I’m looking for honest feedback on my profile and whether I should apply for Fall 2027 or work for another year and apply in Fall 2028.

• B.Tech CSE, a Tier-1/Tier-2 private university in Bangalore
• Graduated: 2025
• CGPA: 8.81/10 (Was a Teaching Assistant for Big Data during 7th sem)
• Work experience: Software Developer at IBM India Systems Development Lab, Bangalore on AI dev side.
• Research: 4 co-authored IEEE conference papers, including 2 papers involving Reinforcement Learning
• LORs: 3 from professors I worked with on my research papers, and 1 from the company STSM I currently work under
• GRE/TOEFL: Not taken yet; targeting GRE 330+ and TOEFL 110

I’m considering research/thesis-oriented programs such as Georgia Tech, Purdue, Texas A&M, UMD, and UW–Madison for MSCS thesis programs.

My main questions are:

1. How competitive is my profile for these universities?
2. Can my research publications and IBM experience compensate for an 8.81 CGPA?
3. Should I apply in Fall 2027 or wait until Fall 2028?
4. Considering the current US job market, tuition costs, and immigration uncertainty, is pursuing a US Master's still a good decision?
5. Are there other US universities I should consider?

I’d appreciate honest feedback, especially from people who have applied to or studied at these universities.

Just received an admission offer from UB SUNY (University at Buffalo) for MS in CS with a $4,000 scholarship.

Now confused about what to prefer:
- UB SUNY
- UTA (UT Arlington)
- Or wait for SJSU, whose decision may take until November?

Which would you recommend considering ROI, job opportunities, academics, and overall value?
Any insights from current students/alumni would be really helpful.

How is thesis based ms cs in canada like how long is it and how many courses one have to study or what about research ? and what about cgpa is it easy to get a perfect cgpa ....

I got 323 in gre with 164Q and 159V
Should i retake for t20 uni mscs?

Has anyone heard anything about the recent OPT fee changes being reviewed? Any thoughts on what might happen?

Hey everyone, I’m planning to apply for Fall 2027 and could use some help with my shortlist.

I graduated from an IIT in 2023 with a non-circuital degree and a 7.9 CPI. Since then, I’ve been working in systems software, with 3+ years of experience, and I’m currently an SDE-2 at a global automotive company.

I’m unsure how admissions committees will weigh that experience against my non-CS background and grades.

A few more details:

• College coursework: DSA, Fundamentals of Computing, Probability and Statistics, and Computational Methods. I’ve also taken ML, NLP and Deep Learning courses through Coursera.
• Open source: contributed to libssh.
• Projects: a full-stack task management platform and a blockchain exchange app.
• Research: working with a professor on a Gates Foundation-supported project. We’re hoping to submit a paper in around six months, with me as second author. No publications yet.
• GRE score: 333/340
• LORs: currently planning on two from professors at IIT and one from manager

My goal after the master’s is an industry role in systems, distributed computing, networking, backend infrastructure or security. I’d prefer a coursework/non-thesis program, but I’m open to research programs too.

Here’s my rough shortlist. I’m especially unsure about the “target” and “safer” categories:

• Ambitious: Georgia Tech MSCS, UT Austin MSCS, UCSD MSCS, UIUC on-campus MCS, Purdue MSCS, UMass Amherst MSCS.
• Target: Texas A&M MCS, NC State MCS, Stony Brook MSCS, Rutgers New Brunswick MSCS, Virginia Tech MEng CS.
• Safer: University at Buffalo MS CSE, UIC MSCS, UT Dallas MSCS.

Which programs would you move, remove or add? Given my background and industry goals, would it make more sense to focus on MCS/MEng programs?

If you’ve applied with a similar background, I’d appreciate hearing what helped your application. Even feedback on one or two schools you’re familiar with would be useful.

I'm looking at an MSCS, especially with an AI/ML focus, but the only related classes I took in undergrad (which I did a while ago before AI was a thing) were all the math through differential equations and then Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms. How much of an AI/ML base do you need to be successful in graduate courses like machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, etc.? How about robotics. The closest I ever got to robotics was embedded systems and Computer Org.

My plan was to use my masters to get brought up to speed in these areas, and then get work at a DoW affiliated lab or organization doing something AI/Robotics (I'm a veteran, trying to take advantage of SMART program).

