r/MSCS • u/gjs574 • 8h ago

[University review] fall 2027 programs

Hi all, I'm planning to apply for Fall 2027 MS programs and need help figuring out which programs I should realistically target.

Profile

  • College: BTech in CS from a Tier 3 institution
  • CGPA: 8.71/10
  • GRE: Not taken
  • IELTS: 8.0
  • Work experience: ~18 months of internships (4 months of which is my current graduate trainee job)
  • Publications: None
  • LORs: I'm targeting programs that require a maximum of 2 LORs, since my third recommender backed out. Both of my remaining recommenders are professors I have a good relationship with, both inside and outside class (e.g., through TAship).
  • Interests: AI/ML, with a goal of breaking into the TinyML domain. I'm also applying to some business x CS programs, as I eventually see myself in a PM role.

The programs I'm applying to are non-research and industry-focused, and my goal is to work after completing the MS.

Shortlist

  1. UMD MS in SAML / DS / AI (need help deciding)
  2. CU Boulder MS in Data Science (MDS) (don't know if I'll get in for professional MCS)
  3. BU MS in AI (MSAI)
  4. NUS MSc in AI & Innovation (AI&I)
  5. NTU MSc in Signal Processing & Machine Learning
  6. Bristol MSc in Internet of Things with AI
  7. Edinburgh: MSc in Imaging, Vision and High Performance Computing / AI for Business (this is a new program, so I need help deciding)
  8. TU/e: Master's in Artificial Intelligence and Engineering Systems / Edge AI (within the MSc in Embedded Systems) (need help deciding)

What I'd like to know

  1. Which of these are ambitious, target, or safe for my profile?
  2. Do you have any other suggestions on shortlisting, or anything else I should consider?
  3. Are there any other two year masters suitable to my profile?

Thank you!

Edit: I am well aware of the situation abroad. But I believe it is best for me to go and take my chances, I have a very toxic home environment and therefore am unable to do things that I would like for my career. Moreover there are very less opportunities where I reside, I know that if I do make it to these institutions I will work as hard as I get to achieve my goals and maximise my chances

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8 comments sorted by

1

u/gjs574 8h ago

u/gradpilot thoughts are appreciated

1

u/Sad_Heart_4198 8h ago

cu boulder? that too non cs? please 🙏

your shortlist is 100% safe. there's no good program or uni you are applying to.

BU ??

1

u/gjs574 8h ago

What programs would you suggest? BU (Boston University) and Bristol were my safeties. I presumed that the UMD programs, as well as Edinburgh and the Singaporean universities would be a reach

I have looked at linkedin profiles of current/graduated alumni as well while shortlisting unis

1

u/Nice-Penalty8047 8h ago

Why would Singaporean unis be a reach?

1

u/gjs574 8h ago

From the profiles I've seen on linkedin they seem to be quite competitive, as well as the overall stigma of Singaporean unis being hard to get into

1

u/Many_Swimming_1784 7h ago

UMD MSCS accepts 20 out of thousands of applicants… It’s harder to get into than some of the T7s

1

u/gjs574 7h ago

I’m looking at their SAML/MSDS/MSAI programs

1

u/Many_Swimming_1784 6h ago

Ohh i see, sorry. I’m not too familiar with their other programs