Low MS, Good UG GPAs

[zerothorder]

I am an MS student and going to apply for PhD this semester, however,

Due to a personal problem, I had a very bad score (D) from just a single course in my MS. The rest of the courses are straight A. The university doesn't allow me to retake the course. My Current MS GPA is around 3.2 and UG GPA is around 3.85.

 

Would low MS GPA get me eliminated in the first stage?

 

What do you think should I do?

 

Mention about this in SOP?

 

I am open to all kinds of suggestions.
PS: I am pursuing MS in electrical engineering, have several journal publications and awards.

Edited November 19, 2013 by zerothorder

[TexasGuy]

that is so unfortunate. definitely mention it in your SOP.

 

Plus I've heard most phd programs weigh undergrad GPA a lot more than masters. Someone schools dont even ask for masters GPA in the application

 

So dont worry too much.

[Loric]

Some programs are going to weigh things differently. You dont have an inherently bad GPA. A single bad grade should not be seen as a failure - especially if you recovered in the same semester and afterward.

 

I wouldn't worry much about it. If it was a personal problem that you can legit say "Not my fault" then mention it where they want any such mentions in the app. Not all want them in your SOP or PS or whatever. Some have various prompts in the app that ask if you have any grades that don't reflect your abilities. So don't build it into your SOP as a key component. Two lines, max, and that's pushing it.