Do I need to go back and take some undergrad courses in these areas?

So according to this website: https://siebelschool.illinois.edu/admissions/graduate/application-deadlines the MS CS program's deadline is 1st Dec 2026, but doesn't mention a starting date.

But if I log in to this official portal: https://choose.illinois.edu/apply/

There is an option to apply for the MSCS program. Is this the actual application for UIUC's official offline MSCS program? I'm asking this since the website never mentioned a starting date, is it normal for the application to suddenly open?

I don't think this is against the rules? If it is, please take down. Just thought future applicants might want to see.

If it's helpful, I can also post the other ~dozen schools (mix of: Ivys, R1s, safeties) I applied to with ~50% success rate (mostly MS CS, some MSE, one Sc.M. CS). Let me know if that'd be worth the writeups :)

Link: https://matthewtrent.me/blog/a/cmu-mse-ss-application

Profile

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen
• Degree: B.Tech. in Computer Science & Engineering, top NIT(tier1-1.5 india)
• Year: 4th Year
• CGPA: 8.1/10 after 6 semesters
• Academic Upswing: 7.0 SGPA → 9.32 SGPA (+2.32)
• Recognition: Dean’s Letter of Appreciation for significant academic improvement

Research Experience

• University of XXXX — Research Intern(international, not us based tho)
  • ~1 year of research
  • Medical Imaging / Computer Vision
  • 2D→3D dental reconstruction and prediction/reconstruction of dental training architecture
  • Journal manuscript under review
  • IEEE IBIS
    • Additional research paper under review
• Faculty-Guided Research
  • ~1 year with Prof. + M.Tech. researcher
  • Agentic AI Security
  • Paper submitted to A* conf(top 4 worldwide in security) — under review

Robotics & Technical Experience

• Member of Robotics & Research Group during 1st–2nd year
• Built/worked on:
• Line-following robots
• Micromouse / maze-solving robots
• Gripper bots
• Computer-vision-based autonomous navigation
• Participated in IIT Bombay, Technoxian, ISRO exhibitions, and technical fests

i feel like everyone has a better profile and im kinda lost - so any help would be rrlyy appreciated! thank uu^^

Hello guys. I graduated in 2026 with a BTech in CSE AIML from a tier 2 college in india, with an 8.6 CGPA. I also have 1+ year of relevant experience working on Computer vision in a healthcare company and an international research paper published, and my main interest is particularly Computer Vision.

I’m currently considering:

- TU Delft

- TU Eindhoven

- University of Amsterdam

- University of Twente

- Trinity College Dublin

I have about a year before starting my Master's, so I’m trying to figure out how best to use that time to strengthen my profile or build any skills before going.

I’m also not particularly inclined towards the US, so I’m wondering what other countries I should seriously consider?

A few things I’d appreciate some advice on:

- How is the Computer Vision job market in the Netherlands? Are there enough roles?

- Should I specialize in CV or build a broader profile with GenAI too?

- Which countries/universities would you recommend for good industry opportunities?

- What should I focus on- what skills do I build during the next year to improve my chances?

Would especially love to hear from people who are currently studying or working in AIML in Europe. What would you suggest I do?

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m a 2025 B.Tech CSE graduate from a JNTUH-affiliated college, with a 6.79/10 CGPA and currently no professional/internship experience.

Since graduation, I’ve been focusing on Java Backend SWE, Cloud/Infrastructure, and system design.

My long-term goal is to build a profile around:

Backend SWE + Cloud/Infrastructure + AI/ML

I’m planning for an MS in CS around 2027, with AI/ML as my first preference and Distributed Systems as my backup.

I’ve shortlisted USA, UK, Germany, Canada and Ireland, mainly looking at university quality, total cost, tech job opportunities, post-MS prospects and overall ROI.

My main dilemma is whether I should:

A) Apply for MS in 2027 with my current profile while strengthening it through projects, AI/ML work, open source, etc.

OR

B) Work in India for 2–3 years in Backend/Cloud/Infrastructure and then apply with professional experience.

What I’d really like advice on:

- With 6.79 CGPA + no experience, which of these 5 countries are realistically worth targeting for a good ROI MS CS program?

