

 

[avalanche72]

Thanks for the replies! :D

Two more questions, if possible.

Do internships equal research? And, what would be the best way to find REUs?

 

[avalanche72]

Oh, and, sorry for the double-post, but could someone please clarify the differences between Computer Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science cause they just baffle me :P and which would be most appealing to a grad school?