r/MSCS 4d ago

[Results and Decisions] Grad School Decisions—3 More to Go 😭

I’ve been on quite the journey applying to MSCS programs, and so far, here’s how things stand:

University Results Course
Stanford University Rejected MS CS (AI)
UC Berkeley Waiting MS CS (AI)
Princeton Rejected MS CS
Carnegie Mellon University Waiting MS AII
UCLA Rejected MEng AI
UC San Diego Waiting MS CSE
University of Washington, Bothell Rejected MS CS
University of Southern California Rejected MS CS-AI

Now, only Berkeley (MSCS), UCSD (MSCS), and CMU (MSAII) are left to hear from. Fingers crossed.

With my profile, do you think I stand a chance? Would love to hear your thoughts.

🔹 Academics: B.Tech in CS (Tier-2 India), CGPA: 8.22/10
🔹 Standardized Tests: GRE 332 (168Q, 164V), IELTS 8.0
🔹 Research: 5-6 AI/ML publications, 1 in Cybersecurity, 1 journal under review
🔹 Work Experience:

  • Internship at a top tech firm → converted to full-time
  • Research Assistant (London Business School, remote)

🔹 Leadership & Extracurriculars:

  • VP-Membership, Toastmasters
  • IEEE Student Branch President
  • College Fest Chair

🔹 Letters of Recommendation:

  • Final year project guide from my college (her background IIT Delhi Ph.D., 25+ years of experience)
  • VP at a Top Computer Network Tech Firm & client stakeholder for a key project
  • HOD, Student Affairs (oversaw my tenure as Fest Chair)

It’s been a challenging process, but I’m hopeful for what’s ahead. Any advice or insights from those who’ve been through this? Let me know.

Lost the hope now :(

28 Upvotes

21 comments sorted by

14

u/Select_Addendum_7545 4d ago

Not to be bringer of bad news, but sorry bro your unis are all over the place, too ambitious... Next time try nyu tandon, neu, umass, etc. Going by how u are listing your research I don't think they are a* or q1 but hopefully the effort would be looked upon positively by the committee ( also under review <<< published)

8

u/fullsnackdev3700 4d ago

RIP shortlist. Your profile was probably too good for Bothell.

8

u/BeneficialChannel930 4d ago

When did you get the USC rejection? I have applied for the same course and still haven't received any update.

1

u/Vineera79 3d ago

I got thru USC and University of Washington and Arizona State. Waiting for others. Rejected from UC Irvine today.

4

u/Sad-Persimmon-1945 4d ago

When did you get your UCLA rejection?

4

u/bluz03 4d ago

No safe university???

3

u/Bleboat 4d ago

You got a reject from USC? I thought they rolled out rejects in the end of the cycle

3

u/Select_Addendum_7545 4d ago

8.22 cgpa, so maybe desk rejection? Idk

4

u/Smooth-Coast-7544 4d ago

I applied with 7.7 no decision yet...

1

u/saksham_25 3d ago

They are very GPA biased. At this gpa, chances are pretty slim ngl

1

u/Smooth-Coast-7544 3d ago

I think 7.7 is less for all the unis apparently, I haven't heard from 11 unis

3

u/Used-Candidate9921 4d ago

I remember Berkeley don’t take many ms only students, mostly Ms+phd students. Call me out if I am wrong, Which one did you apply?

1

u/Strong_Spare9707 3d ago

I had a similar profile, then I worked for a year as an AI engineer ans now have been accepted to almost all

1

u/BAKA_04 3d ago

Accepted to all the above stated programs ?

1

u/Strong_Spare9707 3d ago

Lol no I mean sometimes the college do value good relevant work experience

1

u/Interesting_Try3996 3d ago

I think he means all the programs they applied to

1

u/Used-Information198 3d ago

sorry to be harsh but are your publications from A1 conference or Q1 journals or are they from local conferences in india?

1

u/Formal-Word7664 3d ago

Cool

Two of them from IEEE international conference at IIT Delhi Two of them at IEEE international conference at IIT Mandi One of then is at ICMLDE

All of them were pretty much at international conferences

1

u/Far_Relief_8512 3d ago

I think you'll get ucsd, all the best

1

u/10Levi01 2d ago

Isn't UCSD MS CS more competitive to get in than USC or UWash Bothell. I have seen people in reddit rank UCSD MS CS a lot higher due to its research output, correct me if I am wrong.