The sub-3.0 GPAs ACCEPTANCE thread

[avidman]

Just out of curiosity, for those who got accepted into PhD programs with a sub-3.0 gpa, how much did money play a role?

 

I guess what I mean is this - I can't imagine someone with little financial resources managing to get into a good PhD program with a sub-3.0 gpa without a master's. And in order to get a master's (in the US specifically), the student would typically have to pay out of pocket. Some master's programs offer awards and such, but again, a low undergrad gpa would probably get in the way of that.

 

Anyway, I am just curious. I don't mean to offend anyone, but coming from someone who has been poor since birth, I can't imagine ever getting into a good PhD program if I had done poorly in undergrad. =/

[EdNeuroGrl]

I am working on my Master's on my way to PhD, and have no funding. I just had to rack up a bunch more debt. Also, because I need a bunch of research experience and no one pays around here unless you're a PhD student or have lots of experience, I have to volunteer what spare time I have. This means any part time gig is out.

Money is a big deal and can be prohibitive for a lot of people.

[bhr]

I'm in a fully funded MA program (TAship that provides tuition and fees, an almost livable stipend and insurance, along with travel funds and a little extra money here and there). It varies by field, but there are plenty of funding options outside of departments as well at large universities (ResLife is always an option, along with GAships in labs, administration, ect.) 

[zj868]

Just out of curiosity, for those who got accepted into PhD programs with a sub-3.0 gpa, how much did money play a role?

 

I guess what I mean is this - I can't imagine someone with little financial resources managing to get into a good PhD program with a sub-3.0 gpa without a master's. And in order to get a master's (in the US specifically), the student would typically have to pay out of pocket. Some master's programs offer awards and such, but again, a low undergrad gpa would probably get in the way of that.

 

Anyway, I am just curious. I don't mean to offend anyone, but coming from someone who has been poor since birth, I can't imagine ever getting into a good PhD program if I had done poorly in undergrad. =/

 

I had an offer for a fully funded master's at the school where I was completing my undergrad (my gpa was ~2.8). At first it was full funding with a stipend then it became partial funding with a stipend. I wasn't to fond of my labmates nor my advisor plus I got into two WAY better master's programs. I decided to take the financial hit because I know it'll work out in the long run. Anyway, the point is, it's definitely possible but difficult to come by, especially for a school that's high in prestige.

Edited July 22, 2015 by zj868

[avidman]

Thanks for the replies =). I am glad to know that it is possible.

[samantha213]

I too got my first acceptance with a 2.9 undegrad GPA. I went back for a MS and got a 3.46 grad GPA thought. Did a lot of research thereafter, it had helped a lot.

I am a biology major with a 2.73, I have this semester left and I should be graduating with a 2.9 (rounded up). How did you get into research with your low GPA? Most professors at my university will check for your GPA. I want to get my Masters in Public Health or Biomedical Sciences. What other advice could you give me? I have been a research assistant for biomedical informatics, but Master's programs have a requirement of a 3.0 GPA. Please help me, I'm freaking out!!! Congrats on your success 

[samantha213]

Was accepted this year to biomedical sciences programs with a sub 3.0 gpa. Was a very stressful process and glad I won't ever have to go through it again. To anyone looking to apply, be open and honest about your gpa. It's the one part of your application that you have no control over so just own up to it. Good luck to any future applicants, it can be done!

Hey! So I'm a biology major/psych minor that will be graduating with about a 2.8 GPA. I was a research assistant in biomedical informatics and would like to get my Masters in Public Health or Biomedical Sciences.

What did you do to become accepted with your low GPA? Did you have work experience? I graduate this December and want to go to graduate school right after, in 2016. How did you address your low GPA in your statement? Could you give me more specific advice please? I am in a very similar situation and starting to lose hope. Great job by the way! 

[samantha213]

2.85 uGPA, Q:165,V:161, AW:5.0 with 3 internships in industry, working at a biotech company during my gap year. Accepted to 2 biomedical science PhD programs. There's always hope, people!

Which biotech company did you work for? And may I ask how you landed internships with your low GPA? I am graduating this December in biology with a 2.8 GPA. I will be applying for grad school in Public Health and Biomedical Sciences, but most of them have a requirement of a 3.0 GPA. any other advice you could give me? 

