overcoming a low undergrad GPA

[LoveMysterious]

Hey everyone,

 

Biochem major here. I want to apply to a masters program, and then possibly get my PhD in biology. Here is my story:

 

A few years ago, I graduated with under a 3.0 undergrad gpa from a top tier university. After graduating, I landed an excellent job working in a lab for a biotech company. In the months that followed, I made a real commitment to managing my health, and boy did it pay off! For the past three years, I have felt great and have excelled at work. I absolutely love the work that I do, and have such a passion for science.

 

I have always wanted a graduate degree, but felt terrible about my experience in college. I felt that I couldn't get past my garbage GPA. I decided that I wanted it bad enough to go ahead and try to apply for grad school, knowing it would be a looong road ahead. I started out by enrolling in classes as an alumni at my old university. I completed several upper division biology classes while working full time, and received A's in both classes! I wanted to show both myself, and prospective admissions committees that I was capable of handling the workload. I also really enjoyed the material and felt excited to be back in school. 

 

Now, I am ready to start looking at masters programs, and I plan on applying this fall. I am not worried about my letters of rec or GRE score- I think that my high score and excellent recs will really help. I have 3+ years of professional work  experience, and about 5 years of lab experience. However, my GPA is what it is. 

 

Here are my questions for you guys:

 

1. Should I try to get into ANY bottom of the barrel masters program, or would it be worth applying to some decent schools despite my low GPA? Is this a deal-breaker? 

2. I want to incorporate my medical condition in my personal statement, because it has defined my life in so many ways. I do not want it to be a sob story, or an excuse. I want it to be seen as a challenge that I have overcome. Is this a good thing to write about? How much do I need to disclose? 

3. My ultimate goal is to get my PhD. I want to get my masters first and then apply to PhD programs. Will schools take my masters GPA into consideration? Or will my undergrad GPA be a black stain forever?

 

I would appreciate any advice and input regarding applying to grad school with a low undergraduate GPA.

 

Thank you all very much for your time!

Edited February 20, 2015 by ProfLorax

[c m]

I cannot comment on too much here as your program is very different than mine.  But I also overcame a health issue and so I will address your second point.

 

I incorporated my health issue in my SOP because I, too, felt it demonstrated something of my character.  But you do want to do it carefully.  For me, I incorporated it in my conclusion.  The advice I got was to theorize it a little bit; talk about your health issue, what you learned from it, and how it has made you more suitable for grad school.  I put mine at the end because there is a lot to cover int he SOP and I wanted to be economical with my space -- for me, it could only add but I didn't want it to be the focus. For you, it sounds highly relevant both in explaining your GPA and showing the differences between that GPA and how you are able to manage now.

 

The only thing about the GPA I would comment is that often graduate schools have a minimum requirement.  This is not necessarily set by the department or the program but by the school.  So wherever you decide to apply, I would look into that and maybe email the graduate school to inquire.

 

Best of luck!

 

EDIT: If you want to see one of my SOPs, I would be happy to share it with you.  Just send me a PM.

Edited February 1, 2015 by c m

[MidwesternAloha]

Have you thought about maybe doing a post-bacc before applying to grad school?  Often, these resume'-building experiences give you what you need to offset a low GPA.  Definitely use your SOP to concisely address the obvious (low GPA).  When you get an interview, you can go into further detail.  Like yourself and the previous poster, I had a life-threatening illness during college.  I had ZERO extracurriculars and credits from 4 different undergraduate institutions as I played catch-up to graduate on time. Write about what you learned and how the experience made you a better person, but don't cast it in a negative light.  As far applying to "decent" schools- define decent.  Ivy League?  I might hold off on that.  I know a doctor who was on an AdCom for an medical school.  He said their computer system literally sorted and cut applications by GPA before forwarding the top tier to departmental people for actual review. It was frustrating because he knew a lot of great applicants get cut before anyone even sees their application.  I can't speak to any other universities, but I know this type of system does exist.  Apply where you think you can get in, and if you want to reach for what's a little beyond your grasp, start sending prospecting emails early.  Get to know some PI's at the places you might want to go, and maybe shadow a graduate student or two. Those connections will work in your favor.  I would also be happy to share my SOP if you are interested. I don't think it's anything remarkable, but I *DO* have interviews at places I never expected...so...reach for the stars!  Good luck!

[MidwesternAloha]

Also- you can get a GREAT education from plenty of schools outside the Top 20!  You get out of it what you put into it!!!

[.letmeinplz//]

...

The only thing about the GPA I would comment is that often graduate schools have a minimum requirement.  This is not necessarily set by the department or the program but by the school.  So wherever you decide to apply, I would look into that and maybe email the graduate school to inquire.

...

Many of the GPA (and GRE) requirements I have seen have been set by the school and the department must abide by it, but they do have a few exceptions they are allowed each year (I assume you need to make up for it with stellar everything else to get one).

[LoveMysterious]

Thank you all for your advice! For my masters, I am just trying to get in ANY program where there is a decent research presence at the school. I have found a couple of programs that take students with GPAs below the cut-off and provisionally accept them. I think this is my best bet. The plan is to kick butt in my masters program and then I really hope I can apply to some top tier PhD programs. I know I've got a long road ahead, but I'm gonna try my best!