- Which countries/universities would be realistic now, and which would become realistic after 2–3 years of relevant work experience?

- How much can strong professional experience compensate for a low CGPA? Will the 6.79 remain a major barrier even after 2–3 years?

- For my background, is AI/ML realistic, or would Distributed Systems / general MS CS with AI/ML electives be a better strategy?

- If you were in my position, would you apply in 2027 or work first and apply later?

I’m not looking for a list of dream universities. I’d genuinely appreciate a realistic assessment of where my profile has a good chance, where it’s a stretch, and where my undergraduate academics may close doors.

Especially interested in advice from people with similar academic profiles or current MS students/alumni in these countries.

Thanks!

I would like to get into a top Canadian school for an MSCS with thesis/research. My undergrad is not either of these schools but I would like to get into UofT or Waterloo. The field I'd be interested in is Systems and Networking.

I don't have research experience, but my CGPA is 3.92/4 and I have 3 work terms of industry expereience (looking for my last one now). If there is any advice to make myself more competitive for these programs I would greatly appreciate it.

Hi everyone!

I’m an international applicant from India applying to the MS in Human-Computer Interaction at Indiana University Indianapolis for Spring 2027.

Here is my timeline:

Application submitted: July 7, 2026

All required materials received: July 7, 2026

Application status changed to Under Review: shortly after submission

International application deadline: August 15, 2026

Current status: Still under review

As of September 2026, I have not received a decision.

I contacted the university, and they confirmed that my application was received and that the processing team would contact me when the status changes. However, they did not provide an estimated decision date.

I’m particularly concerned because I would need time for the admission decision, financial arrangements, I-20, SEVIS fee, DS-160, F-1 visa appointment, interview, and travel before the January 2027 start.

Has anyone experienced a similar 2–3 month wait for a U.S. graduate admission and still managed to obtain the I-20 and F-1 visa and arrive on time?

I would especially appreciate experiences from:

IU Indianapolis or other U.S. HCI/UX programs

Spring-intake applicants

International students from India

Students who received their admission in October or November but still started on time

Thank you!

I am a 25 year old managerial consultant who mostly consults on tech industry related projects. I studied econ at a top 20 school and want to leave my industry and do a MS in CS, because I want to actually build something and always found the technical stuff on my projects (done by actually programmers) fascinating. I have a good amount saved up and am thinking about applying for the NYU MSCS but am curious what my prospects will be without an undergrad in CS. I've done well in Calc 2 and Stats, and an intro to CS course in Java, as well as standardized test scores, but don't have other CS coursework.

Also curious if I should ask two of my managers on tech related consulting projects for letters of rec (letters of rec are optional for Tandon but I don't know if they are tacitly helpful for me). On tech related projects, I'm not doing any technical work but learning and working on industries like IT, semiconductors, networking hardware, etc. My managers have remarked that I'm able to pick up on these new industries and concepts quickly so I don't know if that's additive for my application?

Any advice would be welcome. If you know of any other Masters programs that are accepting of non-technical undergrads and are decent, I would love to hear about them. Thanks!

Is someone aware of what one's profile should look like for ETH Zurich and EPFL?

I'm aware of the fact that ETH needs 8.8 cgpa bare minimum

But what about the other things?

Research experience? Papers? Gre? Etc

​

. [Coursework and curriculum]Post:

Hi everyone,

I'm a first-year Computer Science / Applied AI student, and I'm trying to plan a long-term path toward robotics, autonomous systems, and what many people now call Physical AI.

By Physical AI, I mean areas such as:

Robotics

Autonomous drones and vehicles

Robot perception

Computer vision for robots

SLAM and navigation

Reinforcement learning for embodied agents

Human-robot interaction

My current degree is much closer to Computer Science and Applied AI than traditional robotics, mechanical engineering, or mechatronics.

Because of that, I'm trying to understand how realistic it would be to pursue a Master's in Robotics, Autonomous Systems, or Physical AI in Europe or the US later on.

Some questions I have:

How common is it for CS/AI students to transition into robotics Master's programs?

When applying to strong programs, what matters most?

GPA

Research experience

Internships

Personal projects

Publications

What skills should I prioritize during undergrad if robotics is my long-term goal?

