[How much will a decade old GPA hurt me?]

I completed three years of my undergraduate education nearly 11 years ago dropped out with an embarrassing GPA. I'm returning to school next month much more prepared and focused than I was years ago.

My question is, if (and believe me, I will) keep my GPA up at this new university, will graduate schools be willing to forgive my terrible performance from years back or will that ghost continue to haunt me? 

Since I'm attending a different university, I'll have a GPA of 4.0 starting out.

Thanks!

[Can someone please help me out]

With an M.E. background, you'll have taken Calculus I, II, & III, as well as differential equations and University Physics I & II.

Have you taken a course in PDEs as well? If not, your graduate program will probably allow you to take it during your first year.

I looked at a few US universities and what their admissions requirements are for a Physics masters. It appears they like to see that you've had a course in classical & quantum mechanics, an E&M course and maybe an upper-division laboratory course as well. Since you're taking the GRE and Physics GRE, and assuming you do well, that will likely go a long way in showing the admissions committee that you're capable of handling graduate-level physics.

That said, they'll most likely require you in your first year of study to take these undergrad courses just to bring you up to speed.

Good luck!

 

[GPAs from different schools---which matters most?]

Greetings!

When I apply to graduate school, I'm going to have to send in transcripts from two different schools---one will be from a university I attended 15 years ago and where I received nearly half of my college credits, and the other will be from my graduating university.

My GPA from the school I attended 15 years ago was abysmal at best. Since returning to school, my grades have been stellar. Not to brag, but looking at my transcripts, you can see that the student I am now vs. the one I was 15 years ago are poles apart.

I know both GPAs will be taken in to consideration but will my graduating GPA be weighed more heavily?

I don't want the admissions committee to be concerned that the student I was so many years ago is anything like the one I am now. While the reasons that I struggled academically were due to medical issues and not because of late-night partying and hangovers, I worry that my past will continue to haunt me, no matter how hard I tried to prove otherwise.

[Going back to school at 36 but worried I'm getting too old]

So I've decided to go back to school and finish my bachelors in geology. I started this journey 15 years ago (I'm 36 now) but due to medical and family issues, I had to leave school. Since then, it's been a roller coaster ride trying to get things back in order but I'm finally ready.

So, what's the problem?

Well, like I said, I'm 36. I know this sounds silly but I'm worried I'm too old. You see, for years I've dreamed of pursuing a PhD in geology and working in academia. Before you ask, yes, I'm well aware that the job market is supersaturated with PhDs and getting a tenured position will be very difficult. Despite this, I just can't pull myself away from this goal. I want this so bad yet I have this nagging feeling that I'm too old and that it's just too late for me.

I know that pursuing this will take several years and on one hand I'm not put off by the time commitment but on the other hand, it does worry me. I'm afraid no one will be willing to give me a chance because of my age.

So, what are your thoughts?

Am I being silly thinking it's too late?

 

[Alternative degree programs to prepare for atmospheric science M.S.]

Thanks! I'll pass this along.

[Alternative degree programs to prepare for atmospheric science M.S.]

Hello,

I have a friend who is interested in pursuing atmospheric science in graduate school but his university doesn't offer that kind of program. I was wanting to find out what alternative degree programs would provide good preparation for a graduate degree in atmospheric science. I'm in geology so I'm not entirely sure I'm qualified to answer his question, so I'm hoping someone may be able to help.

Thanks!

[Terrible GPA and hopes of graduate school]

Hi all,

I'm ashamed to post this to complete strangers but I'm hoping you all might be able to give me some advice.

I started college in 2003 and had to leave prematurely due to medical issues. At that time, I had what was to later be diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and a severe depressive disorder. 

This was so rough on me that my GPA plummeted to an abysmal 2.1.

Fast-forward to today. My conditions, though not cured, have improved dramatically and I'm going back to school to finish my B.S. in geology next Fall. I'm going to be going to a different university but I'm wondering that if (and I absolutely will)  perform well, as in get all A's in my remaining classes, do you think a master's program would consider me? My dream is to get my PhD but I'm sure with such a poor record they won't even consider taking me.

Thanks everyone!