Jump to content

Accepted/Attending JHU with <3.0 GPA


itzbobbeh

Recommended Posts

(tl;dr at the bottom)

So here is my success story. I got accepted into my dream school, The Johns Hopkins University for their MHS program.

Some background info: my undergrad GPA is 2.85 and my science GPA is roughly 2.6-2.7, which is appalling. So appalling that I've had 3 professors/supervisors tell me that I wouldn't get anywhere with my GPA.

So what else was on my application? My GRE scores are V/Q/A 154/155/4.5, my letters of recommendation were good but not stellar (one academic professor, one research PI, and my supervisor when I was a lab tech after college), I had a lot of work experience for a recently-graduated student and worked for almost a year after graduating college as a lab research tech. My research experience was probably the best part of my application: 4 independent research projects (with presentable results), 1.5 years of research in undergrad, and almost a year of research as a lab tech. I also spent a great deal of time writing my SoP and making sure I communicated the right stuff to the Hopkins admissions committee.

So here is what I did differently from most other applicants: I visited their campus and met with their program director as well as a prospective faculty member that I was interested in doing research in. I met with both of them and I gave them my story. I had a VERY clear idea of what I want to do, and it was evident on my SoP. I explained my prior research projects, I told them what I want to do, and I gave them a very detailed description of HOW I plan to achieve those goals. I projected myself very confidently, I didn't submit to my terrible GPA, instead I told them that I was confident that my GPA will improve in grad school. I didn't give them any excuses. I knew that if I wasn't confident in my experience then they wouldn't take me (as an applicant) seriously.

Then after all that happened I just carried on with my life. I wasn't too hopeful because it was Hopkins and with my terrible GPA I didn't really think there was a chance of me getting in, but I was pleasantly surprised when I got the acceptance email.

So for all of you who are demoralized and worried about getting into grad school with average GRE scores and sub-3.0 GPAs like me, here is my message: stay confident, and get a ton of research experience.

tl;dr- I got into The Johns Hopkins University with only a 2.85 GPA and unimpressive GRE scores. My secret weapon was my research experiences.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use