Another Low GPA Story (Poli Sci)

Graduate School
1

<p>I’ll try to keep this brief since I know these stories are nearly all the same except for a few nuances. But, I would appreciate any advice from those who can provide helpful insights. </p>

<p>I was an immature undergraduate student who pretty much slept through his program finishing with a 2.96 GPA in Political Science from Utah State University. </p>

<p>Wake-up call my last semester; decided to get theological degree from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Currently 2/3 the way through my Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) program at Bethel with a 3.81 GPA – probably graduate with around a 3.75. I also work full-time as an analyst with an airline company.</p>

<p>My desire? To ultimately obtain a PhD in Political Science focusing in church-state studies. I.e., Baylor U. Church-State Studies Program. </p>

<p>The impression I am getting is that my best chances is to finish my MATS, dominate the GRE, and take a few non-degree graduate courses in the poli sci dept. at the U. of Minnesota. And I would do all of this to apply to an additional MA program; then, a PhD.</p>

<p>I am more than willing to do all of that; but, before I spend the time and money, I’d like to hear what others have to say. </p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>Just to add a further question: is there a tactful way of contacting a dept. and asking what their acceptance rates are? Is that frowned upon?</p>

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<p>An “acceptance rate” doesn’t really tell you anything. You can absolutely contact them and ask what their average admitted student profile is.</p>

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<p>^ Good point.</p>