Program Range Advice

[ElanMorin]

I'm trying to get a sense of what range of schools I should apply to. I did really poorly in undergrad - GPA under 2.5, particularly bad grades in math - at a top 40 university that has low average GPAs in comparison to most. Did better last two years, had about a 3.0 in last 60 hours. Graduated five years ago.

After realizing a couple years ago I wanted to do a PhD I started a masters in political science at a well-known terminal MA program, which I'm almost finished with (GPA of 3.9+). I'm now looking at applying for next fall (2011) to PhD programs. GRE is 780Q/660V and have five years work experience in politics and public opinion research, with significant experience doing quantitative research.

I'm aware the top 10-15 are probably out of the question because my u-gpa was so low, but I'm wondering how far below that I'll have to go before I stand a reasonable shot at getting in based on my work experience, MA grades, and GRE scores.

Would appreciate the input of anyone here.

[Penelope Higgins]

Assuming that you have the money for application fees to take a chance at some top programs, don't sell yourself short. Success in graduate work goes a long way toward making up for poor undergraduate performance, especially if you have strong letters from prominent faculty at your "well known terminal MA program" and a clear sense of your intellectual agenda.

I'm trying to get a sense of what range of schools I should apply to. I did really poorly in undergrad - GPA under 2.5, particularly bad grades in math - at a top 40 university that has low average GPAs in comparison to most. Did better last two years, had about a 3.0 in last 60 hours. Graduated five years ago.

After realizing a couple years ago I wanted to do a PhD I started a masters in political science at a well-known terminal MA program, which I'm almost finished with (GPA of 3.9+). I'm now looking at applying for next fall (2011) to PhD programs. GRE is 780Q/660V and have five years work experience in politics and public opinion research, with significant experience doing quantitative research.

I'm aware the top 10-15 are probably out of the question because my u-gpa was so low, but I'm wondering how far below that I'll have to go before I stand a reasonable shot at getting in based on my work experience, MA grades, and GRE scores.

Would appreciate the input of anyone here.

[ElanMorin]

Even programs that have listed minimum GPAs? I've found that in several places the admissions websites basically say they are unlikely to look any further at your application if your GPA is under a 3.0.

Assuming that you have the money for application fees to take a chance at some top programs, don't sell yourself short. Success in graduate work goes a long way toward making up for poor undergraduate performance, especially if you have strong letters from prominent faculty at your "well known terminal MA program" and a clear sense of your intellectual agenda.

[Wesson]

I suggest that you contact some of the DGSs in advance, outline your situation, express interest, and ask whether your undergrad GPA would rule you out. My guess is that you'll have some top 20 programs remain in play.

[natofone]

Some schools definitely toss applications if your GPA falls below a certain point. If you have outstanding letters you should try to get into the top 30, but I think that it will be very tough and certainly an uphill battle. Maybe your letter writers can reach out to the DGSs at other programs. I'd ask them about it.

[gapa]

For what it is worth, I got into a top 5 program with an UGPA under 3.00, GGPA close to 4.0 and similar GRE scores as yours. I am a foreign applicant and did a lot to compensate for the possible UGPA defficiency.