scutlds

Thanks for your answer even it's cruel. Yes, I did apply to some lower program. In fact, Berkeley and Chicago are the only two top programs I applied to since I have some connections and want to gamble. For other programs like them, I don't dare to apply. Besides, may I ask if the situations are different in lower programs? How low the program should be for not scrutinizing GPA too much and being possible for my case? Thanks!

Greeting to everyone, I'm an senior undergraduate student who have finished my application to Physics PhD of 9 schools and is waiting for decisions. Since I turned my interest to research in the beginning my junior year, my GPA was not satisfying (overall 3.23/4 and major 3.30/4). Although the interest came late, it's well-tested and solid, with which I paid a lot of effort in my junior year. Within one year, I got an first-authored paper of theoretical work, study and lab experience in UC Berkeley, 3 Good LORs (2 from Professors in Berkeley), Okay GRE(V163+Q170) and TOEFL(101) scores and some contact with professors in the universities I'm applying to. Besides, in Berkeley I got 3.55/4 GPA while a death in my family greatly impact my preparation of finals. However, until now I have been rejected by 2 top universities (U Chicago and UC Berkeley) early, which indicates my application cannot even pass the first-round elimination regarding scores. I'm now very depressed and anxious about my application. Will low GPA kill my application without mercy, even if all the other factors are Okay (According to some reviewers, I even have an "outstanding SOP")? If I was rejected by all schools, will it worth to apply again next year?