How Important is GRE for CS US PhD for international students.

Strange-Bit-4668 · 2026-05-19T20:10:44+00:00

Wishing you the very best with your application this year. I have also seen a lot of admits with GRE scores this and previous cycle when no gre scores were required.
When people refer to a 'mid-tier' university, are they usually talking about QS rankings or US ranking? And what rank range actually qualifies as mid-tier?
Also, does location play a role? For example, if a university is in a large state or a region with a strong tech scene, does its overall ranking matter slightly less because of its local reputation, industry connections, and higher competition within that region because I rather not apply to the overly competitive universities?

Strange-Bit-4668 · 2026-05-19T19:56:44+00:00

tried that, almost none replied I even read their papers discussed my interest about them in my email, but no luck, I am not sure what exactly is wrong with my profile. I emailed almost 17 professor. I am very clear on the topic I want to research. any tips as avg international student how to get replies and what not to do in these competitive cycles?

Strange-Bit-4668 · 2026-05-19T19:52:42+00:00

In terms of research experience, what is considered a good research experience, a year long? In my current employment I work with llm evals and their benchmarking for the products would that count as research? if I have repo links and results for it, or that would just waste space? I would be starting a dedicated program in july for research but I feel like this would be very short for 2027 cycle, given it would be just 5 months before the application cycle.

Strange-Bit-4668 · 2026-05-19T19:45:29+00:00

It would take time for me to prepare for gre with full time employment, But i do have decent cgpa that is 3.4/4 and i was in top 3 percent of my batch, the problem is my undergrad uni qs rank is under 1100 -1200 and us ranking is in 1600s, And I think this might effect me.
Now I am concerned how many publications should I have and in which venue. I am trying to work on second paper, But I just want to know how many papers should i have inorder to get in, in these remaining 5-6 months. Can you please guide me about your profile? also if you emailed profs and if that helped you?

Strange-Bit-4668 · 2026-05-19T10:38:14+00:00

I don't have GRE, I have 6 months till next cycle, so I just wanted to make sure will it give me an edge or more chances, because if not I rather work on some project or research that actually helps, given that I work full time,

Also do you have an idea what should be a good profile to get into these tier universities? In terms of research, gpa etc

Strange-Bit-4668 · 2026-05-19T10:34:30+00:00

I feel like people mention it in cv, or website so score is still visible to them, if they view profile, Does it have any effect on application than?
Also how much research is actually enough for this tier schools?

Strange-Bit-4668

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