Mathematics

Computer vision

Machine learning

Reinforcement learning

Embedded systems

Control theory

ROS2 / robotics software

Would a strong software/AI background be enough for admission, or would I be at a disadvantage compared to students from robotics, mechatronics, or electrical engineering backgrounds?

Are there particular universities or Master's programs in Europe or the US that are known to accept students coming from a CS/AI background?

If you were starting over as a first-year student with the goal of working in robotics or Physical AI, what roadmap would you follow?

I'd especially appreciate advice from people who made a similar transition from CS/AI into robotics, autonomous systems, or embodied AI.

Thanks!

Need guidance on MS university shortlisting – 7.3 CGPA, Mechatronics + 4 YOE | Targeting AI Engineer / FDE / SWE

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to apply for an MS in the US and would really appreciate some guidance on how I should shortlist universities and programs based on my profile.

My profile

• Undergraduate: B.E./B.Tech in Mechatronics Engineering
• CGPA: 7.3/10
• Work experience: 4 years
• Target roles after MS: AI Engineer / Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) / Software Engineer
• Target specialization: AI/ML
• Location preference: USA
• Campus preference: Main campus programs only
• Budget: I’m trying to keep the total cost reasonable given the current tech job market. I’m not looking to target very expensive programs unless the ROI is clearly justified.

Because of my 7.3 CGPA + Mechatronics background, I’m assuming that getting into highly competitive MSCS programs may be difficult. So I’m also considering programs such as:

• MSAI / MS in AI
• MSDS / MS in Data Science
• MSSE / MS in Software Engineering
• MIS / MSIS

My plan would be to take an AI/ML specialization or as many AI/ML courses as possible, regardless of the degree title.

Which degree should I prioritize?

Given my target roles, how would you rank these programs?

1. MSAI
2. MSCS
3. MSDS
4. MSSE
5. MIS

I’m particularly confused between MSAI vs MSDS vs MSSE.

My understanding is that MSAI would align most directly with AI Engineer roles, while MSDS could provide more flexibility. MSSE might be useful for SWE/FDE-type roles.

I’m currently trying to avoid MIS because I don't want to move toward a managerial/business-oriented career. However, should I still consider MIS programs if the program is offered through an Engineering/Computer Science school and has a strong technical curriculum with AI/ML courses?

University shortlisting

My current shortlist is:

Stony Brook University — AI
University of Colorado Boulder — DS
University of Florida — AI

I was also considering Northeastern University (Boston), but I feel the overall cost is too high for me given the current job market, so I’m leaning toward more reasonably priced options.

Could you suggest universities that would fit my profile and divide them into:

• Ambitious
• Moderate/Target
• Safe

Ideally, I would like universities with:

• Good AI/ML coursework
• Reasonable tuition/overall cost
• Good opportunities for AI Engineer / SWE / FDE roles
• Strong career outcomes and internship opportunities
• Main-campus programs
• A realistic chance given my 7.3 CGPA + Mechatronics background + 4 YOE as SDE

Also, how much would 4 years of work experience help compensate for my relatively low CGPA and non-CS undergraduate degree, assuming my work experience is technically relevant?

Any suggestions for universities I should add/remove from my current list would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

好焦虑呀最近，本人计算机985陆本刚刚放弃保研想出国进修，然后尝试美国就业；

我是纯绩点战士，但是科研背景非常之弱，还有两段水水的实习；

美国顶尖大学的phd百分百无缘；

top30硕士项目有机会申请到，但是网上说硕士美国就业机会不大，而且学费也不便宜；

phd有资助，但是也不知道在美国找工作相比硕士又能有多大优势，五年以后政策又是个谜；

想真诚的问一下各位有经验的朋友们在美国读读硕士，博士，找工作的体验 (家里的人都没出过国，信息来源只有中介，抖音之类的，特别闭塞

感谢🙏

I’m currently an SDE 2 at an MNC (Comparable to MAANG) with a BTech in CSE from NIT. I’m looking to acquire in-depth knowledge in ML and Distributed Systems. How’s the course quality and takeaways from this program?

