Let me add that there is a huge difference between PhD and Masters admissions. Masters admissions is typically FAR easier and less research and less rec-letter

Let me add that there is a huge difference between PhD and Masters admissions. Masters admissions is typically FAR easier and less research and less rec-letter dependent. Strong work experience is sometimes all that's needed to get into a good Masters program. For example, a school like Stanford is notorious for having a Masters program that is easier to get into than the undergrad program and is generally not terribly difficult to get into as long as you can pay.