Question about recommendation letters and GRE scores

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application process for the M.S. Mechanical Engineering program at UCLA, which mandates three recommendation letters and GRE scores in the 80th percentile. The user has struggled to obtain responses from former professors for recommendations and is considering enrolling at CSU-Northridge to build new relationships for future recommendations. Additionally, the user expresses concern about achieving the required GRE score, questioning the impact of scoring in the 70th percentile instead of the required 80th percentile.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school application processes
  • Familiarity with GRE scoring and requirements
  • Knowledge of building professional relationships in academia
  • Awareness of the differences between various universities' admission standards
NEXT STEPS
  • Research strategies for obtaining strong recommendation letters
  • Study GRE preparation techniques for achieving high scores
  • Explore graduate programs at CSU-Northridge and their admission requirements
  • Investigate networking opportunities with professors and industry professionals
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Prospective graduate students, particularly those applying to engineering programs, individuals seeking advice on recommendation letters, and anyone preparing for the GRE.

thepatient
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Hi everyone!

My goal is to study for my masters at UCLA. UCLA requires 3 recommendation letters and very high (80th percentile) GRE scores. I've tried contacting a few of my favorite professors from the school where I got my B.S.M.E. regarding recommendation letters, but I haven't had a single response. It's been 8 months since I graduated, so I don't expect them to remember me anymore.

Anyway, I was planning to do this. Enroll into another school with less strict entry requirements (CSU-Northridge). Take a few general graduate classes that apply to all majors. Build a rapport (better than what I had with my previous professors). And hope that they'd like me enough to write me a letter of recommendation to UCLA. Is this a good idea?

Also, a question about the GRE. I am studying for the GRE and I feel like some parts are really tough. I fear not getting to that 80th percentile that UCLA asks for. If I get to the 70th percentile, do I still have a chance, or are they very strict to their requirements? I have a 3.945 GPA. No engineering experience (haven't had luck with that either, but not giving up easily).

Thanks.
 
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Mmm, I just realized that CSU-Northridge does indeed require letters of recommendation. -___-
 
Your message left some important things unsaid. Are you applying for physics programs? Or mechanical engineering? Or something else?
 
Oops, sorry. M.S. Mechanical Engineering program.
 

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