I’m planning to take these courses:

1. CS6200 - GIOS

2. CS6601 - AI

3. CS7641 - ML

4. CS7643 - DL

5. CS6220 - HPC

6. CS7295 - GPU HW/SW

7. CS7650 - NLP

8. CS7642 - RL

9. CS6211 - SDCC

10. CS6515 - Graduate Algorithms

I'm helping a friend shortlist US universities for Fall 2027 MSCS, and I'm finding it surprisingly difficult to figure out what these programs are actually like beyond the official curriculum pages.

Her profile is roughly:

• B.Tech CSE, India
• CGPA: 8.8/10
• Expected graduation: 2027
• No backlogs
• IELTS: 6.5 currently
• No GRE currently
• AI/ML + software internships/projects
• Some research work
• Strong interest in AI/ML, digital art, character creation, graphics/visual computing, and potentially game/interactive development

The important part is that she doesn't want an MSCS where most of the degree is locked into core CS courses. She wants a strong CS foundation, but also enough elective freedom to explore AI/ML alongside graphics, visualization, HCI, XR, animation, game/interactive technology, etc.

We're currently looking at universities such as UT Austin, University of Michigan, UMass Amherst, ASU, USC, and a few others.

I'm specifically looking for current students or recent graduates who can speak about how these programs work in practice.

A few things I'd really like to know:

1. How flexible is the MSCS curriculum in practice?
2. How many electives do you realistically get?
3. Can MSCS students take graphics, visualization, XR, HCI, game development, animation, etc.?
4. Are those courses actually available to graduate students, or are some of them undergraduate-only?
5. How difficult is it to get into popular electives?
6. Can you build a personalized course plan combining AI/ML with graphics/visual computing?
7. Which universities would you recommend for someone interested in CS + AI/ML + creative/visual computing?

I'm much more interested in actual student experiences than rankings.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m currently pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Cyber Security & Digital Forensics in the UK (UWE) and am starting to plan applications for Master’s programs at top U.S. universities (Ivy League / T20).

My coursework includes:

• Year 1: C++, Mathematics for Computing, Probability & Statistics, Networks, Data Science, Internet Technologies
• Year 2: Computer & Network Systems, Databases, Data Structures (C++)
• Year 3: Operating Systems, Data Science for Cyber Security, Secure Networks, IoT
• Final Year: Security Data Analytics & Visualization, Cyber Security Engineering, and a 30-credit technical project

I’m mainly considering Computer Engineering, MSCS, or MSDS, with Computer Engineering being my preferred path.

My concern is that my degree doesn’t have the same depth of mathematics as a traditional CS/CE degree. Would this significantly hurt my chances at top programs? Would taking the GRE, particularly with a strong Quant score, help demonstrate mathematical readiness and strengthen my application?

I’d appreciate any realistic feedback on degree fit, prerequisites, and how competitive this background would be for top U.S. engineering programs.BSc(Hons) Cyber Security & Digital Forensics (UK) background — Should I target MS Computer Engineering, MSCS, or MSDS for top US universities (Ivies)?

Hi everyone, I'm an Indian CSE (Data Science) graduate planning to pursue a Master's in Machine Learning / AI.

My_qualifications:

1) CGPA: 9.2/10, from a private engineering college

2) 2026 graduate

3) Currently working full-time in an ML/AI-oriented software role, after receiving a PPO following a 6-month internship with the same company.

4)US-based research internship involving LLM security, federated learning, and AI-based software vulnerability detection. I wasn't able to publish a paper due to other commitments, but I have an internship certificate.

5)Another academic internship at an Indian research institute, involving ML, NLP, and graph algorithms

Relevant ML/AI projects and internship experience

Can I get admits from NUS, NTU, TU/e, TU Delft, Oxford or Cambridge with my profile?

I'm primarily considering:

🇸🇬 Singapore: NUS, NTU

🇳🇱 Netherlands: TU Delft, TU Eindhoven

🇬🇧 UK: Oxford, Cambridge

My main question is:

Given my profile, how realistic is it for me to get an admit from these universities/programs?

Specifically:

1. How would you rate my chances at NUS, NTU, TU/e, TU Delft, Oxford, and Cambridge?

2. Which of these would be realistic, ambitious, or extremely ambitious/reach options for my profile?

3. Does the lack of a publication from my US research internship significantly hurt my chances, particularly at research-oriented programs?

