Snapshots
Name : Nishit Shah
Graduation College : Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT), Mumbai University
Graduation Stream : B.E in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (EXTC)
Graduation Aggregate : 71.37%
GRE Score : 1350 (Quant: 800; Verbal: 530)
TOEFL Score: 105
University for Masters: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Course Details : Electrical Engineering (ECE)
Term: Fall 2012
Applications & Admits
Universities & Courses applied to :
Applied for Electrical and Computer Engineering (EE/ECE) program in the following universities:
- North Carolina State University (NCSU) for ECE
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GaTech) for ECE
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for EE
- University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
- Virginia Tech for ECE
- Purdue University, West Lafayette for EE
- University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
- University of California, Irvine (UCI)
Admits from:
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for EE
- University of California, Irvine (UCI)
- North Carolina State University (NCSU) for ECE
Minutia
Projects:
Final Year Project on Energy Efficient Routing Protocols for Wireless Networks -- Dealt with improving the algorithms of routing protocols to improve on the network parameters.
Project on Data Acquisition System: Temperature Sensors used syncin it up with Matlab to provide Graphs and alarm in case of abnormal temperatures.
Letter of Recommendations :
Three LoR's from Assistant Professors. One from Project Guide is essential.
Form a rough draft and show it to your professor. If he agrrees with it get it printed on the letter head (If essential) and get it signed. You can exaggerate a bit here but the prof must agree to it. So you've to be smart here to exaggerate stuff. Please note that exaggeration is fine but never lie in your LOR's.
Technical Papers:
Two published and two under review.
One on DTMF Generation and Detection and other on Interference Mitigation in Wireless Networks published.
Two papers related to Improving existing routing algorithms using Neural Networks and Clustering under review.
Extracurriculars:
None
Work Experience/Internship:
1 year of work ex at Capgemini as a Senior Software Engineer.
Financial Aid :
None
Preparation:
The main hurdle with the GRE is the Verbal section if you are not too good with the Vocabulary (I wasn't!). But I guess the new pattern will not have much of this part to play. The trick is to start with the vocabulary early if you are not good at it(Well, I didn't and hence the poor score in verbal). Quant is probably much easier than verbal.
More than just reading the stuff, its really important to practise a lot! The more you practice the better it gets at the actual GRE. Loads of simulation softwares like Powerprep, Barrons etc are available. Also for the vocab rather than doing only the flash cards its advisable if one can start with the vocab building books like Word Power Made easy and stuff. Once you have practised enough tests on verbal, quant and written a few essays you are good to go for your GRE!
The ideal time to take GRE is August of your 7th Semester and if you really want to play safe you can take it in March of your 6th Semester. Taking TOEFL in a span of 30 days prior to or after the GRE is advisable as you are still fresh with the vocabulary.
I took it in March of my last Semester which is not advisable as you are already too busy with the final year project that one has to slog very hard (Fortunatley I had good team members so I didnt have too!) and also you'll have to waste a year if you don't plan your GRE well. So plan it well and take it when you have practised enough tests.
SOP Advice:
Perhaps the most important part of the Application process.
Keep it Simple! Do not use all the GRE words to flaunt. A simple and efficient one will do the trick. Again make a rough draft, review it from your seniors, friends and keep on improving on it as much as you can. I got it reviewed from my friends and the counsellor that I had joined. You can take a clue from others SOP but Never Ever Copy anyones SOP!! That will put you in a lot of trouble.
Counselling opinion:
I did join counselling. It depends on the individual. If you think you will need assistance don't hesitate to join but always remember that although you would have joined the best consultancy, the majority of the work has to be done by YOU! They will just be assisting. Its a personal decision which defers from person to person. So its your call!
Reasons to choose Current University:
UCLA EE Department - Signals and Systems
One of the best EE departments in the world with more than decent course work and amazing Labs. Wanted to specialize in Wireless Systems/ Networks and it matched with the courses provided there. I really had a tough time deciding between NCSU and UCLA. Also the mere fact that internet was born at UCLA helped me nail the decision :)
Advice to Juniors:
- Nothing in particular. Practice enough before the GRE and TOEFL. Take your exams smartly and get good scores.
- Pay special attention to SOP and LOR's. Keep in mind that its not just your GRE or just your SOP that can take you through to a good university. Its the entire profile.
- Pay attention to all deadlines and apply as EARLY as you can. It really helps.
- Choose your universities wisely. Talk to seniors and friends at universities to know more about it!
- Be persistent with your efforts and rest is all Luck! Wish you guys all the best for the applications and a successful life ahead!