Background:
School: University of Toronto
GPA：3.97/4.0
GOES:327+3.5
Acceptance Results: Berkeley EECS Meng, Oxford CS, Uoft MScAC, UIUC MCS, Columbia MSCS
I studied mathematics and computer science at the University of Toronto in Canada, and I had a plan to continue to study CS master's degree before I went abroad, and I was lucky enough to get a good offer from Berkeley, Oxford and so on. Because there is a plan for this aspect earlier, the application is also a long preparation process, just here to make a simple summary, I hope to have some help for students with the same background and goals as me.
Application materials
// 1. GPA
GPA is certainly a very important hard indicator, a high GPA is bound to have a big bonus for master's application, especially the high grade points of some CS-related courses also prove that you have the foundation of your ability in this area. My undergraduate major is mathematics and computer science, which means that there are more majors than most of my classmates. And the pressure on the curriculum at Haiben School is also generally high, so I tried to ensure the grade point of each course from the beginning of my freshman year, go to Office hour to listen to the professor's explanation, and do a few more sets of past tests before the exam. I feel that my background in dual science and my near-perfect grade points have been one of the most powerful aids in my entire application.
2. IT GOES
Since I am a Haimoto student, I don't need a TOEFL IELTS score other than CMU, I only need a GRE. My application this year is similar to last year's, many schools do not have mandatory requirements for the GRE, but there are still some schools that are required. In my opinion, with GPA protection, the GRE score is enough (of course, the higher the better). The GRE should set aside enough time to prepare, go to the appointment test room early, and if the results are not satisfactory, there is also a chance to take the test several times. After making an appointment to the exam room, sprint review 1 to 2 months in advance and focus on brushing back words. In my own case, I took a total of 3 exams to achieve a pass (325+). The focus of the GRE exam is on vocabulary, and although I studied as an undergraduate abroad, I didn't have much vocabulary reserves, so the whole process of preparing for the exam was quite difficult. And the GRE test itself also has some luck components, I last time because of the test to several usually encountered questions to achieve a good score, so it is also recommended that you try to prepare as early as possible, memorize more words and brush questions, as early as possible to achieve good results can also put more energy on other aspects of the application.
3. Instrument
Paperwork is one of the most energy-consuming and important parts of the application, and in this part, BBIB Trainers and Mentors (CMU Master of Computer Science Graduates) gave me a lot of advice. At first, I was still hesitant to apply mainly for DS or CS, and my trainer teachers and mentors at BIB Union combined my background at that time, the prospects for industry development and job opportunities to help me firmly develop in the direction of CS.
After deciding to apply for the CS master, I had to combine my background and dig out the experience that would be most helpful for my application to complete the paperwork. The structure of my article was determined quickly, and the first draft did not take too long to complete. Because I had previously had a cross-research project related to deep learning at the Shanghai Chinese Academy of Sciences, and also participated in the scientific research projects of professors in my own school, I quickly completed the first draft based on these two experiences. But when I sent the first draft to Mentor, mentors helped me point out a lot of problems. For example, when I write about projects and research experiences, it is very bland, like I am reporting the journal, and such a document does not attract admissions officers from various schools. Mentor carefully helped me analyze how to modify each detail, how to reflect how difficulties I encountered in the narrative process, and finally how to put forward my own innovative points. With the help of mentors, my paperwork is no longer routine, but can gradually reflect what sets me apart from other applicants.
The repeated revision of the instrument is a process that requires both inspiration and patience. My own writing is not too good, but the writing is not the most important part of the document, the main thing is to have a clear structure and conception, know how to explore their own experience, write what they want to emphasize. At the same time, writing documents should not be too hasty, too anxious. For example, I was busy with my senior year's academic tasks, and I went to edit the paperwork when I had energy and inspiration. In short, everyone should be prepared to be patient when writing documents, and remember to communicate with the mentor more, and definitely have a lot of gains in this process.
4. Letters of recommendation
Because I have had two previous experiences of scientific research projects, I have a good relationship with my supervisors, and the last two mentors have also written good letters of recommendation for me. As for the remaining letters of recommendation, I selected a few professors with higher grades. Although I did not have much communication with several professors before that time, it may be due to the epidemic online course, coupled with my good results in the course, several professors who contacted me happily agreed to help me write a letter of recommendation.
During the recommendation submission stage, the domestic tutor quickly helped me submit the recommendation letter, but several foreign professors delayed until the day before the deadline. I have several students who have encountered the same situation, so if the professor does not submit the recommendation at the time of application, do not worry too much, this is a normal situation. Of course, it is necessary to ask the professor for the paraphrase in advance and send a reminder email to the professor before the deadline.
Help from Shibimon
Bibright helped me tremendously during the application process.
1. School Selection
The teacher gave me a detailed introduction to the school and the project, and combined with my background, formulated the guarantee school, the main application school and the sprint school for me, and clarified the goals of my application.
2. Instrument
As mentioned above, mentors and mentors gave a lot of valuable advice in the process of writing and revising the paperwork, helping my instrument gradually change from a routine article of the journal to an article that could reflect my own characteristics.
3. Request guidance on each step
At each important point in time, the tutor will come to remind me of the steps of which applications should be completed before what time point, so that I am very relieved during the application process and do not have to worry about my omissions.
4. Pre-interview guidance
CS projects such as Oxford and UofT have interview links, and Bibright has given me a lot of interview-related preparation materials, and also helped me arrange mock interviews, so that I can be more calm and experienced before the interview.
summary
Finally, a brief summary of my experience of applying for the season. I think the whole application process helped me the most, with my GPA close to full marks for my overseas undergraduates, followed by the paperwork that was repeatedly revised with the help of the WBIM mentoring team, and strong letters of recommendation from mentors of two research projects. I think my shortcomings are that I don't have internship experience, and at the same time, I don't have a good thesis output in scientific research. If you're better than me in both areas, you can sprint for a better project.
Finally, I would like to thank the Teachers and Mentors for their guidance during the application season, my parents for their care and support for my study abroad, and my girlfriend for her understanding and support in pursuing my dreams, and for the encouragement she gave me when I encountered difficulties in my application. I hope that the next batch of students can also go to their dream school as they wish!