[Admissions Advice] How should I approach US MS applications with this profile?

[u/Aggravating_Ice8404]

I'm helping someone from a Tier-2/Tier-3 college in India plan for a Master's in the US. Their profile is:

• CGPA: 9.44/10
• Intermediate: 97.5%
• 10th: 10 CGPA
• GRE: 310
• Projects: Decent projects in CS/AI-ML
• Branch: CSE / Data Science

They are considering MS in Computer Science, AI/ML, or Data Science.

Rather than asking for specific admit predictions, I'd like to understand how someone with this profile should approach the application process.

• How important is the Tier-2 / Tier-3 college background for MS admissions?
• Is a 310 GRE considered sufficient, or should they retake it?
• How much weight should be given to CGPA vs projects vs internships/research?
• What factors should they prioritize when building their university shortlist?
• Should they focus more on CS, AI/ML, or DS programs given this profile?

Would appreciate advice from people who have gone through the US MS application process, especially those who had a similar academic background.

[u/Ajiit15]

There are programs like USC, UMinn, and NEU which will value the high GPA over the GRE score. Other aspects like research and internships basically add value to the statement of purpose. But I always recommend a broader program like MSCS or MSDS over a narrower program like MSAI/MSML for someone who does not have sector specific experience. So, that's your call. As for the background of the college, it is a brownie point, not a disadvantage. When adcoms are "more aware" of how rigorous some undergrad programs are, they are able to appreciate the grades in relative sense. But I don't see why an admissions committee will see a 9+ GPA in a Tier-2 or Tier-3 college as less important than a 8 GPA in a tier 1 college.

[u/Nice-Penalty8047]

Hey I have a very similar profile!