Low UG GPA- High MS GPA- Ph.D Possibilities in Neuroscience?

[ucdguy88]

Hi Everyone!

 

I know there are a few posts addressing this, but nothing ever reaches a consensus and I haven't received a definite answer either so I'd like for some of you to address this question: is it possible to get into a decent Ph.D program for Neuroscience with a low undergraduate GPA and a high masters/grad GPA? But I'm thinking like UCSD or NYU, so I want a more "real" type assessment not from my friends "you can do anything, assessment 

 

• UG GPA: 2.7 (i know, but I was ill and a victim of d.v) in psychology
• Grad GPA: 3.8 in Neuroscience
• GRE: V:160, Q: 155, Writing: 4.5
• 4 years of research experience
• 2 co-authored publications, 1 more co authored and 1 first authored by the end of the year
• Multiple abstract presentations including 1 first author at SfN 
• Really good LoR's, 2 from deans of their departments. 

​So, with that being stated so I can wrap my head around possibilities, I'd appreciate any feedback =)

 

[lab ratta-tat-tat]

Have you tried contacting potential faculty members at the schools you are interested in to ask their opinions? This could provide two benefits 1.) Give you a better understanding of that programs requirements/ what part of the application they view most important, least important, etc. 2.) it will give you some contact with PI's from that school in the program you are interested in and get your name out there. 

 

I believe the UG GPA shouldn't be a problem if your masters GPA is good and higher than your UG GPA, it will show you've really improved your study habits/course work while in a masters program tailored to your field of interest.

 

I think all your research experience and publications really help out as well as your SFN presentations. All signs point to- you would be a good graduate student.

 

Also try looking for your program on the results search and see if "accepted" candidates put their scores/research experience years up there. 

Good luck!

[bsharpe269]

My uGPA is also pretty low at 3.3 overall and 3.0 for science (which includes the classes most relevant to my field). My masters GPA is a 4.0 and I have a lot of research experience and great LORs. I have already been offered 2 interviews at great schools and will hopefully be offered some more in the next few weeks. I was even told by one of the professors at WUSTL that the adcom was very impressed by my application. It was really encouraging but a bit confusing since I feel like my uGPA makes my application pretty bad. Hopefully my progress so far can be encouraging. Feel free to check in on how my application cycle goes in a few months. It might help give you an idea of what to expect.

[ucdguy88]

Thanks for your replies, I appreciate the feedback. I haven't yet contacted the PI's of the schools I'm interested in, but I have contacted a few admissions departments. A couple said they will both be considered, but the masters GPA matters more, while another emphasized that both will be considered, and only my basic science courses will be critical (which I don't understand why when I have grad classes in the subject). I'll keep people posted as I hear more, but for now I suppose the consensus is, it's not a death sentence. 

 

bsharpe, please keep me in the loop! I know you'll get in somewhere !