<p>I've been driven to apply to graduate school. As a May 2012 grad from Rutgers school of engineering with a bachelor's in chemical engineering, I've been looking at a variety of programs. The program most appealing to me is one based in Columbia University.</p>
<p>I graduated with a gpa of 2.8 (my last 2 years gpa of a 3.3) and my gre scores are 160-verbal 168-quant and writing 4.5 with no research experience so I'm assuming my LOR will be less than stellar.. My sophomore year, my grades suffered and finally my senior year I seemed to get back on track with a 3.5 gpa for that year. I recently applied to become a non matriculating student to take courses relevant to the program I wish to get into (as of now im considering whether to take graduate courses in cheme or undergraduate courses in biochem, genetics, and microbio). Also, I'm hoping to find a research position for this semester. My plan was to apply for a Masters in Cheme and perhaps find a way to switch to a phd once admitted (I'm sure after I prove myself). I can write an excellent SOP for this program. </p>
<p>After reviewing graduate admissions for a variety of different schools, people, credentials; I'm feeling as though there's little I can do at this point to gain entrance to a program of my choice.. Am I now an academic black sheep? What more can I possibly do? Do you think that I'm taking these classes in vain?</p>
<p>I'm planning on inquiring to Columbia about their program and contacting the professor personally. I would love to hear any suggestions. </p>
<p>Your plan of taking graduate level coursework as a non-matriculated student can work. However, you will need to get perfect grades and develop positive relationships with the faculty members who will one day write your LORs. MEng programs are generally considered to be terminal degrees and are un-funded as a rule. This means that you don’t need to be a stellar candidate to be admitted. Again, good grades in one of those programs, and good relations with your professors, and some research experience can improve your profile for applications to PhD programs.</p>
<p>But do think long and hard about your reasons for that PhD. Do your life and career goals absolutely require one? The commitment required to successfully complete a PhD in the sciences is many orders of magnitude greater than that required to complete a Bachelor’s.</p>
<p>There are many people who do not do well in college but end up getting master’s degrees anyway. The admissions process is holistic, so make sure that the rest of your application aside from your undergrad GPA is stellar. I think taking graduate coursework in chemical engineering is your most appealing bet, since you’ll prove you can do the coursework and get stronger LORs from the professors. Also do see if you can get a research position, as that will be essential for getting into PhD programs.</p>
<p>MEng programs typically are unfunded, but there are many MS programs in engineering that are funded by RAships if you are a stellar candidate. Typically speaking, if you go to get a research-based MS in a program that offers a PhD and you do well, you will have good chances of getting into the PhD program there. Your chances of getting into other programs will also be better.</p>
<p>I agree with happymomof1’s advice that you should decide whether you really need the PhD though.</p>
<p>hey, I really appreciate your help. I signed up for some cheme non-matriculating grad courses and I’m going to aim for a masters first. I’d rather be set back a bit financially with the school and program I like instead of another option. Once I obtain some more experience, I’ll decide if a phd is the right route for me. Thanks!</p>
<p>I considered that option however its been difficult for me to find any type of related job; its not due to laziness, I’ve been applying rather intensely since graduation but no luck. (I’ve had over 10 people in separate sectors of pharma/hr/business look over my resume/cover letters and networked through connections of my sister, a financial adviser along with openings on job sites). It may pick up this fall due to most companies hiring entry positions during this time but I’m skeptical. Note, my graduating class in cheme had 14/50 people obtain a job by graduation (not including people looking towards grad school). </p>
<p>I’m definitely still looking/networking to keep my options open but my main goal is to be in graduate school by fall. Plus, I’m really looking forward to my non-matric courses this semester. </p>
<p>Also, I didn’t think my GRE was weak for cheme but I could be mistaken</p>