Ashu is correct about the GRE scores and grades. I know few people who have attended and will be attending Harvard University with verbal scores less than 600 (in GRE). Their grades were not that impressive either. I think its a combination of good references and what the universities are looking for at that time. Again, if I can get into Harvard, I don't see why anyone can't. (no arrogance intended) The prospect of getting into these high profile schools based on grades and scores are greater as an undergraduate than as a graduate student. Graduate school is like a marriage, per say, where the challenge is to find the best fit between the students and the faculties. I have noticed that schools like Harvard, U Cal. (Berkeley), Yale, Columbia, Johns Hopkins...etc etc fosters education in professional fields (doctors, lawyers). The technology part is a strong point at schools like Cal Tech, MIT, Scripps... What I am trying to say is, don't go with the rankings and what you have heard. Learn to look past the front page of a university. Look at the faculties that make these schools "great." Be able to identify what fits you. Make that marriage work! Don't get sucked in by the name. Be able to leave a good image of yourself whereever you decide to go. I get really frustrated at students who "subtly" manage to let me know that they are attending/ have attended schools like Harvard, Yale or MIT and when asked about what they are working on, can't even seem to frame one sensible sentence explaining their own work. Thats lame and disgusting!!! Goodluck,