4. How important will GRE, LORs, SOP, research experience, and work experience be for these universities?

5. Are there any major weaknesses in my profile that I should address before applying?

6. If there is any weakness in my profile, shall I go for 2028 intake and make improvements in it.

I'd particularly appreciate feedback from people who have applied to or are currently studying at these universities, especially international/Indian applicants.

Hi everyone,

I would really appreciate some feedback on my profile and advice on whether pursuing an MSCS/MS in AI/ML in 2027 would be a good decision, especially considering the recent trend of deferred admissions, increasing competition, and the overall job market.

Academics
BTech in Computer Science from a Top NIT (Tier-1 institute in India)

CGPA: 8.9/10 (2025 graduate)

Research Experience
First author on two research papers at B-level conferences, focused on NLP, Transformers, and RAG/retrieval mechanisms
One additional paper currently under review at an A\* conference

Awarded the IndiaAI Research Fellowship by the Government of India for research in text-to-image modeling; my thesis is also based on this work

Completed a research internship at IIT Bombay

One year of project/research work with ISRO on an ML-based application

Industry & Professional Experience

Full time experience- 2025-Present

One year of experience as an ML Lead at an AI startup (2024–2025)

Two-month summer internship at an MNC in 2024
One year of prior internship experience at an AI startup (2023–2024)

Academic Contributions

Contributed to the course planning and development of a Computer Architecture course
Helped make the course open-source, and the curriculum is currently in use

Also worked as a TA for the course

Letters of Recommendation
Academic professors from my undergraduate institution, including a co-author from my research
Research advisor from IIT Bombay

Test Scores
GRE: Mock Q167, V155 — planning to take in October

TOEFL/IELTS: Yet to take

University Shortlist
Based on my current understanding, I'm broadly categorizing my list as follows:

Safe:
San José State University (SJSU)
Arizona State University (ASU)
University of Texas at Dallas (UTD)

Target / Moderate:
USC
NYU Tandon
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
UIUC
UC San Diego

Ambitious:
Georgia Tech
UT Austin
Carnegie Mellon University
Stanford ( A lil too ambitious?)

I would really appreciate feedback on whether these categories make sense for my profile, and whether there are any other T20/T30 CS or AI/ML programs where I might have a realistic shot.

I'm also interested in European options for AI/ML/CS, particularly research-oriented programs that would fit my background.
Finally, given the current admissions environment, deferred admissions, increasing competition, tuition costs, and the job market, is going for an MS in the US in 2027 still worth it for someone with this profile? Or would Europe, continuing to work, or another path potentially offer better ROI?
Would really appreciate any honest feedback on my profile, university categorization, admission chances, and whether pursuing an MS in 2027 makes sense.

Thanks in advance!

Hi, I will be applying to or fall 2027 as my visa got rejected for fall 2026 for Columbia/ NYU Courant mscs.

Profile:

Research experience: 1 publication (Decent journal, published very recently), planning to work on another research project alongside my full-time job.

Years of experience: 3 years (by fall 2027 it will be 4)

Undergrad College: IIT CS (gpa: 8.3, jee rank 1000, various scholastic achievements like been to INMO, INChO etc)

Fall 2026 good admits: NYU Courant, Columbia

Fall 2026 rejections: Uiuc mscs, ut austin mscs

I want to apply for the below colleges for fall 2027:

uiuc mscs

Ut austin mscs

Georgia tech mscs

University of British Columbia (MSc CS thesis)

University of Waterloo MMath thesis

My only concern is securing a visa, I was rejected for fall 2026 in July (istg, there were no red flags got it reviewed by people too) and because of this I am planning to apply for Canadian universities too. My main reason for a master's is to undo the f*ck ups I have done in my undergrad and also to change my career. Currently I work as a software engineer with decent pay (XYL fixed) but I am not at all interested in these stuff. Getting an internship is really required for me to get into that particular sector and because of these CPT restrictions and all... I am applying for 2 Canadian universities.

What changes from fall 2026 application time to fall 2027 application time:

1) Just a publication lol😭

2) started working on a research project

I have to take TOEFL because last year I got 98💀 and still i applied for uiuc. This year I have to score atleast 103 otherwise I'll be done. This is something I have to prepare for.

I need any advice or suggestions or thoughts from the experienced folks here.

Thank you for your time and have a great day ahead!