People with low GPAs...

[monk3y]

Has anyone here had too low a GPA to get into grad... Taken some classes after your degree and managed to get in? If not what steps have you taken. I've entered the work force and am still striving to get into grad school. Just wondering what I might do to help my case.

 

[thegimp03]

Yeah, you could take some basic classes at a community college and raise your gpa, but that takes a long time. I'd recommend getting really awesome recommendations and make sure you write the best essay of your life. If you've been in the work force long enough, I think grad schools care less about your grades, they want to see how your performance on the job is.

 

[McPhreak]

Originally posted by: thegimp03
Yeah, you could take some basic classes at a community college and raise your gpa, but that takes a long time. I'd recommend getting really awesome recommendations and make sure you write the best essay of your life. If you've been in the work force long enough, I think grad schools care less about your grades, they want to see how your performance on the job is.

Unless you're going to grad school for English or something, honestly, I think the essay counts for very little. The essay can be a good method for explaining why your GPA sucks, though.

 

[mrchan]

I work with a graduate program director, and trust me, the personal statement matters, a LOT. More depending on where you apply.

Another helpful hint is when you write your statement of purpose or whatever, pick out specific professors for the school you are applying to, and say WHY you want to work with them specifically. Then, when the school gets your app, the admissions people will take your letter to the professor or professors you mentioned and ask them if they would like to work with you.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Back doored my way in by taking most of the classes as an under-grad or afterwards.

With over 90% of the classes taken and a decent GPA; they were forced to ignore my under-grad grades.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

I was once told that there are three things that a grad program will look at:
1) GPA
2) Standardized Test Scores
3) Letters of Recommendation

you need to be strong in at least 2 of the 3 categories.

Grad school is also a crap shoot in some respects. There has to be a connection between advisor and student, and there are constraints on how many students an advisor can take on. Acceptance relies on luck to some extant.

 

[MeanMeosh]

Originally posted by: mrchan
I work with a graduate program director, and trust me, the personal statement matters, a LOT. More depending on where you apply.

Another helpful hint is when you write your statement of purpose or whatever, pick out specific professors for the school you are applying to, and say WHY you want to work with them specifically. Then, when the school gets your app, the admissions people will take your letter to the professor or professors you mentioned and ask them if they would like to work with you.

BAM! hit the nail on the head. also, talk to those professors beforehand so they know who you are! that way, the professors will be more inclined to agree as well. the GRE scores mattered for me since i am an engineer, and i got into grad school with a low GPA.

but for you, your job experience will count for a lot more if you're going into grad school in that field.

edit: i had a good GRE score - forgot to mention that, but the GRE is pretty easy.

 

[destined]

is it easier to get into the grad school if you attended undergrad at the same school?

 

[cerebusPu]

Im applying right now to a local grad school. the admissions deadline is about 11 days away. i havent taken the GRE and i just finished getting in contact with poeple to write my recommendation. I also had a dismal undergrad GPA.

but Ive since worked over 3 years and have had 17 publications in my field. Im hoping the personal statement counts alot.

 

[McPhreak]

Originally posted by: destined
is it easier to get into the grad school if you attended undergrad at the same school?

Depends. I would say that for the most part, it's harder to get into grad school at the same school you were an undergrad. They want you to go out and see the world a little. Of course, YMMV.

 

[Albis]

Originally posted by: cerebusPu
Im applying right now to a local grad school. the admissions deadline is about 11 days away. i havent taken the GRE and i just finished getting in contact with poeple to write my recommendation. I also had a dismal undergrad GPA.

but Ive since worked over 3 years and have had 17 publications in my field. Im hoping the personal statement counts alot.

wow having publications will def help because that means you know how to do research already. good luck.

 

[McPhreak]

Originally posted by: mrchan
I work with a graduate program director, and trust me, the personal statement matters, a LOT. More depending on where you apply.

Another helpful hint is when you write your statement of purpose or whatever, pick out specific professors for the school you are applying to, and say WHY you want to work with them specifically. Then, when the school gets your app, the admissions people will take your letter to the professor or professors you mentioned and ask them if they would like to work with you.

Obviously, the weight of the essay depends on where you apply and what program you apply for. For biochemistry/mol. bio programs, I think very little weight is put into the essay. Hell, a good part of the grad student body is made up of foreign students that couldn't write to save their life. For most sciences, I would say they're concerned more with GPA and accomplishments and letters. I feel that a good letter(s) and accomplishments (i.e publications) can get you into any school regardless of GPA, test scores, or essay.

I good GPA and test scores certainly doesn't hurt though...😉

 

[b0mbrman]

Has someone mentioned this guy yet?