What kind of credentials for EE PhD program?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the credentials and qualifications necessary for applying to PhD programs in Electrical Engineering (EE), particularly in the northeastern United States. Participants explore the significance of GPA, research experience, GRE scores, and the competitiveness of EE programs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Matt, outlines his credentials and seeks advice on his chances of admission to competitive grad schools.
  • Another participant suggests that GRE scores are crucial, recommending scores above 750 in quantitative and 550 in verbal for admission to top programs.
  • Contrarily, a different participant argues that the GRE is less significant for EE applicants, noting the absence of a subject test and the variability in verbal scores due to language differences among students.
  • There is a discussion about the competitiveness of EE programs, with one participant questioning the claim that they are not competitive, while another emphasizes the complexity of certain EE fields like optics and quantum EE.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of GRE scores and the competitiveness of EE programs. There is no consensus on whether EE programs are competitive or how much weight should be given to GRE scores in the admissions process.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors influencing admissions, including GPA, research experience, and GRE scores, but do not resolve the implications of these factors or their relative importance.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering applying to PhD programs in Electrical Engineering, particularly those in the northeastern United States, may find this discussion relevant.

unhorizon
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Hi, I am a junior electrical engineering major at University of Delaware. I want to get my PhD right after I graduate, and I'm not really sure what kind of schools I should apply to. I want to go to school in the northeast and not stray too far from that. Here are the credentials I will have by next fall (the time when I will be applying)

-3.65 (current GPA) (will hopefully be raised to 3.75ish by next fall)
-3 semesters research experience with 2 different professors
-both biomedical imaging research
-1 semester TA experience
-a few leadership positions at school (not sure if this is relevant)

I haven't taken the GRE yet.
With these credentials can anyone tell me what kind of shot I have at competitive grad schools? Thank you! Do you have any other tips for me for applying?

-Matt
 
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A lot will hinge on your GRE score.

Get above about 750 quant and 550 verbal and you'll get into a top 10 easily. EE programs aren't very competitive compared to say the hard sciences.
 
jhicks said:
A lot will hinge on your GRE score.

Get above about 750 quant and 550 verbal and you'll get into a top 10 easily. EE programs aren't very competitive compared to say the hard sciences.

I couldn't disagree more. From what I understand, since there is no subject test, the GRE means very little to EEs. Any EE should get an 800 on the quantitative section, and how well you do on the verbal section is spread all over the map thanks to the fact that English isn't a first language for many students.
 
Why aren't EE programs very competitive?
 
I couldn't disagree more. From what I understand, since there is no subject test, the GRE means very little to EEs.

It doesn't get you into a school but it will get you rejected if you blow it off. You should score around the average for the school you want to get into.

Any EE should get an 800 on the quantitative section

An 800 is 80%-ile for EE's. This means it's all the more important to get an 800 because schools will be able to fill most of their student body with people who scored 800 on the quant. Those kind of statistics weigh in rankings.
 
EE not competitive? you kidding me. EE is where the core of physics lies in. Of course, microe are easy but think of optics and photonics. to figure out the theory takes you years! EE , especially quantum EE is the hardest of all subject on earth! because they are fastest from general common sense and daily definition.
 

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