GRAD ECHO

ActualAIz

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life doesn’t always take you where you planned; it takes you where you need to be. My journey to a funded master’s offer from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, wasn’t straightforward. But it was deeply shaped by perseverance, a late but wholehearted academic pivot, and an unlikely intersection between sport and science.

I didn’t always plan to pursue graduate studies abroad. In fact, I made that decision fairly late in my undergrad at LUMS. At the time, my GPA was not exceptional, and self-funding was out of the question. Still, something in me refused to settle. I channeled that energy into one goal: to make myself a competitive candidate, no matter how far behind I felt.

That mindset led me to research. I spent my junior and senior years immersing myself in projects that pushed me intellectually and technically. One turning point came in the summer after junior year, when I was selected for a remote research internship with a faculty at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This opportunity enriched my research experience and dramatically expanded my academic horizons.

I’ve played competitive cricket since I was 10, and captained the varsity team at LUMS for two years. Cricket taught me how to lead, how to adapt under pressure, and how to stay resilient through setbacks. But I never imagined it would shape my academic path. In my senior year, I found a mentor in Dr. Ihsan Ayyub Qazi, who not only understood my interest in research, but also shared my love for the game. Our shared love for cricket sparked a research collaboration, blending my two worlds: computer science and cricket. We spent over a year developing an LLM-based system for the cricket world, a project that became central to my academic profile

My undergraduate journey taught me that sometimes, the most meaningful outcomes happen when you bring your whole self to the table. To my juniors reading this, remember one thing clearly: if something seems exceptionally challenging yet you remain convinced that you can achieve it, take it as a sign. That goal, that aspiration, is calling out for you to chase it.

ihsanqazi

JUNE-JULY → Research 15-20 programs & create your preliminary list → Take a diagnostic GRE practice test → Start gathering application requirements

JULY-AUGUST ️ → Register for GRE (aim for late Aug/early Sept) → Begin drafting your statement of purpose

AUGUST → Contact 3-4 recommenders for letters → Provide them with your resume & program list → Narrow down to 8-12 final schools

SEPTEMBER → Take the GRE (plan for potential retakes) → Complete first draft of statement of purpose

OCTOBER → Request official transcripts → Polish your statement with feedback → Send materials to recommenders with deadlines

NOVEMBER → Submit early deadline applications → Follow up with recommenders

DECEMBER → Submit remaining applications → Verify all materials received → Thank your recommenders

Pro Tips:
• Many programs have made GRE optional post-COVID - check each school's requirements
• Budget $75-100+ per application
• Start early to avoid stress!

ActualAIz

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ihsanqazi

In general, Masters funding is very limited and in my experience, it is generally even lower outside CS and Engineering fields. However, scholarships can still work out, such as Erasmus Mundas in Europe, Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK and the Fulbright Scholarship for US. I don’t recall recent examples of students taking that path but will let you know if I find someone.

ActualAIz

ActualAIz is excited to bring prospective graduate students a brilliant opportunity in the form of a fully funded PhD position at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

About the Advisor:

Dr. Fawad Ahmad is an Assistant Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. His research focuses on building mobile systems that enable humans and machines like self-driving cars, and drones to perceive, and understand the world better. Research at Dr. Fawad’s lab is published at top networks/systems and mobile systems venues like MobiSys, MobiCom, NSDI etc. Students from his lab intern at places like General Motors.

About the Project:

A live 3D digital twin is a high-fidelity 3D replica of some physical object or scene, which evolves with the physical object in real-time. These twins are starting to enable ground-breaking capabilities in numerous applications ranging from autonomous driving and manufacturing to sports analytics. In his research lab, Dr. Fawad builds reusable perception infrastructure to build these digital twins and then build end-to-end cyber-physical systems that leverage these twins in different applications.

