text: do i have a chance at getting a phd from a top-tier school? i am currently completing a masters degree in electrical engineering at a cal state school.  i am employed full-time at an engineering firm and i have excellent grades. furthermore, my professors are willing to write strong letters of recommendation. my question is do i have a good chance of being accepted at a doctoral program for a top-tier school such as columbia, stanford, mit, berkeley, etc..? sure, why not? but you can't stay employed full time. besides, the only reason to get the phd in engineering is to become an engineering professor.