Grades for PhD considerations?

[lang_1]

I am posting this question in this subfield of our graduate forum because I would like to get direct responses from students in Language departments.

 

I am in a foreign language program that has an MA program and a PhD program which is not 100% combined but where a student, after passing the MA tests can be recommended to continue onto the PhD.

 

Now, So far my first year has been not that easy, and as I am learning how to effectively write a good research paper I did receive so far several B's. I am wondering (assuming that I will improve this year), whether or not this is a BIG problem and I should just give up the hope of being accepted to the PhD, or it is possible to recover from this??

 

I must note that my B's were mostly in courses where I had to write in a foreign language and thus had to juggle the language mistakes and the form of writing a research paper. I think now, that I have gotten some feedback about my errors I can improve and my plan is to also get detailed feedback from professors before actually submitting the papers in the future.

 

I found, by method trial and error, that after undergrad- where we actually get to improve our papers through drafts-graduate school only expects 1 final paper from us, and thus I think in order to become better it is to my benefit to actually write them in advance and get feedback before final submission. I am wondering if anyone else had any issues like this...and what they did to improve?

 

I believe that it is possible to improve and do not want to give in just because my writing is not "up to the level". 

I also find that in programs like mine where MA students take courses together with PhD students (most of which already have MA's)-it all makes it even more difficult. Anyway just trying to vent!

 

[xolo]

Why do you want a PhD?  What does the department say? 

Anyway, you do not have a problem whatsoever, in my opinion. 

Don't give up!  You are talking about mere Bs and measly grades and GPA.  That is not the crux of what a PhD is all about, right? 

Now, I detect in your writing a certain exhaustion and frustration which is normal, it sounds like you have your plate really full.  I don't know if this is practical for you, and maybe this is the situation anyway, but can you study in a country of your chosen language for a year?  That will really help!

[lang_1]

I want  a PhD to teach. The department gives positive feedback and encourages us for the most part, but I was under the impression that B's or should I say more than 1 B is very bad-or so I was told by 1 professor. But of course I think it's all relative, like let's say if I get B's in my first year and no B's in second that should be a positive thing. I can go abroad for a year but that usually is done in year 4. If I leave right now after my MA then I would technically lose a lot of time because most likely if I come back I would have to re-apply for programs and that would be 4+ years more, so technically I would finish (after my MA)5-6 years. But if I stay here I should be done in3-4 years.

I mean if you were in my place- if you really thought that living, getting another degree would help with the language part, would you take the extra time? Keep in mind I am not 23-25 years old..bit older:) (in my 30's).

I already have an idea what I would like to work on- (for the PhD)so that is not a problem.

Thanks

[Bleep_Bloop]

Keep in mind that grades are different in graduate school. A 'B' for a grad student isn't the same as a 'B' in undergrad. In a lot of departments, more than one B can jeopardize your status in the program (there are plenty of threads on this on GC, just search for them).  Whether or not this is the case in your department, your professor's advice is typical...more than one B in graduate courses raises red flags. I'm not saying you should give up, but don't write those grades off as irrelevant, they constitute feedback from your professors on your research and are meant to be a way of gauging how your work would be received.

Edited September 21, 2014 by LKS

[lang_1]

Yes that is precisely why I am concerned! I know that a B is like C in grad school. But as I said I had to find out my mistakes through several courses and am wanting to improve. I am just wondering if I do improve will they hold those first year B's against me and not permit me to pass through .

[Bleep_Bloop]

I can't speak to passing from a MA to PhD in your specific program, although if your professor told you that having more than one B looks bad then there's a good chance that having multiple Bs will affect your application to move onto the PhD. No need to panic, though, since there are many aspects to an application. Current PhD students who were in your position are a good resource for this kind of information, they'll know the specifics of how your program operates. And yes, obviously aiming to not get any more Bs is a good strategy.