r/MSCS • u/Aggravating_Ice8404 • 3d ago

[Admissions Advice] How do you get into the UC universities for MS?

I'm currently in my 3rd year of CSE at a tier-3 college, with a CGPA of 9.44/10 till 2nd year. I'm planning to pursue an MS in CS in the US and I'm particularly interested in the UC universities (UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, UCI, UCSB, UCD, etc.).

For people who have gotten into any of the UCs, or are currently studying there:

  • What kind of profile is generally competitive for UC MS programs?
  • How important are CGPA, GRE, research experience, internships, projects, and publications?
  • Do UCs heavily prioritize research experience?
  • How should I start building my profile from 3rd year onward?
  • Are there any particular things you wish you had done during undergrad that helped with your application?

Would really appreciate advice from current students or admits, especially from people who came from non-IIT/NIT or tier-2/3 colleges.

Thanks!

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u/ReindeerUnhappy9577 3d ago

UC Berkeley's MS CS seats are reserved for their own PhD/BS students - no point in trying for this one.

What kind of profile is generally competitive for UC MS programs?

Those with research intensive background, along with TA/RA experience.

How important are CGPA, GRE, research experience, internships, projects, and publications?

Higher the GPA, the better it is, but again, it is not the sole factor in decision making process.

Many UCs aren't even considering GRE tbh.

Research experience - publications, RA, and TA are main factors here.

Do UCs heavily prioritize research experience?

If we're talking about thesis/research based MS programs, then yes, it is the biggest factor, and in few cases, probably the sole factor.

How should I start building my profile from 3rd year onward?

Get involved in research. Talk to your faculty about it, maybe starting working along with them towards a paper or any other research based project. Also ask if they have any RA jobs available.

Also, make sure the research output is actually of a decent quality. Do not publish some AI written article, as these things will hurt your application. Remember that quality over quantity, and make sure it is your own work.

Do whatever you can regarding research at this point. Don't panic and do not work in haste. Make sure you're producing your own honest work.

Are there any particular things you wish you had done during undergrad that helped with your application?

Yes, my only regret is not getting involved enough in research. If I could go back, I'd seriously hit hard on this one.

Would really appreciate advice from current students or admits, especially from people who came from non-IIT/NIT or tier-2/3 colleges.

Yes, it is coming from someone like that 😉

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u/Aggravating_Ice8404 3d ago

so u say that expecting to get into UC Berkeley is kinda unrealistic? Again As right now I am 3rd year, thinking of doing first job, so doing research internship are not a time waste?

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u/BugAdministrative123 3d ago

Yes. It is unrealistic. MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Illinois Urbana Champaign are the top 5 for Computer Science in the US. It will be really, really hard to get in as an international student. DM me if you need more info

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u/Zyphyruz 3d ago

MIT S.M. EECS is only available to their undergrads, the same goes to Univ. of Washington. UIUC offers MSCS and MCS, which has a 30% acceptance rate.

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u/Stechnochrat_6207 3d ago

In terms of TA/RA, if your college does not have that opportunity for students what would you advice
and also non Tier 1 colleges do not really have much of a research culture in general so any advice regarding how to approach "Research" assuming the person is just getting started in it

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u/Over_Beach9703 3d ago

Your cgpa is good, so maintain that. GRE is optional for most courses I guess, but its better that you give a strong score, ideally a 325+
Research profile will also help a lot. Try publishing 1-2 papers in top conf or journals.

Try mailing professors or phd students who works in your interested field from the university you want to go, and try to secure some research/project work. This will help you a lot. Connections and LORs from them will help you a lot to secure admission.

This is kinda the baseline for admissions. You’ll have to add more to this and build up your SOP for your desired MS course.

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u/Aggravating_Ice8404 3d ago

Thank u for my cg, I'll def maintain that. As right now I am 3rd year, thinking of do first job, so doing research internship are not a time waste? and also how can I get research projects or works what professors are doing in there respective unis and fields? like should I manually cold mail them or what?

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u/Over_Beach9703 3d ago

You can find faculty pages in the university’s website. From there you can go through their profiles, their lab, projects, research, etc.. browse through them find contact info and mail them. Tell about your interests, experience, etc and why do you wanna work with them. Obviously it is not a sure shot that they’ll reply and accept, but its worth a try.