Concerns about poor transcript

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm currently applying to PhD programs in psychology, and would greatly appreciate some honest feedback about my chances of getting in. Sorry for the long post, but I figured it was better to provide too much information rather than the opposite.</p>

<p>I went to a very competitive college for my undergraduate education, thinking I would go on to become a doctor. Not only did I find that I had a complete lack of interest in that field, but I also had a lot of personal and financial problems going on at the time (struggled with Ivy League college culture, two grandparents died, my dad had cancer, my crazy uncle became very violent, I had a lot of medical problems myself) that probably contributed to a crappy gpa (3.07). I even got a D+ in a very easy stats class (I took another, harder stats class later and got a B+, if that matters).</p>

<p>I was involved in quite a bit of psych research after I discovered that I like it a lot better than medicine. I took a LOT of psych classes, and my grades in that field were much better (though I had more B's than I'd like). I'd say my gpa for those types of classes was about 3.5 or so. I got a 710 on my verbal GRE and 750 on quantitative. I've also worked for 2 years since graduating as a lab manager and am running several research projects. I'll probably get solid LORs.</p>

<p>I guess my main concerns are: 1- My very low GPA, 2- My particularly bad statistics grade (I can't really tell an admissions committee that the night before my final my uncle had threatened to rape and kill me and my sister and I had been dealing with all of that instead of studying), 3- My unrelated major, 4- I don't yet have any publications to my name, 5-English is my second language and I still have a lot of problems with writing in a way that doesn't sound awkward, 6- I have limited pedagogical experience as I was never a TA.</p>

<p>I'm wondering if I should also apply to less prestigious programs as "safeties" (is it worth it, or should I continue to work at my lab and acquire more experience so that I have a better chance at a highly-regarded program). My PI, who is a recommender, is very optimistic about my chances but she doesn't know about how low my gpa is and how I failed stats the first time.</p>

2

<p>What’s your goal I’m getting the PhD? Research, clinical practice, teaching? Which programs are a good fit for your goals? Who’s publishing in your area of interest, and which programs are they affiliated with?</p>

3

<p>My PhD is in the realm of cognitive and developmental psych-- I’m hoping to be a researcher (I’ll probably end up in academia). I’ve found programs that fit well with my goals and interests, though half the professors who I’ve contacted with interest told me they weren’t even sure if they’ll be accepting graduate students, but to apply anyway. That makes me very nervous, as I can’t really afford to apply to many places, and I’m worried that my gpa will work against me, too. I have no idea how important gpa is in this process as some people tell me it is very crucial and others say my GREs are more important.</p>

4

<p>It really depends on the school, I guess…</p>

5

<p>Ph.D program admissions are completely different than undergrad admissions. The key is to have professor support, and a strong research background. </p>

<p>A tenured professor with research grants and has written papers with you can single-handedly gain admissions for you. So keep working on the projects and get some papers published. Eventually, the professor can even invite you to be his student.</p>

6

<p>sseffftbybyy</p>