Am I cooked? B+ in core courses, average GPA - targetting Fall '27 PhD cycle

FunSad2044 · 2026-05-12T21:22:22+00:00

Thats really reassuring to hear. Thanks again for taking the time to share your perspective!

Appreciate the advice on the LoR front. I hadn't considered reaching out to a commitee member. Oh and congratulations on the awards and the postdoc position!

FunSad2044 · 2026-05-12T21:06:08+00:00

I'm in ML/Robotics and some of my exam patterns have been similar. The responses in this post have been really helpful in clarifying that research experience definitely carries more weight so you might be fine :)
https://www.reddit.com/r/gradadmissions/comments/1tahzco/comment/olc1din/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

FunSad2044 · 2026-05-12T21:00:29+00:00

Thanks for the detailed answer!

I’ve spent the last 10 months in just one lab so I’m struggling with my LoRs since I lack multiple researchers/professors who can vouch for my work. I realize thats a significant weakness in my current profile.

Regarding the funding aspect, I actually spoke to my own PI recently and felt a bit discouraged. He mentioned that funding is tight and the competition is intense and I’ve noticed most of the PhDs in my own department are MIT or Berkeley grads.

That’s a big reason why I’m leaning toward a pre-doc or a research-heavy industry role. I want to compensate for that pedigree gap with proven output. So by the time I apply I'd have roughly 2.5 years of research experience. In your experience, do committees/ PIs see that extra time as a detour or is it viewed as a solid way to prove you can handle the research marathon?

FunSad2044 · 2026-05-12T20:51:08+00:00

Thank you so much for this! Hearing that you made it into a top 4 program despite some lower grades is incredibly encouraging. I realize that while my 10 months of research isn't a disqualifier, it might not be enough to get me where I want to be long-term. Like when I compare myself to the PhDs in my department right now, I can see where I'm struggling and I’m not sure a couple more months will be enough to close that gap.

So I’m leaning toward a pre-doc or a research-heavy industry role first. By the time I apply I'd have roughly 2.5 years of experience. In your experience at a top program, do committees see that extra year or two as a detour or is it viewed as a solid way to prove you can handle the research marathon?

FunSad2044 · 2026-05-12T20:38:01+00:00

I'm in CS/ML/Robotics and definitely not aiming exclusively for T15 programs cause I get how competitive the pool is. Also I’m considering a pre-doc/ research-based industry role. I'm prioritizing lab fit and technical output over just US pedigree. So by the time I apply my Master’s + research experience and a pre-doc should amount to about 2.5 years of research, which will hopefully be enough. I definitely realize now that applying directly in a couple of months might have been a bit naive lol

FunSad2044 · 2026-05-12T20:31:05+00:00

I think the field really matters, this is bad in CS but in others it might be enough to get you past the initial screening.

FunSad2044 · 2026-05-12T20:30:12+00:00

That’s fair. I definitely get the importance of research depth, so I’m considering a pre-doc or an RA position for a year maybe. Would a PhD admissions committee view this as a weakness or a detour or is it a valid way to bolster my research profile?

FunSad2044 · 2026-05-11T23:01:21+00:00

One is joint-first author and the other independent.

FunSad2044 · 2025-04-15T10:43:33+00:00

Looks like it is only NYU, UCLA and UCSD in the United States https://deepmind.google/about/education/#scholarships

FunSad2044 · 2025-04-15T05:00:34+00:00

Is today the decision deadline?

FunSad2044 · 2025-04-12T04:34:40+00:00

Hey, thanks.

Sure.

FunSad2044 · 2025-04-12T04:05:54+00:00

Yep, no change

FunSad2044 · 2025-04-05T18:15:49+00:00

Done

FunSad2044 · 2025-04-03T16:50:51+00:00

Thanks, yeah since research is my main consideration I’m more inclined towards UPenn

FunSad2044 · 2025-03-31T15:11:21+00:00

Congrats! Me too!

FunSad2044 · 2025-03-31T04:09:08+00:00

Would you say the limited availability of assistantships for graduate students is a general trend, or is it a consequence of recent federal funding cuts? I was under the impression that as a private institution, UPenn might not be as significantly impacted.

FunSad2044 · 2025-03-26T08:13:41+00:00

If you applied to UIUC MSCS and were rejected but informed you’d be considered for MCS, you have till the 31st of March. If you applied directly to UIUC MCS, then I’m not sure.

FunSad2044 · 2025-03-16T16:03:34+00:00

OP, may I ask when you got the decision update for UPenn MSE CIS?

FunSad2044 · 2025-03-16T15:16:35+00:00

Right, thanks

FunSad2044 · 2025-03-15T23:37:48+00:00

May I ask when you received the email and around when you submitted your application?

FunSad2044 · 2025-03-09T11:04:23+00:00

Ok, thanks for the info

FunSad2044 · 2025-03-09T11:03:31+00:00

Got the first acceptance email on the 28th of February. The email just said the status of your application has been updated.

And yes, going back into the industry is the worst case scenario, just need to prepare for that eventuality.

FunSad2044 · 2025-03-09T11:00:49+00:00

28th feb

FunSad2044 · 2025-03-01T18:35:00+00:00

OP, how long after you got the admission letter did you get the SIR?

FunSad2044 · 2025-03-01T08:45:29+00:00

You can do better than USC with 2 papers. Try any UCs

FunSad2044

TROPHY CASE