u/Substantial-Creme839

I’m currently a junior computer engineering student at a large R1 engineering school in the US interested in photonics / quantum systems engineering and wanted some realistic feedback on my grad school trajectory for thesis-based master’s or potentially PhD programs.

Current situation:

• CompE major
• GPA likely ending up around mid-3.5 range
• Upcoming SWE/infrastructure-focused internship this summer
• Some undergraduate project/research organization involvement related to quantum computing concepts
• Experience with Qiskit and photonics simulation tools

Planned trajectory over the next year:

• Trying to get involved in quantum/photonics research during senior year
• Planning to build a more serious project combining quantum simulation + photonics/networking concepts
• Interested more in quantum systems/networking/photonics engineering rather than pure theory

Target schools would include strong quantum/photonics programs (UMD/UIUC/Michigan/UChicago-level schools, plus some reaches).

Main questions:

1. How competitive is a mid-3.5 GPA for this field if combined with good research alignment?
2. Does the photonics/quantum systems engineering route make more sense than trying to compete in pure theory?
3. What kinds of projects/research experience actually help for admissions and internships in this space?
4. Are internships/startups/national labs more realistic stepping stones into the field before targeting larger companies?

Would appreciate honest feedback from people already in the field or in related grad programs.

I’m currently a junior computer engineering student at a large R1 engineering school in the US interested in photonics / quantum systems engineering and wanted some realistic feedback on my grad school trajectory for thesis-based master’s or potentially PhD programs.

Current situation:

• CompE major
• GPA likely ending up around mid-3.5 range
• Upcoming SWE/infrastructure-focused internship this summer
• Some undergraduate project/research organization involvement related to quantum computing concepts
• Experience with Qiskit and photonics simulation tools

Planned trajectory over the next year:

• Trying to get involved in quantum/photonics research during senior year
• Planning to build a more serious project combining quantum simulation + photonics/networking concepts
• Interested more in quantum systems/networking/photonics engineering rather than pure theory

Target schools would include strong quantum/photonics programs (UMD/UIUC/Michigan/UChicago-level schools, plus some reaches).

Main questions:

1. How competitive is a mid-3.5 GPA for this field if combined with good research alignment?
2. Does the photonics/quantum systems engineering route make more sense than trying to compete in pure theory?
3. What kinds of projects/research experience actually help for admissions and internships in this space?
4. Are internships/startups/national labs more realistic stepping stones into the field before targeting larger companies?

Would appreciate honest feedback from people already in the field or in related grad programs.