MBA Crystal Ball

I am Ayan Biswas and here is my profile
:4.5 years of WE in Software Development.GRE 324 (QA 167,V 157).
:9.0 CGPA in BTech (CS) from a Tier 3 College
:Had secured 400 Rank in Gate in 2011( don’t know if that is relevant)
:No research paper published
:Cannot find strong references to provide me LOR (would depend on my managers and team lead)

My areas of interest is Machine Learning . I am looking for admission for MS in Spring Semester to US colleges.
With my profile what are the colleges that I can apply for?

ayanbizz wrote:I am Ayan Biswas and here is my profile
:4.5 years of WE in Software Development.GRE 324 (QA 167,V 157).
:9.0 CGPA in BTech (CS) from a Tier 3 College

<<snip>>

My areas of interest is Machine Learning . I am looking for admission for MS in Spring Semester to US colleges.
With my profile what are the colleges that I can apply for?

Ayan,

While we cannot really speculate on your school selection, here are a few thoughts and questions for you:

1. You have a decent GRE score and a good undergrad GPA. If you think you can improve that score, it can make for a fantastic academic arc.
2. It is not clear as to when you graduated (or have you still) and if you have any professional experience. If you have been working, the nature of that as well as quality will be pretty important too.
3. The GATE rank may have some marginal relevance. But unless you have some background in ML, it can prove to be difficult. So make sure you can defend and explain the interest as well as know where will an MS take you.
4. Start researching and talking to faculty/students at the schools that are known for ML and take things from there.

Hope this helps some.

Cheers,

I am S Pooja, a BE (Bachelor of Engineering) graduate in Biotechnology (Graduated in June 2014).
Currently, I am working as a Programmer Analyst in Cognizant, in SAP domain (work experience of 18 months).
I am aspiring to take up MS program in the US (specifically California) in the field of Molecular Medicine.
I would like to take your advice with relation to the universities (in California) that best suit my profile.
Below are the details-

10th (The Oxford English School, ICSE, Bangalore) - 79.14%, First class
PU (Vidya Mandir college, Bangalore) -85.83%, Distinction
BE (Bachelor of Engineering) in Biotechnology, Sir MVIT college, Bangalore -78.86%, First class with Distinction.

Major Project-

"Comparitive study in the Production, Purification and Characterisation of Thrombolytic Enzyme from Bacteria and Fungi using Different Substrates" under the guidance of Dr. Chandrashekar, Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Sir MVIT, Bangalore.

International Publications-

Published a research paper in IJERT Journal entitled "Production, Purification and Characterisation of Thrombolytic Enzyme from Cladosporium spp through Solid State Fermentation." (Volume 3, Issue 07, July 2014)

Work Experience-

Working in Cognizant Technology Solutions for 18 months in SAP Domain- Retail module as Programmer Analyst

Workshops Attended-

1) Skill development program on "Computational Genomics & In Silico Proteomics" Jan-Feb 2013 organised by Department of Biotechnology, Sir MVIT, Bangalore
2) Student Development Program on "Perceptual Orientation for Career Success" March 2013 organised by M/S Seed Chennai.
3) "National Conference on Biopharmaceuticals & Health", November 2011 organised by Sir MVIT, Bangalore.
4) "Wine processing and Wine Tasting", April 2014 organised by Heritage Grape Winery.

Awards-

1) 2nd Place in Republic Day Quizz, Oxford School, 2004
2) 1st Place in Inter-school Throw ball and Kho-Kho, 2008
3) 1st Place in Intra-school Chess, Bangalore 2006
4) 1st Place in School level Classical singing, Bangalore, 2006
5) 2nd Place in Pencil Sketching, Bangalore, 2005
6) 1st Place in College level dance, Bangalore 2009
7) 1st Place in Dance at office level, Bangalore 2014

I have given my GRE and secured 308 with AWA 3
I am yet to give my Toefl

Could you evaluate my profile and suggest universities that best suit my profile (Specifically in California, USA)

Also, I would like to know my chances of getting into University of San Francisco and University of California: San Francisco

Regards,
Pooja

spooja wrote:I am S Pooja, a BE (Bachelor of Engineering) graduate in Biotechnology (Graduated in June 2014).
Currently, I am working as a Programmer Analyst in Cognizant, in SAP domain (work experience of 18 months).
I am aspiring to take up MS program in the US (specifically California) in the field of Molecular Medicine.

<<snip>>

Also, I would like to know my chances of getting into University of San Francisco and University of California: San Francisco

Regards,
Pooja

Pooja,

We don't really provide school selection guidance for MS programs. This is what we do for MS: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/mba-essays#sopreview
A few thoughts for you:

1. It is good to see that you have publications under your belt and have also attended conferences. The BE grades don't seem to be in the top league. Your GRE will help some on that front but the AWA seems pretty low. Check for the average GRE scores at your target schools and explore a re-take if you see a gap there.
2. While you may have good experience in SAP, that is completely related to your chosen area of study. On top of that, in the past 2 years, there doesn't seem to be anything that you've done in your field. This 2 year gap will be tough to explain and adcoms are likely to suspect your seriousness for it. Make sure you have an explanation on this front.
3. Some of the things mentioned in the post here are worth doing in your application bid.

Cheers,