Very low undergrad GPA / worth getting a masters degree?

[shahrezsyed]

Hi,

I’m looking into applying to PhD programs this fall and am unsure about my chances and the pros/cons of opting for a MS program first. 
My undergraduate GPA is very low (2.5). It had a lot to do with personal circumstances but I doubt there’s a good way of bringing that up or it making a big difference. 
I have very good GRE scores (337) and strong letters of recommendations from professors and PIs I work with. I also should have 2-3 publications under my belt by the end of the year with the first one in nature communications. 
my questions are as follows. 
I’ve been working as a research tech at Weill Cornell medical school for 1.5 years and have developed a great relationship with my PI and have been involved with multiple published works. Would that have a strong impact on my chances to get accepted in the program at Weill Cornell?

Secondly, do you guys think I could have a chance with my research experience despite my GPA & if not, would a masters program help? 

[dopamine_machine]

Hey shahrezsyed,

I think this might be pretty hard to tell.  What I will say is that it is worth trying! I think there is a lot of opportunity to explain circumstances, especially if your LORs bring it up.  Was there any forward trajectory in your GPA in later semesters/quarters?  Additionally, was your biology GPA higher than your cumulative GPA?

If GPA was not improved, I think that getting a good GPA in a masters in biology would help, as it would show that you can succeed in graduate courses and pass the year 2 qualifying exams.

I also wonder if your PI knows people in the department and might be able to talk to someone about your promise in research.  While most programs rely on GPA, many just use it to weed people out from the applicant pool so as to avoid reading as many applications.  A personal contact with the admissions department might make or break your application, depending on the school.  Having 2 publications is incredible impressive, which makes me think that you have a shot despite your GPA, as it shows you can and will likely publish well and will be able to finish your PhD on time.

I know it may seem like the end of the world now, but having experience in biology research will make you stand out, way more than a GPA could ever do.  With increased years out of undergrad also comes less focus on your undergraduate GPA.  I wish you the best with the application process and hopefully  we both end up at interview weekend (I'm applying to Weill in the Fall as well).

[Phoenix88]

I do think that having your research publications will definitely make you stand out, and could even limit the emphasis on the lower GPA to interested faculty. 

However, like dopamine_machine said, do make personal contacts, as without it, there may be too much emphasis on the number itself, rather than the reason behind it. Even if you explain it in a personal statement, a personal connection does wonders for you. 

With a 2.5 GPA though, I don't think it would be possible to go in for a PhD right away. It would raise some eyebrows on how suitable you would be for graduate courses, and they would most likely prefer to ease you in through a Masters program. Most STEM PhD programs that I looked at require a 3.0 or higher to even be considered, to ensure they are utilizing their time and resources wisely by investing in you. This isn't to say that there aren't exceptions, but they would be few and far between. 

Best of luck with everything there!