I went from the University of Arkansas (sub-top 100, electrical engineering) into the direct Ph.D. program at Purdue University (top 10, electrical and computer

I went from the University of Arkansas (sub-top 100, electrical engineering) into the direct Ph.D. program at Purdue University (top 10, electrical and computer engineering) with a three-year fellowship. Among my classmates were students from Michigan Tech, Tennessee Tech, University of Kentucky, Southern University, Florida A&M, Iowa State University, Colorado State University, and UTEP. If I were in your shoes, I would: 1. Volunteer for undergraduate research. 2. Get those letters of recommendation lined up, especially from your research advisor. 3. Identify professors at each school you'd like to work with and contact them directly* about your desire to work with them. Be specific about what you want to work on. 4. Ask your research advisor to review your research statement. Be warned that he/she may try to talk you into staying. Also, if you think you want a Ph.D., apply for the direct Ph.D. program. Professors are significantly more likely to take a Ph.D. than a M.S. because they get you for 5-7 years instead of two. You also get preferential funding opportunities. You can always change your mind later. * Many professors will ignore you. Don't be offended. Professors at distinguished schools get dozens of these emails.