<p>I am a dual degree UG junior working on chemical engineering/applied mathematics and I currently have a 2.7 GPA so far, because of a personal event during 2nd half of soph and junior year that I would rather not recall. I took a year off school because I was accepted to two back-to-back co-ops that spanned the length of this year (going back to school next January). Unfortunately, I am beyond convinced from my experience in these 2 co-ops that I want to continue my education in grad school.</p>
<p>I know that my grade is an obvious shortcoming that will put me very far behind compared to other people. I have 3 more semesters left before I graduate, so I know realistically I have 2 semesters to prove that I am capable. I have been reviewing old material at my spare time and try to understand where I fell short. This year of employment gave me the break to recover from the past personal event, and I feel like I am ready to take my academic duty with full attention.</p>
<p>I started researching since I was a freshman, in two research groups. I completed an honors research project when I was a freshman too. I have 3 years of researching experience already. To add onto that, one of my co-op is a 7 month full time R&D position. I don't have a publication yet. I am thinking about picking up research again once I return to school, particularly a thesis.</p>
<p>So let's review what I am:</p>
<p>GPA: 2.7
GRE: Haven't take it yet, plan to take it in the summer
Letter of Recommendations: I should have 2 great ones, 1 from my employer from R&D Co-op, 1 from one of a professor whom I worked for. I am looking to see if I can get one more with a new professor, either from class or from another research lab.
Personal statement: Haven't started yet.
Research: I have 3 years of research, plus a 7 month R&D co-op. No publication yet. Planning on doing a thesis if that means I would make it.</p>
<p>Please tell me, should I just give up and stop wasting time on working on grad school? Or I still have a fighting chance? This issue is literally giving me distress.</p>
<p>Do you think it’s realistic for you to be able to raise your GPA in the next couple of semesters? I would say this seems to be the main thing holding you back.</p>
<p>I think it’s realistic, if I can maintain a 3.7 from now. That will drag it back up to at least 3.0. I am studying old material so I won’t be “rusty” when I go back to school from my year of co-ops, and to understand what’s learnt from the past so I will have a strong background not only in class, but in research as well.</p>
<p>If you do really get your grades up in your remaining semesters, I think you do stand a chance because of your very strong research background. Some schools have that 3.0 cut-off, and if you can get above that to get your foot in the door, you have a shot at convincing them you’re worth investing in. It won’t be easy, and all the other parts of your application will have to be top-notch to make up for your GPA, but I don’t think it’s completely out of the realm of possibility.</p>
<p>So in that case, is it still worthwhile to pursuit grad school? If I put in my heart and soul, which I am willing to do, in exchange for a slim chance (not impossible, but slim) for grad school, I think I should invest my time I would have spent in personal statement, research, GRE prep, into something else. I want to know I have at least a moderate shot before I make a large investment of my time.</p>
<p>What should I do right now as a priority?
I have been reworking old coursework so I can develop a good study habit for when I return.
I have been contacting professors to see who would like me in their group. So far, NONE replied. It’s disheartening, especially I still have no interviews for internships either. I thought this would be the easiest part since I have sufficient experience in both research and industry from my past experience.
I have been studying GRE. Analytical writing is my weakest part so I do a practice test on the pool of topics every night.
I haven’t started personal statement yet, but I am thinking about how I would approach this. Any pointers?</p>
<p>I think analytical writing is the least-considered part of the GRE for applying in the sciences/engineering. Keep prepping, though. Do you have any scores for practice tests?</p>
<p>As for classes, prepping to return is good. I’m currently on my second (non-consecutive) co-op myself, so I know that transition back to classes. But at my school, at least, they said they’ve actually seen an upward trend in grades when students return from co-op because they see the applications of what they’re learning.</p>
<p>As for applying, depending on where your grades are come application time, you might consider applying to master’s programs as well as PhD programs. It would give you a chance to boost your grades and reapply for PhD programs if you don’t get into any on your first try.</p>
<p>Dunno, if I have to choose between Master’s or a good work offer, I might choose to just go into industry since I don’t want to be in debt. Not sure if that’s short-sighted or not.</p>
<p>I am aiming for at least a 5 in AW, and I know I am making some improvement already. Of course, that doesn’t mean I am neglecting other part of the GRE. Do you think taking a subject test will help my case? I have studied Inorganic Chem on my own, and I already know Organic chem and P. Chem well enough since I revisited my notes this year. What about the FE exam (though remember, I am a Ch.E)?</p>
<p>I know I am no hope for Cornell or MIT, but do you think it’s a stretch for me to apply for 20th - 40th ranking university (I know professor’s compatability with my research is more important than relatively subjective ranking, but still.)?</p>
<p>You should be able to easily get a 5. I got a 5.5 with <2hrs of prep.
Literally, all you have to do is follow a jr high/ high school essay format (intro, 3 body paragraphs, conclusion). Don’t try to get all creative.
Length does matter for this essay. If you can’t come up with examples, make them up. That’s exactly what I did.</p>
<p>@DoubleD: It’s not really easy to score high if you’re taking the paper-based test. All of the sample essays, provided by ETS, that I have seen which scored 5-6 are quite long. I doubt you can write as much unless you can type.</p>
<p>I type decently fast. I have been struggling with finishing the essay though. I start with the 3 body paragraphs first, but I have trouble finishing up a good intro and conclusion on time. I timed myself. </p>
<p>Any suggestions to what else I should do beside what I listed?</p>