Eligibility:

Undergraduate Senior or recent graduate
At least 6 Months to 1 Year of Research Experience (preferably in the domain of the project)
Computer Science or Electrical and Computer Engineering Major
Prior Experience in Computer Vision and/or robotics and networks/systems

Application:

Interested candidates should please email Dr. Fawad at fawad@cs.rit.edu with:

A short description about yourself
Provide a clear description of why you are interested in the specific topics above
Explain how your background applies specifically to this position,
Your academic curriculum vitae (CV).

Dr Fawad post.jpg

ActualAIz

ActualAIz is excited to bring prospective graduate students a brilliant opportunity in the form of fully funded MS and PhD positions at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

About the Advisor:

Dr. Muhammad Taqi Raza is an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His areas of expertise include Mobile Networked Systems, Quantum Network Security, and Internet of Things.

About the Research Lab:

The Khwarizmi Lab is a joint venture between University of Massachusetts Amherst, the National Science Foundation, and the Center for Quantum Networks. The Khwarizmi lab is dedicated to solving challenging problems lying at the intersection of systems and algorithms. In particular, their research focuses on developing secure and effective solutions in FinTech, Quantum Networks, and Critical Infrastructures – such as 5G Mobile Networks, and Industrial Control Systems.

Eligibility:

Undergraduate Senior or recent graduate
At least 6 Months to 1 Year of Research Experience (preferably in Networked Systems and Security domain)
Computer Science or Electrical and Computer Engineering Major
Applicants strongly motivated to apply to graduate school in North America are encouraged to apply

Application:

Interested candidates should fill this form. Dr. Taqi will personally oversee the applications, and reach out to select candidates.

Dr Taqi Final.jpg

ihsanqazi

The key components of a graduate school application for MS/PhD programs include Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation (usually 3), Statement of Purpose, Resume/CV, and Test Scores. Universities in some countries (e.g., Australia, UK) also require developing a research proposal when applying for PhD programs.

As a professor who has served on graduate admissions committees, I've seen firsthand how these components are used to evaluate applicants. As we examine each application component in this post, I invite you to imagine yourself as an admission committee member tasked with identifying the most promising candidates from a large applicant pool. The challenge is not just to select candidates who meet the criteria, but also to predict who will thrive in the program. This task requires a careful analysis of the components of graduate applications.

Each element provides a crucial piece of the puzzle, collectively forming a comprehensive picture of the applicant. Committees approach this evaluation holistically, considering how these components interact rather than fixating on any single factor. For instance, a stellar GPA might be offset by weak letters of recommendation, or exceptional research experience could outweigh mediocre test scores.

Now, let's dive into each component, examining its importance, limitations, and how it contributes to the decision-making process:

1. Transcripts

Importance: Transcripts provide a comprehensive view of an applicant's academic history, including course selection, grades, and overall GPA.
How they're used: Admissions committees analyze not just the overall GPA, but the trajectory of grades, difficulty of coursework, and performance in subjects crucial to the program. A rising trend in grades can sometimes outweigh a lower overall GPA. They also consider the reputation and rigor of the applicant's institution.
Limitations: Transcripts don't reveal the full story. They don't show circumstances that might have affected performance (e.g., personal hardships). The predictive power of a GPA can also vary significantly depending on the undergraduate institution's grading policies and the rigor of the coursework.

2. Letters of Recommendation

Importance: These letters offer insights into an applicant's abilities, work ethic, and potential from those who have worked closely with them.
How they're used: Admissions committees look for specific examples of the applicant's strengths, research capabilities, and how they compare to other students. Strong letters can significantly boost an application.
Limitations: Not all recommenders write equally compelling letters. Some may be overly positive without providing substantive information.

3. Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement

Importance: This is the applicant's chance to directly communicate their goals, research interests, and fit for the program.
How they're used: Admissions committees assess the clarity of thought, writing ability, and alignment between the applicant's interests and our program's strengths. It's also a chance to explain any weaknesses in the application.
Limitations: Some applicants may have received extensive help in crafting their statements, potentially masking their thought process, depth of applicant’s experiences, or true writing abilities.

