2.7 Undergrad GPA, 4.0 Grad GPA = PhD possibilities?

[iopsycho]

Hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day.

 

I've begun the PhD application process and I haven't seen a lot of information on how programs take into account GPAs for undergrad and grad programs.

 

My undergrad GPA is 2.7 (Biology).  My minor GPA (Psychology) was 3.3.

 

I got accepted into a local university in Psychology and was able to keep my GPA where it needed to be: 4.0.  Additionally, I was able to publish my thesis (1st author), make multiple conference presentations, and had leadership positions with multiple organizations.  After graduating, I was offered an adjunct position and have taught many courses (Intro, Basic Stats, Human Sexuality, Psychometrics).  I began working at this same university full-time and have gained valuable experience in assessments and grant-writing.

 

I'm shooting for a 320 GRE.

 

Does anyone know how PhD programs use this information?  I know that most programs use an algorithm to weed out applicants initially so I was wondering if my application would make the first cut?  Any anecdotal evidence would be great too.

 

Thanks!

[MsDarjeeling]

A lot of this will depend on the schools you apply to for PhD programs.  When I researched this very question each school told me they review applicants applying with Master's degrees on a case by case basis.  They do take into consideration if say undergrad gpa was lower with less experience and the Master's gpa is much higher and more experience was gained.  What they want to see is that you have improved in multiple areas (gpa, research, teaching, internship, thesis, etc) and can actually handle PhD level work.  They also look to see that your Master's degree is in line with your long term plans as are your research interests.  If your Master's degree shows no improvement from undergrad and no new skills were developed then they'll wonder why you bothered and will still question your ability to handle PhD level work.

 

From what you've said of what you're doing it sounds like you've more than demonstrated the ability to handle PhD level work, you've improved your gpa, and gained thesis and teaching experience.  All of that certainly looks good based on the advice from my research on this matter.  I did not inquire about any algorithms within the actual application, but I'm wondering if the application would immediately be flagged for review because a Master's degree is listed in addition to a BA/BS.  That would make sense if schools are to review them on a case by case basis.  Or perhaps the initial algorithm just checks gpa (in which case your Master's one would be listed) and GRE scores, then it goes to the next stage for more indepth review.

[iopsycho]

Thank you very much for the feedback MsDarjeeling!  Much appreciated!