<p>Hi all,
I'm a EE junior at University of Maryland with a 3.3 GPA and no research [yet]. I'm applying for REUs for this summer to add a research to my resume, and since I've been constantly getting A's since last year I'm optimistic to raise my GPA as well before applying to a top graduate school for my Masters.
This morning I talked to one of my professors and he suggested I can work on an individual research project this semester, in which case, assuming I keep getting A's, my GPA would go up to 3.54 (by this summer when I apply).
If I don't work on a project this semester I would have the option of retaking Physics 2 (which I got a C+ in during my first semester), and according to my school's policy, my grade would replace my initial grade, and I would get 3.66 GPA by summer.
So my question boils down to this:
3.54 GPA + 2 Research Projects
vs.
3.66 GPA + 1 Research Project
I've to decide by the beginning of next week.
Thanks!</p>
<p>I’d get involved in the 2 research projects. Research and experience is highly regarded over GPA. Obviously, you don’t want to tank your GPA, but a 3.54 is still pretty decent. Also, working on 2 research projects with PIs will hopefully cultivate into strong LORs, another aspect of a graduate application adcomms look into.</p>
<p>That C+ in physics was in your first year, and most schools will look favorably at an upward trend in academic performance.</p>
<p>Experience and LORs are ranked higher in consideration than GPA or GRE.</p>
<p>Wouldn’t haven’t a C hurt though? Because I heard most schools want to see A’s and B’s?</p>
<p>Most schools like to see A’s and B’s, but great LORs and outstanding research experience would likely overlook this deficiency in your app.</p>
<p>When evaluating applications for our physics program at IIT, I always look at the last years, when the students are taking the more advanced courses. If they have a C in the first or second year it is much less important than a C in a Junior or Senior year course.</p>
<p>A second research project also means potentially a second strong LOR. In my case, I applied with a semester of F’s on my transcript from my first trip through college (9 years ago) and I’ve gotten interviews in 3 of the 5 programs I applied to because of my research experience and solid performance in my upper division coursework.</p>
<p>xraymancs, how do you look at senior year courses? Don’t most applicants apply the fall semester of their senior year? </p>
<p>I thought the term “last 2 years” usually means sophomore and junior year for thegeneral public.</p>