[Profile Review] Fall 2027 MSCS/MEng CS, 2 yoe C++ SWE in quant, NUS undergrad

**Undergrad & Major:** NUS, BEng Computer Engineering (Hons w Distinction)

**GPA:** 4.1/5, (3.39/4.00 on Scholaro US accreditation report)

**GRE:** Not taking

**Type of Student:** International, Singapore citizen, H-1B1-eligible, not as worried about visa situation given industry.

**Work Experience:**

* Current: \~2 yoe as a C++ SWE at a quant hedge fund based in Hong Kong.  * Prior internships: 4, ranging from 3-9 months each, across a few industries from edutech to embedded to HFT.

**Research Experience:** None, hence, looking at coursework focused programs

**Programs (considered so far):**

* UC Berkeley, MEng EECS * Cornell Tech, MEng CS * Columbia, MSCS * NYU Courant, MSCS

Would be looking to expand based on quality and locations. Mainly NY/Chi/SF are in consideration.

**LORs:**

Have these to pick from

2 academic - just professors from systems focused course that I got As in: a grad level course on advanced os and a technical elective on concurrent programming

2 professional from colleagues - line manager & senior colleague

**Goals:** Systems focused coursework while I wait to transition lateral industry moves. Would also be considering low-level focused tech roles as well.

**Questions for the sub:**

1. Anyone here gone through a similar situation with a relatively strong industry track record but weaker undergrad grades in their application and can speak to how it worked out? 2. Looking for reference points to gauge acceptance chances for the programs, and other safeties to consider.

Happy to share more specifics (as much as is possible) if it's useful for a read.