[ballwera]

Hey! So I'm a biology major/psych minor that will be graduating with about a 2.8 GPA. I was a research assistant in biomedical informatics and would like to get my Masters in Public Health or Biomedical Sciences.

What did you do to become accepted with your low GPA? Did you have work experience? I graduate this December and want to go to graduate school right after, in 2016. How did you address your low GPA in your statement? Could you give me more specific advice please? I am in a very similar situation and starting to lose hope. Great job by the way! 

I had a huge upward trend in my gpa (3.5+ in my upper level electives), which helped a lot. On top of that I got As in a couple graduate courses I took later on. I had 3 years full time as a research tech which vastly improved my application ( I easily had 2 - 3x more research experience than the people I met on the interview trail). I personally did not address my low gpa in my SOP. Instead I tried to highlight that vast experience I had as a tech. Good Luck!

[hernda01]

I had a major GPA of 2.7 in Psychology and am currently in a doctoral program that didn't even so much as ask me why I got straight C's one semester and mostly B's thereafter. I had also gotten into several MA/specialist programs without even interviewing. Don't let GPA dissuade you. Just make sure you have other competitive aspects of your CV. For instance, I supplemented my mediocre grades with lots of interning and practicum.

[lightballsdeep]

I hope there are still some sub-3.0 applicants kicking around this place!
I'm 2.94, 152/159/Pending (Q/V/AWA).  I'll be applying to two masters programs and a PhD.  Anyone else panicked about having their applications immediately disregarded?

[dippedincoffee]

Also starting to apply to universities, though no clue yet where. Graduated with a 2.97 GPA but in last 60 credit hours with a 3.07 GPA. I have a 150 in Q, 155 in V, and pending for writing. Applying to only Masters programs in Marine Biology and super panicked about getting into anywhere as well!!

[lightballsdeep]

Also starting to apply to universities, though no clue yet where. Graduated with a 2.97 GPA but in last 60 credit hours with a 3.07 GPA. I have a 150 in Q, 155 in V, and pending for writing. Applying to only Masters programs in Marine Biology and super panicked about getting into anywhere as well!!

I feel like we are very similar in stats!  So good to see another hopeful! How many schools are you applying to?  I think I'm going to choose three.  

I'm also considering biting the bullet and taking the GRE again. UGH! 

[shatun]

Good day,

 I have graduated from the US university with 3.05 CGPA. (3.07 for the last 2 years- Cum Laude). After that I worked for ABB as drives engineer and before had internship with McDermott (both big names in offshore and power world). Hold valid Engineer-in-Training certification (not sure if valid for grad). All of it valid for Houston area.

I would try to get into Master of Science in UBC, McGill, UWaterloo, UCalgary, UAlberta. I plan to study Power engineering. 

I assume that those schools are competitive. That's why I plan to take GRE. Based on the experience, will GRE help to boost my application? 

UBC says that they won't even look at any application with GPA < B+ (mine is B). Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

[ginae]

Hi All!

I am looking to study in the UK, but I'm afraid my current GPA is too low for most unis. I have a 2.9, mostly due to my last two semesters of college, I had gotten married, was working a full-time job and had bought a house - life became more important than school. Now though, I feel like I'm going to pay the price as far as finding the type of program I want. I was in Mass Communications in undergrad at a small, but challenging university with a small association to a better known university.  I have focused so much on writing since I graduated (four years ago) that I'd like to pursue a Masters in Creative Writing and then a perhaps a Phd. 

I know that my work experience would help compensate for my low GPA. I worked as a copywriter for two years. I became a freelancer writer right at a year ago, in that time I've had work published in Huffington Post and Entrepreneur (As a ghostwriter for a marketing personality), am a published contributor to a newly released book, and am working with a film company to novelize a screenplay. Bottom line is that I know that I can write, but how do I communicate a strong plea to universities? Especially to those in the UK? Anyone in a similar situation have some positive results with their applications?

[imacick6]

True Story:

I graduated with a 2.0 (overall) in biochemistry from a mid-sized land grant university.  I actually dropped out, relocated back east, and finished my degree 3 years later.  After I had already been in school for 7 years prior to that.  Long story short, I was totally lost and didn't know what I wanted to do.