4. Resume/CV

Importance: This document provides a snapshot of the applicant's academic and professional experiences.
How they're used: We look for relevant research experience, publications, presentations, and any unique skills or experiences that set the applicant apart.
Limitations: Resumes can be padded or may not fully capture the depth of an applicant's experiences.

5. Test Scores (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS, GRE)

Importance: While their significance is decreasing, test scores still aim to provide a standardized metric for comparing applicants from diverse educational backgrounds.
How they're used: Scores are often used as an initial filter and to complement other parts of the application. High scores can compensate for weaker areas elsewhere.
Limitations: These tests have been criticized for bias and may not accurately predict graduate school success. Many programs are moving away from requiring them.

6. Research Proposal

(Note: This is primarily needed for PhD applications in some countries/regions, e.g., UK, Australia and Europe but NOT in US/Canada in general)

Importance: This demonstrates the applicant's ability to conceptualize and plan a research project.
How they're used: Admissions committees assess the proposal's originality, feasibility, and alignment with faculty research interests. It's a key indicator of research potential.
Limitations: Proposals may be overly ambitious or may change significantly once the student begins the program.

ihsanqazi

For undergraduate students aspiring to pursue graduate studies or simply expand their academic horizons, gaining research experience can be invaluable. However, the path to meaningful research involvement isn't always straightforward, especially for students at institutions without extensive research programs. In this article, I will outline effective strategies for undergraduates to acquire and make the most of research opportunities.

Start Early and Be Proactive
The journey into research should ideally begin early in your undergraduate studies. Summer before junior year is an excellent time to start looking for research projects. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you; actively seek them out within your department. This could involve joining a lab, assisting faculty with ongoing projects, or proposing an independent study project. Being proactive demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment, qualities that faculty members highly value in potential research assistants.

Find a Mentor and Build Relationships
A key step in your research journey is finding a mentor. A faculty advisor can provide invaluable guidance, support, and opportunities for deeper involvement in research. When approaching potential mentors, show genuine interest in their work and come prepared with questions or ideas. As you work with your mentor, focus on building a strong professional relationship. This can lead to more responsibilities, better letters of recommendation, and potentially even co-authorship on publications depending on the extent of research contributions.

Develop Essential Skills and Take Ownership
To excel in research, focus on developing crucial skills related to research methods, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. Take relevant courses, attend workshops, and seek out online resources to enhance your skill set. Once involved in a project, demonstrate your commitment by taking ownership. This means showing genuine engagement, learning new concepts and tools relevant to the research, and proactively exploring new ideas and approaches. Over time, aim to take on more responsibility by suggesting new ideas, contributing to writing papers, presenting work, and even mentoring junior students.

Engage with the Broader Research Community
Research doesn't happen in isolation. Attend talks, seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay informed about current research trends and connect with other researchers. These events provide opportunities to learn about cutting-edge work in your field and network with peers and potential future collaborators or advisors. Engaging with the broader research community can also help you identify new areas of interest and potential future research directions.

Document Your Work and Seek Feedback
Keep detailed records of your research activities, methodologies, and findings. This documentation will be invaluable when writing your statement of purpose or research summaries for graduate school applications. It also helps you track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Regularly seek feedback from your mentor and peers on your work. This not only helps you improve but also demonstrates your commitment to growth and excellence in research.

Consider Gaining Research Experience Post Graduation
If you're attending a university without extensive research programs or haven't had the opportunity to gain research experience during your undergraduate studies, consider dedicating 1-2 years after graduation to working as a research assistant. This extended period allows for deeper engagement with research projects and can significantly strengthen your graduate school applications. Look for RA positions at research-intensive universities or reputable research institutions in your field of interest. This experience can provide you with the skills, research experience, and recommendations needed to compete effectively for reputable graduate programs.

