Masters in Computer Science - 3 Yrs of Industry Experience - Pls Advice

[jerrygb]

Hi All,

I have 3 years of experience in the IT industry. I am looking to apply for a Masters of Computer Science (Course-Work Based). I am looking out for Course Work based degree now and I may later convert to a Thesis based or Project based Masters, after a thorough discussion with the faculty advisor. I have aggregate of 80% in my Bachelor in Technology (Honors Degree-4 years) in Computer Science and my IELTS score is 7 with a breakup of 7,6.5,7.5,7. I am an international applicant.

I have listed out the following Universities, which is likely in the order of their rankings in some websites. But, I do agree that we can not judge by these rankings alone.

1. UFT
2. UWaterloo
3. McGillU
4. UBC
5. Carleton-Ottawa Institute of Technology
6. ConcordiaU
7. YorkU
8. UVic
9. Dalhousie
10. UAcadia
11. Queen's U

I have already applied to a few of the above, unfortunately one of relatives in Canada suggested that I look beyond that, since most of which I had applied to is not likely the better options for CompSci.

Could you suggest based on my background, which is the best option? Could you also tell me if there is any university in this list that I should absolutely churn from your experience or friend's and reason? Also I have heard that some Universities grant admission on the basis of Job Experience, as Probationary status, would it be application in any of the top universities? (Considering, even the ones which are not listed above)

I was going through a few of the threads but some of relates to under grads.

Anyways, thank you so much everyone for all the answers posted. Hoorah !!!!

[Tony]

Toronto and Waterloo are the best for Computer Science. Toronto is arguably better for graduate studies. It could be difficult to get into the best schools, so just see how high on that list you can get.

[ProgrammingFun]

Tony @ Thu Dec 23, 2010 3:39 pm wrote:

Toronto and Waterloo are the best for Computer Science. Toronto is arguably better for graduate studies. It could be difficult to get into the best schools, so just see how high on that list you can get.

What would you recommend as the best schools?

[Tony]

Toronto and Waterloo. My list is not very extensive.

[SS1389]

Are you in Waterloo?

[Tony]

4th year CS at UWaterloo.

[jerrygb]

Thanks Tony. Sure, I will make an effort to do that.

From a couple of posts here, I have heard UWaterloo/UFT having a cut of percentage of 90 of Canadian Grades. As an International Applicant (India) with A- (80%), are the chances very meek? Or does it depend on SOP and LORs? I am not considering getting in touch with Supervisors before applying because I will be opting for a course based approach for now, I am thinking about getting in touch with them after.

Another gr8 thing after perusing through a couple of posts, I found that RyersonU Professor's have research interests aligned to my line of work, so maybe I can apply for course work and later change to Thesis and also get an RA? Thinking very optimistically ofcourse.

As for the rest of the Universities like Concordia, McMasters, UVic, Dalhousie et ceterra, what do you think?

[jerrygb]

Also if you do not mind me asking, what were your Research Interests at the time of joining Waterloo? And did you happen to alter it when applying to UFT?

[Tony]

I don't know if the application process is any different for international applicants. Also, I have not done any grad level research.

I have not heard much (or anything) about those other Universities.

[wtd]

UBC or UVic. Weather's nicer.

[SS1389]

[SmokeMonster]

jerrygb @ Thu Dec 23, 2010 8:09 pm wrote:

From a couple of posts here, I have heard UWaterloo/UFT having a cut of percentage of 90 of Canadian Grades.

For getting into undergrad from hs that might be true but 90 average during undergrad for grad studies? I find that highly unlikely.

[jerrygb]

SmokeMonster @ Sun Dec 26, 2010 2:27 pm wrote:

jerrygb @ Thu Dec 23, 2010 8:09 pm wrote:

From a couple of posts here, I have heard UWaterloo/UFT having a cut of percentage of 90 of Canadian Grades.

For getting into undergrad from hs that might be true but 90 average during undergrad for grad studies? I find that highly unlikely.

Thanks SmokeMonster! Thats a Relief

[jerrygb]

Tony @ Sat Dec 25, 2010 1:58 am wrote:

I don't know if the application process is any different for international applicants. Also, I have not done any grad level research.

I have not heard much (or anything) about those other Universities.

Okay