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Ask HN: What can I do to get into a good MSc program from an unknown university?

2 points by burneracclordo ↗ HN
I will graduate from university in mid-2019, with a CGPA of 8.6/10. Thing is, I don't have anything that distinguishes me from other candidates. Undergrads usually don't do any research here and my CGPA isn't exceptional.

But, I'd like to pursue a data science MSc from a good university. So what can I do to improve my chances?

So far, I came up with the following ideas:

- Improving competitive programming skills and rating in contests like those found on Codeforces, HackerRank, LeetCode (not sure if anyone besides Russians values these a lot).

- Pursue MOOCs and MicroMaster programs on EDx and Coursera from top US universities like MIT, Uni Michigan, Uni San Diego etc. ( I can apply for financial aid because I live in the poorest region of Europe )

- Do Data Science competitions on websites like Kaggle.

- Build a portfolio by developing my own or working on others open source projects.

Are any of these good to improve my chances even slightly? Or are there other methods that could help? Thanks in advance.

EDIT: I'm still in my home country and my main focus is Europe or Asia, since I'm poor already and can't handle student debt at all or the cost of living in the US.

2 comments

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CyberFonic
I have a lot of experience in academia, ranging from management to teaching to doing research and over a long period of time.

In academia the only thing that impresses is academic accomplishments. All the things that you are contemplating are unlikely to be of any value in the eyes of bureaucrats doing admissions.

You don't mention whether you are still in your home country or have moved to another country. In addition to the many world class universities in the USA there are several very well regarded CS/SE universities in Germany and France. If you are determined to move to the USA you need to be aware that in order to succeed you need good English language skills. The cost of education (even with financial aid) is very high.

If I were in your position, then I would choose to do a final year, capstone project/thesis which is very much in the field of data science. I would also research data science programmes being offered and identify who the course leaders are. Then with that information you would write tailored emails to them explaining what you are seeking, why and what you intend to accomplish. The personal contact and possible introductions could ease your path towards admission.

The common aphorism "It is not what you know, it is who you know" applies to all fields, including academia.

burneracclordo
I'm still living in my home country until I graduate. I'd rather move to some other European country (I'm fluent in German and proficient enough in English, although some more practice wouldn't hurt and I'm working on it as of now).

Thanks for the idea, I'll try to do something that is related to data science for my bachelor thesis.