asitseemsoflate

Thanks for the replies. Could you elaborate on why you'd say there isn't a reason not to apply for a PhD? I think my main concerns/assumptions are, with respect to applying for a PhD program: 1) My GPA 2) The length of time it has taken me to complete my degree 3) My background without a high school diploma/long upward journey I've done as much research as I could, but I feel that my case is somewhat rare and I would think this could be a disadvantage vs. another stellar applicant for PhD programs. Are my assumptions incorrect? I'm hoping great research can overshadow the above weaknesses. Once again thanks!

Hello! I'm an EE junior at a top 15-20(based on US News) school (assuming this matters) with a really "different" background, and I intend to apply to graduate schools in roughly 2016. My background: I did not graduate from high school, I had to drop out to take care of my family while recovering from illness in roughly 2004, and went to community college in 2009 to receive a GED. I went to community college to obtain college credit, and finally was able to transfer 3 years later to my current university. I have been in "school" for about 5 years, trying to play catch up. My current GPA at this school is about a 2.94, and I started research last summer. Hopefully I will be on track to publish something this year and/or next year. I am on track to make A's the rest of my degree plan, as I have finally learned this school process from the ground up, while being able to manage some research in machine learning and signal processing. I would like to know if I am at a huge disadvantage for graduate studies(MS, eventually PhD with a better profile), and any advise you all would have to give. I will have finished school in 6 years, and at least a GPA of 3.2, with a few years of research experience and hopefully some published work. I am a little discouraged and I would like realistic input. I hope my profile serves as some encouragement at the very least, as well. It is even worth applying? The highest GPA I can achieve at this point is somewhere in the ballpark of a 3.6-3.7, and I know these things are quite competitive. Thanks.