Anyone have a below 3.0 BS GPA, Outstanding MS, to PHD?

Graduate School
1

<p>Just curious if anyone went this path like I am trying to do. Top 10 Undergrad focused Engineering school for my BS and MS. </p>

<p>I had a 2.8 undergrad GPA (About a 3.2 final 60 credits). </p>

<p>I guess the catch is I got my **** together after 6 months working and came back for graduate school on provisional basis and proved myself. I currently have a 4.0 GPA in Grad, an ambitious thesis project, etc.</p>

<p>My concern is publications at the time of applying, here's where I will stand:</p>

<ul>
<li>2.8 Undergrad GPA</li>
<li>159V / 161Q / 5.5 Writing (Don't think scores will hurt or help)</li>
<li>4.0 Masters GPA (12 credits)</li>
<li>3 OUTSTANDING, letters of recommendation (I think my key to success). They are from my adviser and two members of my thesis committee (All alums from top 20 schools). So people who are very very familiar with my work, ethic, capability etc.</li>
<li>Clearly very good research (my thesis is pretty novel)</li>
<li>2 lead authorship on poster/paper at smaller engineering conference. 1 Abstract submitted to major conference (won't know in time that I apply).</li>
<li>Great personal statement (Unique background, older student, etc. Apparently all my reccomandation letter faculty think it's unique and shows my passion)</li>
</ul>

<p>I guess my concern is not having enough publications in time, or grades. Unfortunately I won't know about my other abstract till after the end of this year, and I won't have my 9 credits from this fall posted. </p>

<p>Trying to find someone who did the same type of route, speculation is ok but I can speculate on my chances just the same. Shooting for 10 - 25 ranked PhD programs with funding (Northwestern, University of Maryland, Penn State, Upenn, etc). I'm applying to about 10 schools all together. A couple like University of Michigan are a stretch, the other 8 are from 10-40 in rankings. </p>

<p>Reading online and from talking to faculty it seems in order from highest to lowest this is what's important, especially being a Master's student already:</p>

<ol>
<li>Publications</li>
<li>Letters of Rec</li>
<li>Personal Statement/Research Purpose</li>
<li>Coursework/GPA</li>
<li>GRE</li>
</ol>

2

<p>Anyone have input on this topic?</p>

<p>Change my publications - 2 Papers for conference completed, 1 Publication Peer reviewed Journal currently under review, abstract to major conference under review.</p>

<p>Or would you suggest waiting till next year to apply? That would boost me up to 2 Peer reviewed publications completed (requirement of my degree), thesis complete, and 4 conference papers/posters presented. I’m 1st author on all this work btw. I’m not sure what’s expected at most Universities, but I would say I’m going to have a productive 18 months of Master’s study compared to my classmates. Most complete a thesis, 1 journal, and 1 conference paper.</p>

<p>If I waited a year I’d try to get in higher ranked schools such as Carnegie Mellon, U. of Michigan, Georgia Tech.</p>

<p>I’m studying Mechanical engineering, with at thesis on biofluids/bioheat.</p>

3

<p>Hi Sharpie, I know someone who went down a similar path and right now she is doing her Neuro PHD at Berkeley. She had a 3.0 Undergrad GPA and a 4.0 Graduate GPA, her trump card was her insane amount of publications ( ~8 pub. total I believe). She applied to six schools and was accepted to all of them. So yeah, I believe you have a great chance at any of those schools you listed. My advice is apply right now, if you don’t get in to the schools you want (although I believe you will!) just apply next year.</p>

<p>Good luck with whatever you decide.</p>