nails, getting a 4.0 gpa isn't enough for a graduate school. the courses you have taken (their difficulty level and your grades in those subjects) matters a lot. moreover, if the professors in the schools are not interested in her research projects..then nothing will gain her admission...research experience is a great advantage...hence being over-ambitious is also not recommended.. and more, I don't think professors will ever promise any candidates before they sit down to make final decisions... apply to some top colleges and a couple in the safety net...since you are looking for stipend for MS degree, I think your choices will be narrowed down greatly...