In my view, by following these strategies, undergraduate students can gain valuable research experience that will serve them well going forward. Remember, the key is to be proactive, committed, and always eager to learn. Whether you're working in a well-equipped lab or creating opportunities from limited resources, your attitude, effort and work ethic will be the primary drivers of your success in research.

ActualAIz

I had a 3.0 CGPA at the end of my freshman year in college and a grade of C+ in my introduction to computer science class and was heavily dejected at the possibility of not being able to pursue my major simply because I could not meet the requirements. I did not respond well enough to the learning environment at my university and the transition from highschool to university was massive for me. To be completely candid, I did have a chronic procrastination problem. While I could manage that in highschool by cramming up the syllabus right before examinations and doing a few past papers to understand patterns, this attitude could not succeed in university. This is something I learned the hard way. Everything was fast paced and we had to learn several courses in less than 5 months. This required regular and consistent effort. Half of my second semester was spent online due to COVID. Upon semester completion I utilized the golden opportunity offered by online learning platforms on Coursera with discounted rates to relearn whatever I had studied in my first year. I started with Harvard CS50, an introductory computer science course, and ended up taking complete specializations in niches like cybersecurity, databases and algorithms. Supplementing my university learning with online courses allowed me to gain a very in depth understanding of key concepts and allowed me to ask deeper questions and investigate and understand things more than the average student in my class. I made a habit of learning online prior to lectures to gain an upper hand in what was taught in class. This practice enabled me to secure a 3.7 CGPA by graduation and allowed me to secure a fully funded master’s in my dream program.

I want to shed further light on exploring opportunities beyond what your university has to offer. Gathering extra skills online significantly boosted my confidence and filled up the skills section of my resume. This allowed me to compete with international students for highly valued opportunities like Research Programs for Undergraduates at prestigious universities. Getting a letter of recommendation from these programs allowed me to demonstrate my caliber as a researcher and significantly aided my applications. I encourage all prospective applicants to explore online resources and talk to as many people as they can who have made it into their target programs to better understand which profiles stand a solid chance at admission and then utilize these learnings to build their own profile.

ActualAIz

I applied to a total of 20 universities in the U.S for my undergraduate studies. I had competitive test scores, and Cambridge O levels and A levels internal results that were easily among the top 5 students in a highly competitive highschool in Lahore. Despite an array of stellar co curricular activities, I received 14 waitlists and 6 rejections. The number of waitlists indicated that my application was missing a key element. Most of my universities definitely considered me for admission, but I kept falling short of some final criteria. Upon deep reflection with counselors in my school and teachers, I realized that my common essay (sent to all universities), was lacking in a cohesive story. I had ended up submitting a very pretentious essay that was all over the place. I tried to fit in everything I had done, without any unique hook binding these elements together. I also falsely believed that colleges only need story-based essays that are well written with fancy verbiage.

My essay did not reflect my genuine interests and failed to encapsulate my journey in pursuing my extra-curricular activities. I ended up enrolling in a local university with my mind set on receiving a graduate school admission by the end of my degree. I took full control of the process and networked extensively with past alumni as well as my professors. I made sure to take the first 2 years to explore what I was actually interested in. I explored various subfields within my undergraduate major to assess what I wanted to specialize in. I did this through internships, personal projects, as well as course projects. I then used my last 2 years to pursue a specific niche within my discipline and gathered research experience within this domain. I took advanced courses in this field and tailored each project to ensure a cohesive story of my journey. I chose my professors for recommendations very early on, and spent 2 years building a very concrete relationship with them so they could speak to my ability, my passion, and my creativity. This allowed me to successfully portray significant investment of time and energy in my choice of graduate studies major, and the recommendations supported this journey very well.

I believe it is this dedicated and directed effort that led me to securing 6/8 admissions for my graduate studies in Mathematical Finance, including my top choice program. I encourage students to think deeply before applying to graduate school and then carefully deciding their universities and understanding their requirements well in advance to ensure they can demonstrate a good fit in their applications with well supported evidence through their CV, personal statement and recommendation letters.