4/12    If you haven't been in school for a while, how hard does the
        CS Subject GRE become?  What percentile do you need for a top
        tier school?  Second tier?  Third tier?
        \_ You need an application that says, "I am not a h0zer."  That
           means, you have academia people who can vouch for you, you've
           taken tangible steps toward research CS, and you were not a
           h0zer as an undergrad/working stiff.  After those
           requirements are met then you can get into a first tier with
           a 65 percentile comfortably.  When the academia people vouch
           for you they're saying "This person is not a h0zer and he or she
           reminds me of when I was young and promising."
           \_ Not that simple. -- ilyas
        \_ 1st tier=90% MINIMUM, 2nd tier=80%, 3rd tier=70%
           GRE General is also very important despite common perception.
           Also, your GPA still counts a big portion no matter how long
           you've been in the industry. That being said, delaying your
           grad school application will only make it harder for you to
           get in. Apply now when you still have the opportunity.
           \_ 3rd tier 70%?  2nd tier 80%?  Are you kidding?  Maybe if
              there are 5 schools each in your tier system.
        \_ i took GRE two years after graduation, and I actually had to
           spend a bunch of time on the subjects I hadn't taken. I don't
           think I would have had that time luxury if I had still been in
           school. Also, non-theory CS is pretty easy and you don't forget
           it once you learn it. So I studied 172 and 174 from books for a
           few months before CS GRE.  I did well.  You can too. -ali.
           \_ Electronic Behavior Control System.
           \_ this inspirational message brought to you by ali.