lightballsdeep

Hello! I've been dealing with the same thing, even made a post about it! But, I have been using the strategy of sucking people in on my interests and getting the ball rolling on that, then dropping my GPA in. I've found that response has been pretty much the same from everyone: "the rest of the application will have to be really strong but it doesn't automatically DQ anyone." Hope that helps!

Hi! I don't have any good advice for you because I am working on a very similar type of SOP, but I can tell you what a few professors have recommended to me. The feedback that I've been getting is to outline a general interest -- but one that is specific enough that you can say why a particular program interests you. That advice might not be very helpful since I'm looking into MA programs in anthropology. Essentially, everyone has assured me that not having a thesis topic outlined is totally fine (normal, even!), but what they do want to see is that you have a general direction and some concrete ideas you want to explore. I'm sorry I'm not someone who can speak from the experience of being accepted, just from a fellow sufferer!

Great! Good to know other people area on the same timeline as me. Thank you! I do live in the same town as my undergrad so I can just set up a meeting with them via email.

Hi! I'm obsessively working on my applications for December 15/January 15 deadlines. I know which professors I want to ask for LORs, one has written me a few letters in the past and one will be a 'new ask.' I want to know if asking now is too soon? Ideally, my plan is to email them the request for a letter and ask for a meeting to talk about it at the same time. I want to bring them a copy of my rough draft SOP for review, and I also want to have a good amount to revise it given their advice. Is asking in the next two weeks too soon? I'm thinking I'll wait until after I've taken the GRE (October 2nd) so that I can give them that information to work with as well. I should also mention that I have been out of undergrad for two years, so I can't just pop in while I'm on campus.

Thank you for the advice. I do want to clear up that I'm not asking about whether or not I should lie to a POI, but whether I should wait to bring it up until I've discussed my research interests with them. Still super helpful reply, I just want to make sure anyone else with advice knows that I'm not attempting to glaze over my GPA in the hopes that no one will look at my transcripts.

Hi there, I'm looking to apply for Fall 2016. I have a low GPA, being just below 3.0 (2.9 and change). My question is, how upfront with POIs should I be? I don't want to necessarily lead with that information because I think it may somehow sour them to further discussions about my research interests. On the other hand, I don't want to appear duplicitous and ultimately need to make it clear that should they be interested in working with me, they will have that pill to swallow first. Thoughts?