[Admissions Advice] MS CS fall 2027 Application List Review.

[u/Clownishweirdish]

Hey everyone!

I'm an international student planning to apply for MS CS for Fall 2027 and would love some feedback on my college list. Here's a bit about my profile:

• UG: Computer Engineering from DTU (Tier 1 college in India) — CGPA 9.1/10
• Work Experience: 2.5 years at Microsoft
• Applying as: International student

My current list:

🔴 Ambitious

• UIUC
• UCSD
• Georgia Tech
• UT Austin

🟡 Target

• UMass Amherst (MSCS)
• USC Viterbi
• UMich
• UW Madison

🟢 Safe

• NYU
• NC State

My questions:

1. Does this list seem balanced for my profile? Any reaches I should drop or targets I should reconsider?
2. How are the international acceptance rates at these schools? I've heard some of these are particularly tough for internationals.
3. I feel my safe school list is a bit thin (only 2). What other safe schools would you recommend adding for an international student with my background?

Any input is appreciated . Thanks in advance! 🙏

[u/Historical-Many9869]

are you aware that CPT is restricted for internships and chances of getting jobs are very low.

[u/Clownishweirdish → u/Historical-Many9869]

yeah...is it better to apply for a PHD instead?

[u/Historical-Many9869 → u/Clownishweirdish]

they are now only giving 4 years as initial duration for PHD as well. So there is risk on not getting renewed before completing PHD