Thread: Applying for MS in Nanotechnology/Matersials Science. Please evaluate my chances.

Hi!

I am applying for MS in Nanotechnology or Materials Science (Less than 5 universities offer a Masters in "Nano..."). I'll most probably end up doing an MS in Materials Science with concentration in Nano.

I intend to pursue a PhD in Nanotechnology (aiming for 5 elite universities). To be honest, right now, I have no idea of where my research interests lie. You see, Nano is the most interdisciplinary field out there. The very first significant exposure towards the subject would be at the masters level, so I don't think UG research matters a lot... Besides, not many students apply for Nanotechnology, even Materials Science doesn't come anywhere close to the likes of Computers or Electronics in terms of competition. With a future Ph.D in mind (yeah, I WILL retake the GRE), it is my decision to finish MS in Nano/MatSci in a good university with Financial Aid (absolute priority) and then go on to do a Ph.D in MIT, UCB or Stanford, after some research and work experience... Now, in MS admissions, assistantships are what I'm looking for primarily, I'd be kicked out of the door if I went to fill a fellowship/scholarship form.

Please bear with my rambling, here's my profile:

BE in Mechanical Engineering
Aggregate: 80.3 %
(One of the top 3 colleges in state, VTU Karnataka)

10th: 94.7
12th: 87.3

GRE: Q160, V157 T317

TOEFL: expecting 100+

Materials Science related final year project in regarding composite materials.
No publications/papers.

Extra Curricular: I'm a Violinist (who gives a ...?)

Universities GRE scores sent to:
University at Albany, SUNY
University of California, Santa Barbara
Ohio State University
University of Texas - DALLAS

UAlbany and UCSB are my top priorities. Overall they might be ranked low, but in Nano/MatSci, they are among the Top 5 worldwide. Albany is my dream university - undisputed #1 in Nano.
One doubt, guys.... UAlbany is overall an average-ranked university but #1 in Nano only. Would that make it ambitious or gettable? Similarly, UCSB has awesome research and education in MatSci, funding is also good.
UPenn is an elite in Nanotech. Funding is very low though, very bleak for Masters students.
UTAustin is also one of the best, funding is also very good. But it's a highly ambitious university for me.

Besides, I'm concerned about my GRE quant score is low (160), wonder how that would affect my chances. Was scoring 325-330 in practice tests, it was disappointing to see a 317 after the exam...

Please give your feedback on my admission and aid chances, for the following universities...
University at Albany, SUNY
University of California, Santa Barbara
Ohio State University
University of Texas - DALLAS
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Rutgers
Texas A&M University
Louisiana Tech University
Arizona State University
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Purdue University
University of Pennsylvania
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
University of Virginia

Top Priority FINANCIAL AID

UCSB, Ohio State University offer very good funding through RA.
UAlbany and UTD - moderate. Also, UTD should be a safe university for me.

Was wondering if I should go ahead and give Purdue a shot... University of Texas (Austin) was there on my list but I am too skeptical of my chances with aid, with my GRE score falling to 317. I am so harsh on myself for a 317, I totally get it's a good score, but still, this notion... Just won't get off my head.

So, please guys... I am awaiting replies. Any input will be greatly appreciated...
MatSci threads come up once in a blue moon. Nano is virtually a non-entity here. So am eager to get your feedback.

Thanks a million ton for reading through this!
Looking forward to hearing from ya all...

Purdue University - Tough to get admit.
Texas A&M University
Louisiana Tech University - EAsy to get admit and Funding.
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill - Admit, But less chances of funding.
Rutgers - Tough to get funding
Arizona State University