Back east, worked dead end jobs while taking undergrad classes, filled out 300 + job applications, finished my BS, and interviewed 3 separate times with the same PI before being offered a job scrubbing dishes.  I was the lab bitch for 8 months, while taking graduate level classes on my own dime and sometimes working 2 jobs, until my lab manager left our group in the spring.  I was offered her job full time, or I could take her job part time and work towards getting into grad school.  In those 8 months, I learned how to basically run the lab.  If it didn't involve the lab credit card, I could pretty much do it.  I turned down the full time job, took my GRE over the summer, and applied for admissions in spring 2016 for a MS.  My GPA over 23 credits since my undergrad degree is a 3.6, with a 3.2 in 11 grad credits.  GRE scores were 162,150,4.5.  If there is anyone with longer odds than me, I have never seen it posted on any forum in 4 years of looking.

 

I just got admitted to my top choice yesterday.

 

The facts are these:  no one gives a shit about your education or future like you do.  People can give you opportunities, but you have to recognize the good ones and be willing to work to earn them.  There is no substitute for hard work, not even talent can trump it.  I know I didn't succeed because I'm brilliant, but I do know I will fail and have failed because I didn't work hard.  Seek out people who will take a chance on you, give them a reason to take a chance on you, and work your ass off to show them you are worth a shit.  Because there is always someone better out there.  I cannot stress this enough; you have to find something you are truly passionate about.  Something that is the last thing you think of when you go to bed and the first thing you think of when you wake up.  Once you find that thing, you know you are on the right track.  Just keep working.

And also, don't forget to smile.  No one likes an asshole.  No matter how hard they work.

Best of luck.

 

 

 

[gingin6789]

True Story:

I graduated with a 2.0 (overall) in biochemistry from a mid-sized land grant university.  I actually dropped out, relocated back east, and finished my degree 3 years later.  After I had already been in school for 7 years prior to that.  Long story short, I was totally lost and didn't know what I wanted to do.

Back east, worked dead end jobs while taking undergrad classes, filled out 300 + job applications, finished my BS, and interviewed 3 separate times with the same PI before being offered a job scrubbing dishes.  I was the lab bitch for 8 months, while taking graduate level classes on my own dime and sometimes working 2 jobs, until my lab manager left our group in the spring.  I was offered her job full time, or I could take her job part time and work towards getting into grad school.  In those 8 months, I learned how to basically run the lab.  If it didn't involve the lab credit card, I could pretty much do it.  I turned down the full time job, took my GRE over the summer, and applied for admissions in spring 2016 for a MS.  My GPA over 23 credits since my undergrad degree is a 3.6, with a 3.2 in 11 grad credits.  GRE scores were 162,150,4.5.  If there is anyone with longer odds than me, I have never seen it posted on any forum in 4 years of looking.

 

I just got admitted to my top choice yesterday.

 

The facts are these:  no one gives a shit about your education or future like you do.  People can give you opportunities, but you have to recognize the good ones and be willing to work to earn them.  There is no substitute for hard work, not even talent can trump it.  I know I didn't succeed because I'm brilliant, but I do know I will fail and have failed because I didn't work hard.  Seek out people who will take a chance on you, give them a reason to take a chance on you, and work your ass off to show them you are worth a shit.  Because there is always someone better out there.  I cannot stress this enough; you have to find something you are truly passionate about.  Something that is the last thing you think of when you go to bed and the first thing you think of when you wake up.  Once you find that thing, you know you are on the right track.  Just keep working.

And also, don't forget to smile.  No one likes an asshole.  No matter how hard they work.

Best of luck.

 

 

 

Bravo!! That, friend, was such a moving and inspiring story. 

[Crucial BBQ]

On October 26, 2015 at 8:41:15 PM, imacick6 said:

My GPA over 23 credits since my undergrad degree is a 3.6, with a 3.2 in 11 grad credits.  GRE scores were 162,150,4.5.  If there is anyone with longer odds than me, I have never seen it posted on any forum in 4 years of looking.

 

 

 

 

My story might trump yours but hey, it's not a contest.  Most on here know bits and pieces but I have been quiet on my full, true, story.  I'll post it sometime...

