Chances of Grad School? Low ugrad GPA, relevant post ungrad work and americorps??

Graduate School
1

<p>What are my chances of getting into graduate school in the geosciences? My undergraduate grades were not good. However, I do not believe this is indicative of my capabilities as a student today. My lack of motivation and maturity mainly attributed to my low grades. I took a break following undergrad and obtained some new insight along with relevant work experience. </p>

<p>I'm hoping to get in to a decent school, but what are my chances of getting in anywhere? I've been slightly discouraged from 3.0 cutoffs and average incoming ugrad gpa's of 3.5. </p>

<p>My graduate research interests are: contamination and remediation of groundwater, groundwater and surface water interactions, fractured rock systems and flow of water (oilgas), acid mine drainage, watershed hydrology</p>

<p>Stats:
Ugrad Major: Geology, from reputable university, ranked top 30 in geosciences field
Ugrad GPA: 2.91
-->F in freshman biology, retook it as it was required for graduation, received a D, both ----appear on transcript
-->C+ in three in-major courses (one intro course, 2 3000 level), range for all other courses in-major: B- to A
Undergraduate research experience in water remediation</p>

<p>GRE: Q 161, V 155, W 4.5</p>

<p>Post Ugrad: (total three years, back in school now non-degree)
Three years working at state-level environmental protection agencies, relevant work
Two years concurrent AmeriCorps service</p>

<p>Currently enrolled non-degree graduate status, taking 10 credits in relevant graduate level coursework, doing well</p>

<p>Please help!</p>

2

<p>You mean your low grades are mainly attributable to your lack of motivation and maturity.</p>

<p>It depends on what you want. If you want a PhD in the geosciences, your chances are slimmer, but the remedy for that would be to earn an MS in between and get some more research experience.</p>

<p>If you want an MS in the geosciences, your chances are better. Many programs don’t have a cut-off, just a recommended GPA, and will let in a student with a slightly lower GPA if they have an otherwise good portfolio. You have decent GRE scores and hopefully you are doing well in those non-degree classes. Doing well in graduate classes can prove that you are ready and able to do the work for a graduate student. And you have 3 years of related experience, so I would say that you are a fairly competitive application for research-based MS programs in the geosciences.</p>

3

<p>Based on what I know they really take into consideration the GPA. I work at the admission office and have seen really great GRE score and because the student got a 2.9 they were denied admission (required to have 3.0) However, it never affect to apply.</p>