What after BE
I recently completed my BE in Civil Engineering from one of the government colleges under IOE, Nepal. My overall percentage will likely be around 74–75%. My final year project is a research based structural engineering project.
Right now, I am genuinely confused between preparing for Loksewa and trying for higher studies in the USA, so I wanted some honest suggestions from people who have gone through similar situations.
My current plan
Start full-time Loksewa preparation from Asar without taking a job initially.
Alongside that, study IELTS around 2 hours daily.
Give the IELTS exam about 2 months before the 7th level Loksewa exam so that I can fully focus on Loksewa during the final phase.
From now onward, also spend around 1–1.5 hours daily improving my research profile by working on a research project with either a professor or senior (something related to structural engineering/research interests).
Try to finish that research work by Mangsir and then use the same time mainly for emailing professors and graduate applications.
Only go for visa interview if I receive full funding/assistantship.
My questions
1.With a profile like mine (around 74–75% from IOE + research-based project), how difficult is it to get assistantship/funding in the USA?
2.Does this overall plan sound practical and manageable, or am I overloading myself?
3.Between GRE and IELTS, which matters more nowadays for funded MS/PhD opportunities in civil engineering?
4.Could someone also suggest universities categorized as:
Ambitious
Achievable
Safe
for my profile in structural/earthquake engineering?
I would really appreciate genuine advice.