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Engineering: Getting In


College & Grad School


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invariable
Definition: (adjective) not changing or subject to change.
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A group of 9 friends invest equally in a business opportunity that costs $20,000. If n more friends were to take part evenly in the investment...
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Application decoder
Expert advice on getting into grad school
DO RESEARCH.

"If at all possible, take part in research as an undergraduate," says Raimond Winslow, director of the biomedical engineering Ph.D. program at Johns Hopkins University. Then make sure you've got letters of recommendation from the faculty with whom you worked. They can "carry great weight in the review process."

SHOW FOCUS.

When you apply to graduate school, you'll be required to include a statement of research interest, such as tissue engineering or computational biology. Show a keen interest in one area, but don't worry about being typecast. Once you get into a Ph.D. program, your interests may change. Professors understand that, so the statements aren't binding. Nevertheless, Winslow says, indicating "focus is good, because it shows you are thinking about your career."

HAVE A BACKER.

Strong grades and GRE scores are certainly important, but they're not everything. Get a professor who knows you and your potential well to write an enthusiastic letter of recommendation. It can make a difference, especially if your grades aren't at the very top of the class.






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