GPA questions

[holybatman]

Hey guys,

I'm new to this board, but I was hoping I could get someone's opinion on my chances at getting into a decent graduate program in a couple years. I have a sorta unique situation as I attended a community college directly out of high school, I had several "rough" semesters due to family problems and frankly, immaturity, however I was able to withdraw from many of those classes preventing permanent transcript damage. (A lot of W's!) Last year I got my act together and transferred to Winthrop University. I was able to keep a 3.82 GPA last year and anticipate further success. (I'm going back to the community college this summer and next to do some make up work and make it look presentable.) Basically my question is, will my past academic transgressions come back to haunt me during the application process, or will the strong trend of success bail me out?

[catchermiscount]

Can't tell you it won't hurt with any given admission committee, and the stock answer for a lot of people such as yourself is "go get yourself a good master's degree, then apply to programs for your PhD after you've established yourself more in the field." That track certainly isn't a bad idea.

However, it is entirely possible to earn admission directly to a PhD program given your situation (holding all other factors equal). I can only speak for myself (though I'm hesitant to do so). I didn't just withdraw from classes -- I flunked out of college once and withdrew out of another. Similar situation to yours, though I ended up with worse numbers. I was lucky enough to get into a program which, though it wasn't the best fit for me in the end, was very solid and where I was very happy.

Having been through a similar situation (twice), my (unsolicited) advice is to ask political scientists you know what kind of questions the literature you're interested in is asking. It's way too easy for people to say "well, hell, nail the GRE and you're fine." You might not. But a well-crafted statement of purpose that has shown obvious homework in terms of where the discipline is will go far for somebody with your background. Mention this kind of thing. Also, mention what kinds of methodologies you hope to use to answer those questions. The more you can establish that you're aware of just what the hell political science is, the better off you'll be. Once you find out what it is, let me know -- I've been trying to figure that out for a while now.

Good luck, and if you have further specific questions, don't hesitate to IM.

[PeaceDoc]

I'll second the above poster to a degree. Establish who you are, and let those to who you are applying know exactly what you plan to do and how you will do it. Second, I've been told by more than one independent professor (my own application process) that, at least for initial MA and PhD applicants, signs of development and progress are positives. Something which would be helpful in your case. Keep your chin up. Cheers.

[poliscinerd]

I would also have to agree with the above posts. Your situation is very similar to my own. I also struggled early on and actually had grades much worst than your own. I applied to PhD Programs as an undergrad, however, I was only accepted at two institutions one without funding. So i decided to stay at my undergrad institution and earn my Master's Degree in Political Science. This was the best decision that I've ever made as I was admitted this year at my top choice a big well respected public institution. The best thing that you can do is continue to finish strong. Your G.P.A. is only one component. I would recommend applying at teaching institutions with Professors who are pretty well known in your area of study. This would allow you to obtain letters of recommendations from key Professor, which in my experience was extremely important, while also building up your resume by becoming more involved in the field. Also you may be more likley to obtain funding at these types of institutions versus the more competitive PhD programs.

Good Luck!!!!!!

[holybatman]

Hey thanks for the insight guys, good luck with your future endeavors.