Another Low GPA Story (Poli Sci)

Chance Me / Match Me!
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>

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<p>What is your end goal? The thing I’ll point out is that if it’s teaching at the college level you need to be aware that there are few jobs and it’s ultra competitive to even teach at a community college these days. The PhD should not cost you a cent, if you have to pay the program isn’t worth doing.</p>

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<p>My end goal is to position myself to either be a professor or do research at a think-tank. </p>

<p>As far as paying for a PhD, my purpose in receiving an additional MA is to : 1) give myself a chance at a PhD!; 2) do well enough to get into a program that is paid; and 3) if I do not get into a paid PhD program following my second MA, I’ll probably look for think-tank positions or other research positions.</p>

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<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>No,i t’s a good thing. They should be happy to talk to you about what it would take.</p>