Low GPA, post bac, graduate schools/Ph.D programs

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

First time posting, so hopefully this is the right place. If not, feel free to move it to its appropriate place.

Undergrad = UCR

Cumulative GPA ~ 2.67

Major GPA ~ 3.23

Graduate GPA ~3.60 (yes I took some graduate courses when I was an undergrad)

GRE General = 1140

Undergrad research = 2years

Works at Stanford = 2years (Research associate/lab manager)

Published

Seems like my gpa is holding me back. I messed up the first several years of undergrad and averaged C's/B's for my core classes (General Bio/Chem/Ochem/Physics/Math).

I've only applied to the UC's and I understand they're extremely competitive. I was told that if I applied out of state, I might have had better chances?

Regardless, I want to fix my GPA. I want to do a post bac program, but I was wondering if I should do a formal one, or just go through a UC extension (berkeley) and do it at my own pace. Because I need to work and I just need to repeat my core classes.

Thanks again, and grill away!

[lily_]

Instead of pursuing a post-bac, is it possible for you to work your way into a department taking a route of starting as a non-matriculated grad student (no funding or financial aid there though)? I have heard that say someone really has their heart set on going to a certain school and working with a certain professor that taking courses, doing extremely well, and getting face-time with the professor can help get into some PhD programs when someone has a sub-3.0 or non-competitive UGPA. I also would not forget about terminal master's program, many instate programs are affordable, and often are either linked up with PhD programs in the same school (so if you do well as a master's and then reapply for the PhD everyone in the department knows you and knows that your UGPA is not indicative of your abilities). Even doing a completely stand-alone terminal master's at a second-tier school, but doing extremely well and coming out with a high GPA, a publication or two, and field work can push you over the top. I'm not sure at this point that totally retaking the classes that tripped you up as an undergrad would be the best idea. To me, doing well at graduate level coursework seems like a better plan than retaking undergraduate coursework.

Best of luck! And for the record, I am in the same boat - low undergrad GPA but the makings of a strong application in every other realm. I'm applying for a master's in hopes of working under a big name in my field, doing well, publishing, and then reapplying for the PhD.

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

All great advice, and all were considered at one point or another. I am leaving Stanford for (possibly) a job at UCSF. UCSF is my (I'm sure it's for other people as well) dream school. I've hit the ceiling as far as the lab at Stanford goes, I've stopped learning and the PI doesn't have the room or funding to have me as a graduate student in his lab. Nor is it my field of interest. It's a cardiology lab, and my interest lies in basic science. I will be happy to be in any of the fields, Oncology/genome maintenance, regenerative medicine, and immunology. So I've decided to leave and start fresh HOPEFULLY in UCSF.

I know it's not recommended, but I'm going to continue working and retake some of my classes. I got to make a living man. It's a huge load to take on classes and the responsibility of being in a lab, but I got to do whatever it is to make myself a better candidate.

I do believe face time can speak more than just numbers, hopefully I can find someone who can see my worth and vouch for me as a Ph.D candidate at UCSF.

Anymore advice?