Question about recommendation letters and GRE scores

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the requirements for applying to a master's program at UCLA, specifically focusing on the need for recommendation letters and GRE scores. Participants explore strategies for obtaining recommendations and the implications of GRE score thresholds.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their plan to enroll in CSU-Northridge to build relationships with professors for future recommendation letters to UCLA.
  • The same participant expresses concern about meeting the GRE score requirement, questioning the impact of scoring below the 80th percentile.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the specific program being applied to, indicating a need for context regarding the application process.
  • The original poster confirms they are applying for the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best approach to obtaining recommendation letters or the implications of GRE scores, indicating multiple competing views and uncertainties in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the original poster's lack of engineering experience and the potential impact of their GPA and GRE scores on their application, which remain unresolved.

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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