Good GPA but bad Stats grade

[pavlovianlove]

Hi everyone!

 

I'm in my last semester as an undergrad at UBC and I'll apply to a few social psych programs in the US next fall. I have a fairly good GPA (82% or 3.8 on a 4.3 scale - I know, Canada has a weird grading system), lots of experience with research in psychology (3 labs, 1 year at each, including a Directed Study in one of them). Still have to take the GRE in the following months, but I'll do my best to study for the quant part and memorize those archaic words ETS likes to spring on us. 

 

I have two questions that hopefully you guys can help me with.

 

1) Is the scaling/grading system in Canada more strict than in the US? In other words, is it harder to keep a high undergrad GPA in Canada than in the US (esp UBC)? If yes, do the people in charge of admission take that into account?

 

2) Despite having a good GPA, I really slipped up and got a bad grade in an Advanced Stats course, like a B- borderline C+. I know many if not all PhD programs in Psych have a reasonable emphasis on statistics grades when considering applicants. So I wonder how much that grade would hurt my application, and if there is any suggestion as to what I could do to compensate for that. 

 

Thank you all and good luck with your applications!

[when]

1) Am not really fit to answer this, but nothing gave me the impression that it's any different, and so far my GPA on a 4.33 scale has matched up with all 4.0 scales - typically, an A (85%) or more is 4.0. Typically. In my limited experience. Actually, in that case, an 82 might be an A-. Just search for the GPA calculation tables for the schools you've applied to and compare the percentages.

 

2) I'd explain why I did more poorly in that stats course on my statement of interest IF it really sticks out like a sore thumb and there is a good reason. Others may suggest simply not mentioning it. Did you only have one stats course? In undergrad there are often two i.e. an additional one for honors thesis students. A very, very good score on the quantitative portion of the GRE would also help. Other than that, be prepared to answer why you did so poorly in any potential interviews.

 

Good luck with everything!

[pavlovianlove]

 

2) I'd explain why I did more poorly in that stats course on my statement of interest IF it really sticks out like a sore thumb and there is a good reason. Others may suggest simply not mentioning it. Did you only have one stats course? In undergrad there are often two i.e. an additional one for honors thesis students. A very, very good score on the quantitative portion of the GRE would also help. Other than that, be prepared to answer why you did so poorly in any potential interviews.

 

Good luck with everything!

 

Thanks for the input! Yeah, I actually took 2 classes in stats, the one I did badly was precisely the honors stats class. I'm not an honors student, but they allow students with good standing to take that if they ask. I guess getting a very good score on the quantitative portion of the GRE should help too. But I'm also thinking of retaking that honors class in the summer if I can find it in other colleges nearby.

[EastCoasting]

You should also have a professor who you did research with address the grade in their letter, and explain that it was a fluke and that you really are good at stats.