Emily, Cleveland AddedTuesday, May 17, 2016 at 2:10 PM Polymers engineering I am currently pursuing dual BSE in chemical engineering and macromolecular engineering. I am also a chemical engineering co-op for a company that I really enjoy. I have been told that a MS or PhD isn't really necessary in chemical engineering but can be in polymers engineering. I would love to get an advanced degree in polymers, but I do not want to ruin my chances of working for this great company. Possible places that I would be looking to study are Northwestern, MIT, Caltech, UCSB, UCB, and Stanford, as these are the institutions that my advisor is recommending for me. If I chose to work for a few years following graduation, would this change admissions into these institutions in any way? Would work experience be helpful in admissions, or would not applying straight from school hurt my chances? Related to Chemical, Graduate School, Special fields and Interdisciplinary Reset Sort By Default Fateme Rezaei , Missouri University of Science & Technology Answered Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 2:10 PM Dear Emily, To answer your question, I start by saying that different institutions have different admission regulations, but in general, GPA and undergraduate research experience (specially having published articles) are among the most important requirements for most universities. Some students prefer to work for a while and then pursue their graduate studies while others choose to apply for MS or PhD right after graduation. You need to know which one would best suit your situation but getting industrial experience is always helpful.