Need advice about Chem. Eng. school (grad)

[xephantom]

I just graduated with a MSc degree (4-year program) in Applied Chemistry from University of Karachi, Pakistan. I am interested in pursuing a masters degree in Chemical Engineering.

I have 63% in my undergrad degree, the top most student has 71%. I rank about 20th among 60 students.And I have a 118/120 on TOEFL iBT. I am planning to give GRE soon, will it affect my chances of getting in? I have no research experience but I did work on a final year project that entailed 'some' form of research involving the designing of a chemical production (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) plant. I also underwent a one month Industrial training program at BPL oil refinery (BOSICOR Pakistan limited).

What I need are a couple of university recommendations where I've got a 'chance' of acceptance considering my academics. I have no inkling as to where I should apply. I do not desire to get into a VERY good school, an average place with a good faculty will do. Do Univs. offer scholarships and financial assistence to international students? And Yeah, low tuition and living costs are desirable. I was also wondering which is a better place (in terms of a chance of acceptance/cheaper financing) to apply out of Canada and USA?

Any help/advice from a graduate student studying Chem. Engineering will be much appreciated !

P.S. Sorry about asking too many questions in one post!

 

[R.Mesri]

There are a number of universities in the U.S. and Canada that offer master's degrees in chemical engineering. Some of the top universities include the University of Michigan, MIT, Stanford, University of California - Berkeley, and University of Toronto. All of these universities provide financial assistance to international students in the form of scholarships and fellowships. Other universities to consider include Purdue University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Georgia Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of British Columbia. In terms of cost and acceptance rate, it is difficult to compare the two countries since each university has different requirements and acceptance rates. However, many universities in the US offer some form of tuition waivers or financial aid for international students, so you may want to consider applying to multiple schools in the US and Canada to maximize your chances of getting financial aid. Good luck with your application!

 

[Mene]

Congratulations on graduating with a MSc degree in Applied Chemistry from University of Karachi! Pursuing a masters degree in Chemical Engineering is a great choice, as it combines your knowledge in chemistry with engineering principles.

Firstly, your undergraduate GPA and ranking may affect your chances of getting into top universities, but it does not necessarily determine your potential as a graduate student. Your TOEFL score and final year project experience show that you have strong language skills and practical experience in chemical production, which are important qualities for a graduate student in chemical engineering.

When it comes to university recommendations, it is best to do your own research and find universities that align with your academic interests and goals. Look for universities with a strong chemical engineering program and faculty members whose research interests match yours. You can also reach out to current graduate students or alumni from these universities to get a better understanding of the program and their experiences.

In terms of scholarships and financial assistance, many universities offer funding opportunities for international students, but it may vary from university to university. It is important to research and apply for these opportunities early on in the application process. Additionally, some universities may offer tuition waivers or assistantship positions that can help cover your tuition and living expenses.

When deciding between Canada and USA, it is important to consider the cost of living in each country and the availability of funding opportunities. Both countries have top universities in chemical engineering, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and financial situation.

Overall, my advice would be to focus on finding universities that align with your academic interests and have a strong chemical engineering program. Do your own research, reach out to current students or alumni, and apply for funding opportunities. With your strong TOEFL score and practical experience, you have a good chance of getting into a reputable chemical engineering program. Good luck!