[Crucial BBQ]

On September 6, 2015 at 10:17:00 AM, samantha213 said:

I am a biology major with a 2.73, I have this semester left and I should be graduating with a 2.9 (rounded up). How did you get into research with your low GPA? Most professors at my university will check for your GPA. I want to get my Masters in Public Health or Biomedical Sciences. What other advice could you give me? I have been a research assistant for biomedical informatics, but Master's programs have a requirement of a 3.0 GPA. Please help me, I'm freaking out!!! Congrats on your success 

I got lucky, I suppose.  My first "true" research experience was a work-study.  I had to apply for it and got paid, too.  GPA was not a concern here, though, and as a biology major I was surprised I got hired; the project was in the Chem Dept. and was straight up chemistry (that is, not biochem or the like); and chemistry was/is my weakest subject. I am pretty sure I only got the job because of my enthusiasm.  This position lasted for a solid year and I was asked back by the PI for a second year but ended up transfer out to another university.  

 

My second and third experiences were taken for credit.  Once again I lucked out that this sort of thing was offered at the new school and to add students could take the "course" twice.  Then, I also consider myself lucky because also at this second university it was mandatory to do either a senior research project/thesis or internship.   These last two, to be honest, were a huge part of why I transferred into this university.  I saw an opportunity there that was not available to me at my first university and went for it.  

[imacick6]

19 hours ago, Crucial BBQ said:

My story might trump yours but hey, it's not a contest.  Most on here know bits and pieces but I have been quiet on my full, true, story.  I'll post it sometime...

I think I recall seeing your posts earlier.  They were some of the very few that depicted a similar story to mine, that's probably why they stuck with me.

[Crucial BBQ]

3 hours ago, imacick6 said:

I think I recall seeing your posts earlier.  They were some of the very few that depicted a similar story to mine, that's probably why they stuck with me.

That was my way of saying I have a crazy story, too.  Elegance is not one of my strong points. 

Edited November 11, 2015 by Crucial BBQ
comma

[imacick6]

7 hours ago, Crucial BBQ said:

That was my way of saying I have a crazy story, too.  Elegance is not one of my strong points. 

No, I understand that.  I may be confusing you with another poster here.  I just haven't seen many posts by people with GPAs as low as mine, so your reference to your story may have rung a bell.  Just not the right one.

Edited November 12, 2015 by imacick6

[bhr]

2 hours ago, imacick6 said:

No, I understand that.  I may be confusing you with another poster here.  I just haven't seen many posts by people with GPAs as low as mine, so your reference to your story may have rung a bell.  Just not the right one.

That was me with the 2.0. I'm working on my PhD applications now, however, with a 4.0 MA GPA, which helps

[Crucial BBQ]

On November 11, 2015 at 7:17:03 PM, imacick6 said:

No, I understand that.  I may be confusing you with another poster here.  I just haven't seen many posts by people with GPAs as low as mine, so your reference to your story may have rung a bell.  Just not the right one.

It's all good.  When I later came back to this thread, and read my post, I see I came across a tad snotty.  

[mac13]

I'm not sure if this is the correct thread to put this on (sorry I am new to the site), but I was hoping to get a little feedback from anyone who might have insight. I am looking into MBA programs but my GPA is low (2.8). My degree is in biochemistry from a well known liberal arts college and I have since spend 2 years doing full time pre-clinical research. I thought I wanted to do a PhD and pursue a career in academia but my most recent fellowship highlighted how few jobs there are right now and how long of a road to get there. My GRE is 163(Q), 157(V), 6(AW). I also have two years experience as an administrative assistant to the vice president of finance and planning at my college.

Though it is a bit personal it might also be useful to know that my GPA is low due to the onset of a big health issue the summer before college (progressive disorder) that lead to significant disability and the only medication option lead to cognitive deficits. I went off all medications a third of the way through my senior year and as a result my GPA that final semester was MUCH better. If had gone off the medication earlier I would've had an upward trend but I wasn't able to. Currently my health is greatly improved and no awful medication. Further validation of this issue and its cause comes from the first GRE score I received (while taking the medication) which was 150(V), 150(Q), 3.0(AW); so I more than doubled my quant and writing percentile ranking. 

 

Thank you for any input!! :]]